- Cook Government extends its support of overnight school camps on Rottnest Island
- Initiative makes overnight school camps on the island more affordable for school students
- Families able to save more than $75 per child for an overnight camp and more than $150 per child for a three-night camp (excluding ferry travel)
- Subsidy available on accommodation, bike hire and educational tours
Following the success of last year's inaugural school camp program, the Cook Government has announced that it will extend the program in 2025.
Eligible schools in lower-socio economic areas will receive a full subsidy on accommodation at Kingstown Barracks, bike hire from Pedal & Flipper Hire and Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association educational tours. Subsidised ferry transfers are also available.
The initiative makes overnight school camps more affordable for Western Australian public school students, potentially saving families more than $75 per child for an overnight camp and more than $150 per child for a 3-night camp.
The subsidised camps are available for overnight bookings during Term 3.
Last year, more than 1,500 students from 45 primary and high schools travelled to Rottnest Island for an overnight camp some from as far away as Meekatharra, Leonora and Mount Barker.
Applications open today for eligible schools across Western Australia.
The subsidies are in addition to those available to all school groups throughout the year, which includes a 40 per cent accommodation discount for school group bookings, discounted rates on bike hire, and waiving of the island admission fee.
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Last year hundreds of school children from across Western Australia were able to experience an overnight school camp on Rottnest Island and I'm pleased to announce that more children will now have this wonderful opportunity in 2025.
"Schooling costs can add up and this subsidy program delivers significant savings for families - more than $75 per child for an overnight camp and $150 for a three-night camp.
"Rottnest Island is iconically Western Australian and it's great to be able to offer this unique opportunity to students, many of whom may be visiting the island for the first time."
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"School camps give students the chance to build friendships, step into new environments, and create lifelong memories.
"Rottnest Island is ideally set up for school camps, with a range of accommodation options and opportunities to learn about the island's history.
"This subsidy allows eligible schools to enhance their students' learning with practical activities while developing important social and collaboration skills.
"Ensuring camps are accessible to all students, regardless of their circumstances, means every child can benefit from these valuable experiences."
