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History
From Governor’s Cottage, to the jewel in the crown.....
Construction of the original building began in 1859, and was completed by 1864, serving as the summer residence of WA’s Governor’s until 1912. Planning for Governor’s Cottage to become accommodation facilities began in 1913, and opened in 1917. At this time the Rottnest Island Board of Control was created, and the island was opened to tourism.
In 1953 the building was converted into the Rottnest Hotel. Until 2000 the hotel was operated privately, with a succession of licencees. The hotel lease returned to the Rottnest Island Authority in 2000 and was officially renamed the 'Quokka Arms' by Minister for Tourism, Mr Bob Kucera on October 2, 2004.
In November 2007 Garrett Hospitality was granted the lease to operate the Quokka Arms. In May 2008 we began the first stage of the historic hotel’s transformation. The original central building is being restored, the main bar and kitchen has been completely rebuilt, the courtyard landscaped with a new island bar added, and the accommodation totally refurbished.
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