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Rottnest Island Lodge site to be revamped into new multi-million dollar resort

Briana FioreThe West Australian
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Rottnest could become the new Bali for WA holiday makers — with $40 million committed to delivering a world-class resort on the island.
Camera IconRottnest could become the new Bali for WA holiday makers — with $40 million committed to delivering a world-class resort on the island.

Rottnest Island could become the new Bali for WA holidaymakers — with a multi-million-dollar world-class resort set to revamp the island.

The retreat will include a wellness day spa, restaurant, hotel, beach lounge and new pool.

It will replace the existing Rottnest Island Lodge site — currently trading as Karma Resort — and will cost $40 million.

The 94-room hotel is expected to become the new “heart” of the island and will add new buildings while upgrading the existing complex.

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Artist’s impression of the Rottnest Lodge redevelopment.
Camera IconArtist’s impression of the Rottnest Lodge redevelopment. Credit: Unknown/Supplied

Tourism Minister David Templeman said the proposal brought together a consortium of highly-regarded operators for the hotel, food and beverage operations.

“This exciting redevelopment planned for Rottnest will help to stimulate the Island by attracting new visitors, offering regular visitors new accommodation with a range of affordable and boutique options while providing new visitor experiences and amenities,” Mr Templeman said.

He said the design incorporated a series of gardens set around the buildings known as the Gathering Ground— which would be used as a “social hub” where guests and island tour operators could meet, start a tour or just relax.

Artist’s impression of the Rottnest Lodge redevelopment.
Camera IconArtist’s impression of the Rottnest Lodge redevelopment. Credit: Unknown/Supplied

The Rottnest Island Authority shortlisted six respondents, with Place Development Australia, GPA Pty Ltd and Sirona Capital the successful bidders.

Place Development director Robert Bates-Smith said the new low impact, light-touch redevelopment would be a “welcoming and inclusive resort” that paid respects to the island’s Indigenous significance.

“We are thrilled to be adding this exciting and iconic development to our portfolio, and to be embarking on the project with such a strong consortium of local partners,” Mr Bates-Smith said.

“We are collaborating with a carefully curated team of WA’s most talented and experienced architects and operators - each individually proven to deliver destinations of a world-class standard - to ensure an authentic, localised and active accommodation, food and beverage, wellness and cultural precinct.”

Artist’s impression of the Rottnest Lodge redevelopment.
Camera IconArtist’s impression of the Rottnest Lodge redevelopment. Credit: Unknown/Supplied

The project is anticipated to start next year and should be completed by 2025.

Place Development is expected to take over the leasehold in 12 months time after the expiry of the current lease with Karma Group.

The proposed design will be advertised for public comment.

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