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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →TIME included The Lodge Wadjemup on its 2025 World’s Greatest Places list, in a feature published March 13, 2025. The selection highlighted the redeveloped hotel as a way to experience Rottnest Island beyond a day trip—not as a ranked award or a public-vote result.
Why TIME featured The Lodge Wadjemup
TIME’s 2025 feature connected the hotel’s redevelopment with Rottnest Island’s beaches, walking trails, cycling, marine life and Noongar cultural heritage. The article noted the island’s popularity with day-trippers from Perth and Fremantle, then made the case for staying overnight to spend more time there.
TIME’s account cited 63 beaches, 28 miles of walking trails and more than 135 species of tropical fish. Those are figures reported in TIME’s 2025 feature, not a fresh inventory of the island’s attractions. It also mentioned two pools, a coffee and soft-serve kiosk, and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant as part of the hotel experience.
The island is also a place of deep cultural significance to Noongar people. TIME discussed that heritage and the Wadjemup Museum. The Lodge’s official booking page acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as Traditional Owners and their continuing connection to Wadjemup and its waters; the island’s cultural history is an essential part of its identity, not simply a backdrop to a hotel stay.
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What changed in the redevelopment
TIME reported that the former Rottnest Island Lodge underwent a $40 million redevelopment and reopened in December 2024 with 63 refurbished guest rooms. Its March 2025 article said a further 46 rooms were slated for mid-2025. The Rottnest Island Authority reported that stage one was complete and open for bookings, with Sunsets Rottnest restaurant and bar and the Pelican kiosk opening to the public on December 19, 2024. Tourism Western Australia’s 2025–2026 media kit later described the refurbishment and expansion as complete.
The sources establish that the expansion was subsequently completed, but do not establish the hotel’s exact current room inventory. The 63-room figure and the additional 46-room schedule are TIME’s reported figures and plan from 2025, not a confirmed current count.
Rooms, facilities and location
The Rottnest Island Authority’s accommodation listing describes Courtyard, Lake and Poolhouse room categories for two to six guests. Room configurations include queen, king and bunk options; some Lake rooms have lake views, and connecting rooms are available for families or groups. The property sits behind the main settlement, overlooking Garden Lake, near the corner of Digby Drive and Kitson Street.
The Authority lists Sunsets as the main bar and dining venue, serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu, and Pelican as a kiosk offering coffee, soft serve, baguettes and more. The Lodge’s official booking page describes a heated guest pool. Facilities, room configurations, accessibility and meal service can change, so check the live property information for the dates of your stay.
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The Authority lists check-in from 3 pm and check-out at 10 am. For availability and current rates, book through The Lodge Wadjemup’s website; prices depend on dates and room availability.
The Lodge’s offers information describes ferry transfers arranged with some bookings and directs guests to Rottnest Express for additions. A ferry transfer should not be assumed to come with every hotel reservation: review the terms of the specific offer and confirm ferry arrangements and schedules with the operator.
For visitors weighing a day trip against an overnight stay, TIME’s argument is about time: a night on the island allows more room for beaches, trails, cycling and the island’s cultural and natural setting than a brief visit can provide. Whether that suits a particular trip depends on the visitor’s schedule and priorities.
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