There’s a shift happening on Rottnest Island/Wadjemup. Long synonymous with no-frills units and sunburnt summers, Rotto has quietly been elevating its accommodation, dining and drinking options over the last decade.
First, there were the eco glamping tents, pitched by Pinky’s in 2019. Next came the lush resort Samphire and Southeast Asian eatery Lontara in 2020, followed by Italian restaurant Isola overlooking Thomson Bay in 2021.
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
Now, upping the laid-back luxury yet again, there is The Lodge Wadjemup: a family-friendly retreat where considered design and elevated hospitality take centre stage, and winter getaways are equally appealing as the warm weather ones.
Owned by a group of WA families and operated by Social Grounds Hospitality, the Lodge opened on the island in December 2024 behind the settlement, expanding Rottnest’s accommodation and hospitality options with 63 rooms, a slick restaurant and casual kiosk.
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
At the Lodge, Rottnest’s inland salt lakes—vast, mesmorising and a vibrant pink hue year round—are no longer an afterthought. Instead, they provide a breathtaking backdrop to the 32 aptly named Lake Rooms. Roomy and restful with king size beds and ensuites all round, private balconies provide uninterrupted views of the glorious pink lake.
Slightly smaller and easier on the wallet are the Courtyard rooms, 31 fully-equipped rooms within the original 143-year-old heritage building. There’s an endless mix of room configurations to cater for those rolling solo, bunking in with mates or family vacays, and each comes with access to an internal courtyard.
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
The interiors take cues from Rottnest’s beauty—pastel blue and green tones mirror the surrounding coastline, cork flooring nods to Rotto’s easy going spirit, light timber accents add year-round warmth—but above all else, sustainability was at the forefront.
“The buildings have been designed to blend with the environment, using sustainable materials and construction methods that minimise impact on the island’s ecosystem,” says Graeme Dick, Social Grounds Hospitality group’s managing director. “And of course, our unique position overlooking the Salt Lake makes for one spectacular sunset.”
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
Said sunset is also responsible for the name of Lodge’s on-site restaurant. Sunset Bar and Dining is the Mediterranean-inspired all day dining venue, serving up WA’s finest seafood, plates of silky homemade pasta, glistening rotisserie chooks and, as the name suggests, unparalleled sunset views over the salt lakes.
There’s also Pelican, the casual kiosk where sandy feet are welcome, with early morning brews, post-swim sambos and nostalgic soft serve on offer.
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
Chef Mat Powell is behind both menus, having clocked some serious kitchen cred at Il Lido Cottesloe and the George Calombaris Group. The family-friendly menus cater to all preferences and palates, but according to Dick, the crowning glory is Sunsets’ seafood.
“Mat loves utilising local ingredients such as swordfish, oysters and scallops, and his signature dish is the gnochetti with Shark Bay tiger prawns and sauce américaine.”
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
Beyond its stylish aesthetic and elevated hospitality, The Lodge is designed to offer a year-round island escape. Whether it’s balmy summer evenings spent dining alfresco or cosy winter retreats by the fire, the Lodge is redefining what a Rottnest getaway looks like.
“One of the key architectural features in the hospitality space are the expansive bi-fold doors and open layouts that bring the outdoors in, providing a winter sanctuary for island visitors with the 350 pax restaurant being fully enclosed during winter with underfloor heating and fireplaces,” says Dick.
He continues: “We’ve been thrilled with how The Lodge Wadjemup has been received by guests since we opened the doors in late December. In particular, we’ve had a lot of feedback about how beautifully appointed and spacious the rooms are, as well as the incredible food and friendly staff at Sunsets and Pelican.”
Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied
And the evolution isn’t over yet . By mid 2025, there’ll also be a heated pool, 46 additional rooms poolside, conference space and Gathering Ground, a dedicated space that acknowledges the important cultural history of Rottnest.
Gone are the days of roughing it on Rotto. The Lodge Wadjemup is here to prove that you can have your island getaway and a plush king-sized bed too. With unique lake views, next-level seafood, and a winter-ready setup (hellooo, underfloor heating), this is Rotto like you’ve never seen it before.
Main image credit: The Lodge | Supplied
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