- Expressions of interest open for new island businesses and experiences
- Opportunity to operate on world-class destination; applications close on 24 April 2026
- Forms part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy by attracting visitors to generate valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and local jobs
Rottnest Island/Wadjemup is looking for new and exciting businesses to operate on Western Australia's premier tourist destination next summer.
Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) has released the annual Recreational Expression of Interest (EOI) to attract new businesses operators and recreational tourism experiences.
The 2026 EOI includes two categories:
A. Recreational activities and experiences; and
B. Food and Beverage pop-up (Heritage Common)
Successful proponents are granted the right to operate on the island through a trial concession arrangement, with potential for longer-term tenure.
The new offerings and improvements will support the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28 by enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring Rottnest Island remains a world-class destination, attracting new visitors and helps diversify the visitor economy.
These experiences are an example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy by encouraging new visitors to Rottnest Island, increasing valuable tourism dollars and providing a significant boost to local businesses and local jobs.
Applications for the 2026 Recreational EOI close at 4pm 24 April 2026. More information on the EOI process is available at ria.wa.gov.au/businessEOI
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Thanks to unprecedented investment by the Cook Government and the private sector, Rottnest Island has seen renewal and improvements in accommodation, infrastructure and services which is helping to expand the island's visitor economy.
"A world-class tourism destination like Rottnest Island needs to continuously attract new experiences and tourism products that give people a reason to visit and stay longer.
"Last year saw some fantastic new activities open on the Island including the pickleball, the rickshaw, beach equipment rentals and some great Aboriginal tourism experiences and tours.
"But new experiences don't just attract visitors; they also create job opportunities as part of our government's economic diversification strategy and help teach people about the island's natural environment and cultural heritage."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"Rottnest/Wadjemup is one of Western Australian's favourite holiday destinations and opportunities to expand new experiences for visitors to the island is welcomed.
"New experiences don't just attract visitors; they also create job opportunities as part of our economic diversification strategy and help teach people about the island's natural environment and cultural heritage."
