The Lodge Wadjemup, Rottnest Island

A Landmark Hospitality Redevelopment Delivered by Caterlink

Set on the shores of the serene Wadjemup lakes, The Lodge Wadjemup is one of Rottnest Island’s most significant hospitality redevelopments in recent years. This ambitious two year project reimagined the iconic Lodge as a modern, family friendly destination that honours the island’s deep cultural heritage while offering a high quality accommodation and dining experience for guests.

Caterlink was proud to partner with Place Development, SocialGrounds, Space Agency and leading WA builders Builden and West to West Group to bring this vision to life. The redevelopment includes more than 100 accommodation rooms, multiple dining spaces, a function centre, guest pool, café and a coffee and gelato kiosk. With views across the Wadjemup lakes, the venue has become a standout destination for visitors seeking comfort, nature and memorable island experiences.

Caterlink was selected due to our long standing relationship with Place Development and SocialGrounds. Having collaborated on multiple large scale projects, the team trusted Caterlink’s expertise as a commercial kitchen equipment supplier and our capability to deliver complex commercial kitchen equipment design and high performing hospitality fitouts tailored for long term operational success.

Planning and Consultation

Kitchen and bar planning took place over several years, with Caterlink working closely with designers, architects and operators to ensure every element aligned with the venue’s family friendly vision. While details evolved throughout the planning phase, the core brief remained the same: efficient spaces that deliver seamless service and create exceptional dining experiences.

Caterlink’s scope included full consultation, commercial kitchen equipment design, project management, equipment supply and complete commercial kitchen fitout. Detailed plans were developed and refined in collaboration with all project partners to ensure optimal workflow, functionality and guest experience.

Full Scope of Works

Caterlink supplied and installed:

• Large commercial production kitchen
• Dedicated dishwash area
• Three bars
• Café fitout
• Mobile bars for flexible service
• Full kitchen and bar fitout for the Function Centre (in partnership with West to West Group)

This was a full end to end delivery, from early concept design through to final commissioning.

Overcoming Remote Location Challenges

Working on Rottnest Island presents unique logistical challenges. As an island location, all equipment and materials must be transported by ferry, subject to swell, weather and strict delivery schedules. Our installation team navigated heavy winter swells, limited access windows and the island’s curious quokkas. One installer even joked he would never install on Rottnest again after an extremely seasick crossing. Despite these challenges, the project was delivered smoothly and on schedule.

Equipment Selection and Sustainability

The Lodge features a premium open kitchen line up using Blue Seal Black, chosen for its performance, durability and modern aesthetic suited to an open cooking theatre.

Other equipment includes:

• Merrychef high speed oven and Convotherm combi ovens (Moffat)
• Meiko dishwashers
• AOM canopy systems
• Doregrill French rotisserie by Phoeniks
• eWater system for chemical free cleaning and sanitising
• Simply Stainless modular bars and benches
• Hoshizaki ice machines
• Caterlink commercial shelving
• Skope refrigeration solutions

Skope refrigeration was selected for its energy efficiency and reliability, supporting the venue’s environmental objectives and high service demand.

A Collaborative Partnership

This redevelopment was a major collaborative effort involving Place Development, Space Agency, Kelly Steele, Builden, West to West Group and SocialGrounds. Caterlink’s partnership focused approach ensured clear communication, alignment throughout the design phase and seamless coordination during equipment supply and installation.

Completed over two years, The Lodge Wadjemup stands as a testament to Caterlink’s capability in delivering complex, remote hospitality projects with precision and care. It is now a welcoming retreat for visitors and a showcase of thoughtful design, strong partnerships and high performing commercial kitchen facilities built to last.

Architect: Space Agency
Builder: Builden (main project) / West to West Group (Function Centre)
Kitchen Consultant: SocialGrounds
Designer: Kelly Steele
Sales Consultant: Kelly Steele
Project Manager: Kim Parker