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Wadjemup Museum
4.5
70 reviewsAbout
With a theatrette, 40,000-year-old artefacts, and immersive audio experiences, the museum is a place to pause and reflect on everything that has come before you.
Enter the Old Mill and Hay Store and you'll immediately feel the presence of the past in the cool, quiet rooms. As you walk around the building, discover an old lighthouse keeper's jacket, vintage postcards and glass spearheads found on the island.
Developed in partnership with the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG), the museum shares the history of the island. Observe and listen to stories of imprisonment, natural history, and arts and culture, as well as contemporary milestones of the island.
The mill stone, located in the museum's Truth Telling Space, is a particularly moving artefact. The Aboriginal men and boys imprisoned on the island used it to grind wheat into flour, giving the building its name.
As you wander the 17 exhibits and sculpture garden, you are encouraged to reflect and pay reverence to the complex history of the island. Upon leaving the museum, continue your journey of island exploration with a renewed respect for the land you're visiting.
Hours
Open now• Closes at 15:30
Daily: 10:00–15:30
Facilities and visitor features
9 featuresCaters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Mon How Lee
Google review
The Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) Museum was a meaningful and educational experience. The exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the island's rich history, culture, and natural heritage. I especially appreciated how the museum shares both the beauty of Rottnest Island and the important stories of its Aboriginal history. The displays were informative, well-presented, and thought-provoking. A worthwhile visit for anyone wanting to learn more about this unique island. The museum is housed in the historic Old Mill and Hay Store building and helps visitors understand the cultural and historical significance of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), including its Aboriginal heritage and complex past.
Charlie Sheargold
Google review
The best part of my day on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island - explains the history of the island in a very accessible way and doesn't shy away from the bad history that has been hidden before. Wonderful informative videos about prison history on the island, with descendents of prisoners telling their stories. 100% worth a visit!! Free entry too which is a bonus
G Singh
Google review
Its a nice place to take your family. It is a historic place with a sad history behind it. They show a small video of the history behind it. You should definitely visit when you go to rottnest island. Remember in the back room there will be two drawers that you can open to see cool stuff. They are allowed to be opened otherwise you will miss them completely.
Toni Froia Drummond
Google review
Greeted by a lovely volunteer who shared his knowledge I enjoyed reading about the history but it also made me sad to read about the prison and the burial site. The art work outside was fascinating. It’s by donation only for entry and opens at 10am.
Dennis Valencia
Google review
Rottnest island is a nice place to spend the time for beach, viewing, biking and exploration. However, the short day time they operate for the day is not enough. The last trip of their bus commences at 3pm, otherwise you can't go back home for ferry. Hence, your only option is to stay in the island for a number of days to enjoy and explore with friends. A single day is not enough, especially with their operational time.
Get in touch
Where you'll be
Digby Drive
Rottnest Island WA 6161