All wrapped up - the Wadjemup Bidi Hiking Grant

In March 2025, the Rottnest Foundation was approved for a $25,000 Hiking Participation Grant from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (DCITS), formerly the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.  

In partnership with The Hike Collective, we implemented the Wadjemup Bidi Trail Discovery Program - a comprehensive initiative designed to increase hiking participation on Rottnest Island and foster environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation. 

The Program was a series of 4 weekend guided hiking experiences across September, October and November on the Wadjemup Bidi Trail network, integrating Indigenous stories and cultural interpretation.  Partnering with Noongar Elder, Neville Collard, to deliver a Welcome to Country, Sand Ceremony and Walking on Country experience, highlighted the cultural significance of the island and deepened participants connection to the island. 

We are pleased with the outcomes of the Wadjemup Bidi Trail Discovery Program in promoting the trail, not just through participation, but through media coverage in The West and through the DCITS.  This program has also been successful at fostering in participants, an understanding of the cultural history of the island and the unique environment it encompasses. 

The Rottnest Foundation was instrumental in the funding and development of the Wadjemup Bidi Trail, and we are always looking at ways to encourage usage, so visitors to the island can appreciate the unique environment, culture and heritage of Rottnest, whilst minimising their impact on the flora and fauna.