Wadjemup timeline 

+30,000 years

A fertile environment cared for and occupied by the Whadjuk Noongar people of the South West of Australia.

• The rising sea level covers the lowland existing to the immediate west of Walyalup (Fremantle) resulting in the creation of Wadjemup.
• Despite this separation from the mainland, Wadjemup remains extremely significant to Whadjuk cultural beliefs throughout the generations and is known today as the resting place of the spirits. 

1619

Sighted by Dutchman, Frederick De Houtman, commander of the exploratory vessels Dordrecht and Amsterdam.

1658

Sighted by Samuel Volkersen, skipper of Dutch vessel Waeckende Boey, who sets foot on the Island on three occasions in search of survivors from a shipwreck.

1696

Sighted by Willem de Vlamingh, skipper of Geelvinck, who names the island 't Eylandt 't Rottenest (‘Rats' Nest Island’).

1801

Crew members from French frigate Naturaliste under the command of Captain Hamelin visit over a 2-week period.

1802

Crew members of the HMS Investigator under the command of Captain Matthew Flinders R.N. collect samples of flora and fauna during an inspection of the island.

1822

Phillip Parker King, Captain of the Bathurst, and his botanist Allan Cunningham visit the island during a circumnavigation of the continent and depart with an unfavourable impression.

1826

Troops from the 39^th Regiment under the command of Major Edmund Lockyer, along with 23 convicts, establish a settlement at Albany.

1827

Captain James Stirling dispatched from New South Wales to survey the Swan River and Cockburn Sound lands at Rottnest.  Stirling would become the first Governor and Commander in Chief of the Swan River Colony 2 years later.

1829

Western Australia annexed for Britain. First British colonists arrive in June. Swan River Colony established.

1830

Survey of Wadjemup undertaken by Benjamin Smythe with the view of establishing a township to be known as Kingstown.

1831

First town and pastoral lots taken up; farming activities commence on the Island.

1833

The Noongar name ‘Wadjemup’ is acknowledged in an article in the "Perth Gazette" in April, having been provided by Robert Menli Lyon following discussion with Yagan, a respected Noongar leader who was serving a period of detention on Carnac Island, an island nearby to Wadjemup at the time.

1838

An item in the 'Perth Gazette' refers to a plan to convert Wadjemup into "a place of security for the confinement of such of the native inhabitants as may be guilty of any offences". The plan was suggested by Stirling and taken up by Governor John Hutt. Hutt's stated intentions were to provide a humane alternative solution to mainland incarceration and for the facility to be regarded as a training establishment. However, these intentions were interpreted differently by those responsible for implementation. 

First 10 Aboriginal prisoners arrive at Wadjemup to erect dwellings and are chained to a tree as no prison building existed.

1839

1840

Charles Symmons appointed first ‘Protector of Aborigines’. 

1841

1842

Superintendent Henry Vincent acquitted on a charge of cruelty to prisoners.

1843

Francis Armstrong, ‘Interpreter to Aborigines’, endeavours to establish an Aboriginal mission at Wadjemup. The project collapses within a very short time with the participants returning to the mainland.

1844

Construction of the Military Barracks completed.

1846

Henry Vincent again charged with cruelty to prisoners.

1847

House built for newly appointed ‘Moral Agent’ and Storekeeper, Francis Armstrong.

1848

Aboriginal prison population 44.

1849

With the construction of buildings on the island completed all the prisoners are transferred back to the mainland in September, with a number returning within weeks to assist with the harvesting of crops.

On 20 November, 8 escape in a boat belonging to the Pilot Establishment and succeed in reaching the mainland. 

1850

A further 5 prisoners escape by boat including 1 from King George Sound, 2 men from Gingin, and 1 from the Victoria Plains.

1855

Wadjemup reopens as a penal establishment. Aboriginal prisoners are once again transferred from Fremantle. Henry Vincent is appointed as Superintendent on a permanent basis.

1856

‘The ‘Great Wadjemup Fire’ damages most buildings with a warder charged with arson.

1857

Vincent directs the construction of various farm and school buildings.

1858

Aboriginal prison population 36.

1862

16 Aboriginal prisoners die during a measles epidemic, being half the total number of deaths recorded for the entire year.

Construction of a new prison and Government Residence begins.

Additional complaints raised regarding the behaviour of Henry Vincent.

1864

Construction of The Quod is completed by Aboriginal prison labour. 

1865

William Vincent, son of Henry Vincent, is convicted of ill treatment of an Aboriginal prisoner.

1867

Henry Vincent retires following investigation of charges of cruelty against Aboriginal prisoners.

1868

Aboriginal prison population 68.

1872

Well known English novelist and civil servant Anthony Trollope visits, later reports on the staging of a corroboree involving 18 participants.

1875

Public concern raised about conditions on the island in the 'Herald' newspaper under the heading ‘Rottnest: Native Paradise or Black Man’s Grave?’. 

1878

Aboriginal prison population 80.

1879

First hanging of an Aboriginal prisoner, Tampin (no. 867), for the murder of John Moir, a settler at Fanny Cove near Albany.

