Ease Into Spring With Spritzes And Salt Lake Sunsets At This Rottnest Island/Wadjemup Stay

The moment the ferry starts cruising across the Indian Ocean towards Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, you'll find yourself slipping into holiday mode. Especially in spring, when the island is even more enticing with longer days, warmer temperatures, turquoise water and perhaps the biggest drawcard: baby quokkas. 

The Lodge Wadjemup, just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal, will keep you relaxed. The 109-room hotel is drenched in a serene colour scheme, with multiple dining spots, a heated pool and plenty to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re travelling with your SO, the kids or a group of friends.

From waterside coffee to sunset spritzes and family-friendly activities, here's how to ease into spring at The Lodge Wadjemup. 

Check In With A Spring Package 

The Lodge Wadjemup is designed to feel like an extension of the island itself, with sleek interiors, a coastal colour palette (hello, luxe turquoise bathrooms) and natural materials such as cork flooring. And with premium poolhouse, lake and courtyard rooms to choose from, you can pick the setup that best suits your crew, whether that looks like interconnected spaces or easy-access poolside escapes. 

Travelling with little ones? The Together On The Island package is tailor-made for a spring family getaway. It includes overnight accommodation, return ferry transfers and daily breakfast, plus a family mini golf session and a Pelican Kiosk pack filled with drink and ice-cream vouchers, and colouring books for the kids. What more could you need? 

Start The Day With Coffee

Before you head off to explore or nab a day bed around the sparkling pool and make the most of the spring weather, make a beeline for Pelican Kiosk. Located within the hotel, just behind the main settlement, this casual, breezy all-day spot is our pick for the first feed of your holiday. 

Inspired by an old-school corner milk bar, Pelican Kiosk serves barista-made coffee alongside breakfast cups, toasties and rotating grab-and-go options. In the afternoon, swing by for soft serve, juices and smoothies, or refuel with coffee before you head back to your room to unwind in comfort. 

Get Out And Explore

One of the best things about Rottnest Island/Wadjemup? You can leave the car keys at home. Hire a bike and pedal between beaches, follow the island’s walking trails or stop to snorkel in one of the various protected bays with vibrant coral reefs and sealife, such as The Basin, Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point (just don’t forget to BYO snorkel and flippers). And spring is the perfect time to visit and bask in the warmer weather with not-too-hot, not-too-cold temperatures. 

There’s also sunset sailing, golf and even skydiving if you’re looking to add a little more adrenaline to your island holiday. And, of course, keep your eyes and cameras peeled for quokkas along the way. Spring marks the arrival of quokka joeys as they begin to emerge from their mother’s pouches and take their first hops around the island. Too cute!   

Indulge In Share Plates Overlooking Salt Lakes

For the best seat in the house, head to Sunsets Bar and Dining, the stunning on-site restaurant with a gorgeous terrace overlooking the island's iconic salt lakes.

You can post up for breakfast between 7am to 11am, with house-made pastries and continental favourites to fuel a day of exploring and relaxing on the island. Then at lunch and dinner, work your way through Mediterranean-inspired share plates spanning pork cotoletta on the bone, BBQ corn salad and roast chicken (to name a few), alongside house-made pastas like chilli linguine with Shark Bay crab.

By mid-afternoon, it’s time to swap sightseeing for spritzes. Golden Hour kicks off from 4pm to 5pm, with $10 schooners and rotating drink specials. Then call it a night with Sunsets Bar and Dining's signature chocolate fondant topped with vanilla mascarpone.  

Functions And Events

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by The Lodge Wadjemup and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: The Lodge Wadjemup | Supplied