Main Hall at fits groups of 100 to 150 and includes a smart TV. The video room is suitable for 15 to 30 people and includes multimedia equipment. The Peacock Inn caters for 25 to 40 people and includes tables, chairs, a small kitchenette, and a whiteboard.

Education Groups

A unique learning experience that re-engages students and ignites curiosity away from textbooks, desks, and tests.

Engaging activities creating fresh perspectives

Give your students a unique and memorable learning experience that’s all around doing, seeing, experiencing and connecting. Your students can stand in the places where history was made and walk in the wilderness where native flora is regenerating. The various educational tours and activities on the island are designed to re-engage students and ignite curiosity that they can take back with them.

It’s only a short ferry trip to Wadjemup from Perth — a small journey for the wealth of experiences available on the island.

Download our Education Group Guide

Three steps to plan your visit

Will you come for the day or stay overnight?

Even though Wadjemup is close enough for day trips, overnight or multi-day excursions offer an unparalleled opportunity for students to dive deeper into a world of discovery. A longer stay provides more enriching experiences, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the unique environment of Wadjemup.

Remember to check the Rottnest Island events calendar to see what’s coming up. This will help you plan your trip around exciting events and activities that can enhance your experience.

Use our helpful Education Group Guide to plan your visit and get inspired by some suggested itineraries. Additionally, this page provides valuable information to assist with your planning.

Once you’ve begun planning, you can review our Excursion Management Guide to help complete your school excursion plan.

The perfect preparation for your next trip

If you are planning an overnight excursion, Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms and selected Stay Rottnest Self-Contained accommodation are available to book 12 months in advance. Bookings for other Stay Rottnest Self-Contained and Campground accommodation opens the first Wednesday of the month, nine months out.

To book glamping or hotel accommodation, contact Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island and Samphire Rottnest directly.

Book your transport, both return ferry travel and any transport to get around on the island including bus, bicycles or train.

Confirm availability and book tours and activities you plan to take. For tours with the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association, book online here.

If you are planning to do something different such as a triathlon, email [email protected] to check if any approvals are required.

Contact island food and beverage businesses to book meal and food requirements for your trip.

Prepare students, staff and helpers with a briefing session. Remember to cover important information such as interaction with wildlife, protection of the environment, emergency plans and safety protocols, as well as anything outlined in your excursion plan.

Confirm all your bookings and ensure prepayments or deposits are finalised.

Check the weather and ensure students, staff and helpers come dressed ready for the conditions.

Download or print maps and itineraries. Provide staff and helpers with emergency and key contacts.

If you’re planning to ride bicycles, ensure the class is aware of road rules including wearing helmets and keeping to the left of the road and pathways.

Events in Public Spaces

Prior approval is required from Rottnest Island Authority for all events held in a public space on the island. Visit the Rottnest Island Authority website for more information.

Experiences for every season

Schools can come to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island at any time of year, as the mild climate and combination of indoor and outdoor activities make the island a versatile destination. Wadjemup is usually a few degrees cooler than Perth in summer and slightly warmer in winter.

Engage students with thrilling outdoor adventures like surfing and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the island's unique wildlife and nature through guided tours and scenic hikes. These activities allow students to discover the island's natural beauty and learn about its diverse ecosystem.

Keep students entertained and engaged

Wadjemup / Rottnest Island offers a range of structured, educational activities. Sometimes your students will need a break from learning or a cooling swim to refresh their minds on a hot day, and when they do there are countless recreational options on offer.

Begin with a trip to the fascinating Wadjemup Museum and Wadjemup Museum for Children, break up the day with a creative workshop with Travelling T-Shirts, or get your group out into the water with a surfing lesson with WA Surf School or a BeachSAFE learning program with Surf Life Saving WA.

Child sitting in tree wearing travelling t-shirt design

Travelling T-shirts Art Workshops

Travelling T-shirts offers school groups a unique team-building experience where students create wearable mementos.

Surf Life Saving WA BeachSAFE Program

Boost your students’ ocean safety knowledge and confidence with a mix of classroom learning and beachside activities.

Wadjemup Museum

Wadjemup Museum is a gateway to history and culture. Discover exhibits that tell the island’s story.

Three girls carrying surfboards to the sea on Rottnest Island

Surfing WA Surf School

Take your students out of the classroom and into the surf with Surfing WA’s Safe Surfing program.

Wadjemup Museum for Children

Visitors of all ages can journey on an educational adventure and engage with the stories of the island.

Rottnest Island Golf Course

Tee off on a green with gorgeous views or roll up for a relaxed round of lawn bowls. All island visitors are welcome.

