Arc Infrastructure crews have finished the 2025 program of works on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the Rottnest Island Authority in maintaining the island’s historically significant Oliver Hill Railway.
Over the past 30 years, Arc has supported the preservation of the island’s military, turned tourist railway by way of providing materials, equipment and expert labour to ensure the railway can continue to be used.
The Oliver Hill Railway begins at Settlement Station, near the main settlement and winds through the idyllic sites of Wadjemup/Rottnest Island to Oliver Hill. A significant historical Australian World War II heritage site, Oliver Hill was one of seven similar gun emplacements built between 1937 and 1945 to defend Fremantle from warship bombardment.
Arc’s work at Wadjemup/Rottnest Island this year was significantly broader than in previous years, requiring a complete rebuild of the track out of Settlement Station. The 210-metre section crossed a major road that serves as one of two access routes to the island’s airport for emergency services and other authorised vehicles.
This factor shaped the planning and delivery of the works, with traffic management in place to maintain safe access for emergency and authorised vehicles, as well as holidaymakers moving through the area on foot and bike. This year’s work commenced following a Smoking Ceremony on site.
Arc was proud to provide the specialised equipment and expert labour towards this year’s works, totalling an in-kind donation of $114,000.
Arc Infrastructure CEO Stephanie Unwin recently visited the island to meet the Kalgoorlie Track team who completed the 2025 works.
“This was my first time visiting the Oliver Hill Railway and seeing the way it connects such historically significant sites on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island,” Stephanie said.
“I’m proud that Arc has supported this important Western Australian tourist railway for as long as it has, and I look forward to continuing the business’ support for years to come.
“This project is testament to Arc’s commitment of working with our stakeholders, like the RIA, in partnership to provide for the people of WA.”
Executive Director Rottnest Island Authority Jason Banks said Arc Infrastructure’s ongoing support for the annual railway maintenance program helps to ensure the continued availability of the railway to island visitors to provide an essential link between the significant military heritage sites.
“The railway is an asset loved by generations of West Australians – and its continued operation, underpinned by the Rottnest Island Authority and Arc Infrastructure partnership, helps to ensure that Wadjemup/Rottnest Island remains a place of high heritage significance, offering visitors a unique defence heritage experience,” Mr Banks said.
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