Rottnest Island history

Rottnest Island is bursting with a wealth of history and culture. Look at the remains Aboriginal occupation including an Aboriginal Prison, fatal shipwrecks, boy's reformatory and both World Wars military activity.

Stretching back more than 6500 years ago, the Aboriginal Nyungah tribe once occupied the land. Wadjemup, the Aboriginal name for Rottnest is of spiritual significance to Aboriginal communities.

In the late 1820s Europeans settler's became interested in Rottnest Island as potential land for salt harvesting, farming and fishing. Robert Thomson was a major landholder on the island and therefore the name Thomson’s Bay was named after the important figure.

From 1838-1904, Rottnest Island was used as a penal settlement for Aboriginal prisoners. Due to poor conditions it is believed that 369 prisoners died during this time. An Aboriginal cemetery is located within the Thomson Bay Settlement.

Thanks to the Aboriginal prisoners, many buildings were constructed such as lighthouses and the seawall.

The lighthouse that was built at Bathurst Point was erected after the loss of 11 lives when a ship was wrecked in 1899. The anchor from this particular ship is a tourist attraction on the Island today. The City of York, was not the only ship to be wrecked on Rottnest Island, over 13 ships met fate across the Islands waters.

In 1881 the West Australian Government also used the island to reform young boys who were in trouble with the law. This reformatory operated next to the Aboriginal Prison for over 20 years.

The West Australian Government recognised the Island was suitable for potential recreational use and visitors to the Island began arriving in 1902. During this time the prisoners and tourists were kept well apart until 1904 when the prison was officially closed.

Rottnest Island also played a significant role in both World War 1 and World War 2. In WW1 the island was used as a Prisoner of War camp during 1914 to 1915 accommodating over 148 Prisoners of War. During this time the island was off limits for recreational use until December 1915.

In preparation for World War 2 the island was once again closed off to the public. The military erected the Rottnest Island Fortress on Oliver Hill, permanent army barracks, cottages for the commanders, a small hospital, a small railway and much more. Guns were also installed but were fired not once.

After WW2 the ban on tourists to the Island was lifted and all Military personal left the Island leaving behind a 9.2-inch battery which was to expensive and difficult to ship back to the mainland. This gun is a popular attraction to visitors.

Tourist numbers have increased to the Island since the days of the War making it one of Perth’s most visited tourist attractions.

Gone are the days of fatal shipwrecks, Aboriginal occupation including an Aboriginal Prison, young boy’s reformatory and world war military activity. The Island remains to thrive with interesting history, culture and stories making it the popular Island it is today.

For more information on the history and culture of Rottnest Island visit the Rottnest Island website.