Rottnest Movies & Mini Golf

Create carefree memories and unlock childhood ones. This is a destination for entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

Ignite Curiosity

For some historical or cultural understanding of the island, you can opt for a guided experience with a Traditional Owner with Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours, or take a trip to Oliver Hill on the Captain Hussey Train Tour.

Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences

Experience a unique Aboriginal perspective as your Noongar guide reveals the history and significance of Wadjemup.

Captain Hussey Historical Train Tour

Experience stunning scenery and breathtaking views while discovering the vital role the island played during war times.

Educational Tours with the Rottnest Volunteer Guides

If you're looking for tours that re-engage interest in each person who walks (or rides) the paths, be guided through history, sustainability and eco-marvels on an educational tour by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association (RVGA).

The island encourages groups to stay present and focused, taking in the fresh air, and interacting with your guide’s stories. Their narratives turn historic figures (and even star constellations), into characters who travel with you back to the classroom.

Capacity, locations and availability varies by tour. All tours can be booked online.

Book online now

Choose the right home base

Staying on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for more than a day ensures a truly impactful experience for your school group. There’s a wide range of accommodation options for whatever type of trip you’re creating, including variations on budget, location, and style.

Stay Rottnest Self-Contained

Options:

Self-contained cottages near Kingstown Barracks, fitting 9-13 people — makes for a comfortable, more private stay.
Cosy cabins sitting under the shade of peppermint trees, and located close to the main settlement. Each cabin fits up to six people and there’s a fully fitted-out kitchen.

Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms

Options:

Affordable dormitory accommodation in historic WWII barracks – less than 2 km south of the settlement. Ideal for school camps, with plenty of rooms and a friendly, communal atmosphere.
Also at Kingstown Barracks is the hostel with 50 beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge.

Stay Rottnest Camping

Take your group back to nature and into the peaceful outdoors. There are 43 non-powered sandy sites, a communal camp kitchen, and an ablution block.

Learn more

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island’s 83 eco-tents are connected with nature and feature private en-suites and outdoor decks.

Learn more

Samphire Rottnest

Samphire Rottnest is another option for students to experience Rottnest Island, with stunning beachfront rooms and an on-site restaurant.

Learn more

Stay Rottnest Kingstown Heritage Cottages

Stay Rottnest Caroline Thomson Cabins

Stay Rottnest Dorms

Stay Rottnest Hostel

Stay Rottnest Campground

Catering for groups

The dining experiences available are just as varied as the island landscape. You can discuss group catering with each venue, and the options to dine in or even have the catering delivered to other locations around the island.

There’s the iconic Rottnest Bakery and other, more casual spots like Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery, The Lane Café, Subway and Dome Café. West Australian Caterers service those staying in Kingstown Barracks, including packed or delivered lunch options and flexibility for a range of dietary requirements.

With so many options available, you can curate your group’s dining or catering experiences to match (or contrast) the day’s activities.

Rottnest Bakery

No trip to Rottnest Island is complete without a visit to the Rottnest Bakery.

The Lane Cafe

Get your day off to a great start. The Lane is a favourite for fresh coffee and gourmet food.

Subway

Grab a bite to eat that’s familiar and friendly on your holiday budget. Items are made to order, just the way you like.

Dome Cafe

Feast your eyes on the sights of Thomson Bay as you dine alfresco on your favourite dishes and drinks.

Geordie's Cafe & Art Gallery

Meander away from the hum of the main settlement and enjoy this charming cafe further afield.

By ferry

Travelling to Rottnest Island by ferry is the most popular way to get to the island.

Luggage & equipment

Know what to pack, how much and how to get it here.

Practical Tips

Expert advice and tips to make your visit a safe one.

By bike

Discover Rottnest Island via a network of roads and bike paths.

By foot

Slow down, enjoy the moment and open up to the spaces that welcome you.

By bus

Take advantage of the comfort and convenience of a bus and see more of the island in less time.

Looking for venues for school events on the island?

Main Hall at fits groups of 100 to 150 and includes a smart TV.
The video room is suitable for 15 to 30 people and includes multimedia equipment.
The Peacock Inn caters for 25 to 40 people and includes tables, chairs, a small kitchenette, and a whiteboard.

The Rottnest Island Picture Hall is a historic, nostalgic space that can fit large groups. It’s a venue for movies located in the main settlement and includes tables, chairs, a small PA system, and a projector and screen.

This well-equipped space is a short stroll from the settlement, perfect for larger groups and d includes WiFi access and audio-visual equipment.