Aboriginal prison population 65.

Commission of Inquiry into Prisons established. Rules and regulations for prisons come into effect. 

1880

Construction of Boys' Reformatory begins.

Governor Broome appoints a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the conditions and conduct of the Prison, with the unsatisfactorily small size of the cells identified as a main concern. A further response to the report results in the closure of the existing cemetery and the creation of a new burial ground.

1883

3 Aboriginal prisoners executed at Wadjemup: Wangabiddie for the murder of Charles Redfern, Guerilla from the Kimberley for the murder of Anthony Cornish, and Nannacrow for the murder of Charles Brackle.

Outbreak in influenza. The total number of prisoners affected by influenza throughout the year, including those discharged, amounts to 269. 

1884

Superintendent advocates for the creation of a new cemetery close to the existing one.  

1885

The execution of 2 Aboriginal prisoners takes place at Rottnest, reportedly in the presence of 170 Aboriginal prisoners.

1886

Aboriginal Protection Act passed in Parliament.

Aboriginal prison population 116, including 87 who are incarcerated for killing livestock.

1887

Influenza epidemic affects around 50 prisoners and results in 1 death.

1888

The final execution of an Aboriginal prisoner on the island, Carlabangunburra (703), for the murder of Indyco in the Hamersley Range.

Aboriginal prison population 60.

1889

2 boys, Paddy Maloney (778) and Bagpipe (779), aged 10 and 11 respectively, charged with hut robbing at Esperance Bay and sentenced to the Reformatory for 6 months with hard labour. They remain in detention for almost 1 month prior to being discharged to Bishop Salvado at the New Norcia Mission.

1892

Influenza epidemic with no deaths recorded.  

1893

A visitor to the island reports on witnessing a corroboree with 180 participants taking part.

1895

Prison population falls to 40, the lowest number for some years and significantly less than that required to ensure that it remains economically viable.

1896

A question regarding the removal of prisoners from the island as a precursor to the creation of a tourist destination raised in Parliament.

1897

Influenza outbreak. 25 of the 26 deaths of Aboriginal prisoners on the Island are attributed to influenza, with 40 affected at one point during the year.

Article in the “Northern Public Opinion and Mining and Pastoral News” commences with the statement that an Aboriginal person “who leaves the Nor-West to take up his compulsory residence at Rottnest for a period of years has very little chance of returning to his birthplace”, revealing the names, sentences and origins of the 22 individuals who came from districts north of Geraldton who died during 1897. 

1898

The last death and burial of a prisoner on Wadjemup takes place with the death of Nardarook (207) who had been incarcerated for the spearing of cattle in the Kimberley region. 

• Inquest into the death of Niger (no. 100) concludes that the cells on the island “do not afford sufficient accommodation for three adult prisoners” and that “reformation in the management is very desirable”.
• Tadpole, a 15-year-old boy, sentenced to 12 months detention at the Reformatory for larceny at Williams. He is released after serving two weeks by order of the visiting Medical Officer Dr Hope.
• The Inspector of Charitable Institutions compiles a detailed report on the operations of the Boys Reformatory, describing conditions, numbers, conduct, discipline, training, education and health matters.
• Royal Commission into Prisons announced.   

1900

Aboriginal prison population 50.

1901

Closure of the Boys' Reformatory and transfer of young males serving terms of imprisonment to the Salvation Army Industrial School at Collie.

• Incarceration of Walganda (no. 229), who was also known as Fanny, from the Wiluna area. The only known Aboriginal woman to have been imprisoned on Wadjemup.

1902

The Colonial Secretary recommends the closure of the prison and removal of the remaining 33 Aboriginal prisoners to the north of the state. A subsequent inspection by a Parliamentary party supports the recommendation subject to the prisoners completing the harvesting of crops.

• Good conduct long-term non-Aboriginal prisoners from Fremantle Prison sent to the island to work on improvements.
• Salt House closes.
• Lists compiled by the Superintendent in September specify the particulars of the 20 Aboriginal prisoners who remain incarcerated on the island along with 15 others who were transferred to the mainland to work for the Police and Postal Services while undergoing their sentences.  

1903

Aboriginal prison on Wadjemup officially closes and is proclaimed a Penal Outstation annex of Fremantle.

Average number of prisoners during the year is 14. The highest number recorded at any one time is 25, with 7 by the end of December.

1904

Rottnest officially closed as an Aboriginal prison and proclaimed a Penal Outstation annex of Fremantle.

1905

German born physician, anatomist and anthropologist Dr Hermann Klaatsh conducts anatomical research and photographs prisoners.  

1906

Ethnographer Daisy Bates makes her first visit of 2 visits to the Island collecting tribal information and compiling genealogies.

1907

Declared a public park in perpetuity. Members of both Houses of Parliament along with people from the Fremantle Harbour Trust visit to inspect the progress of work being done by prison labour in preparation for the ‘opening up’ of the island as a ‘popular’ summer resort. 

• New prison regulations preclude the payment of gratuities to Aboriginal prisoners upon discharge for work undertaken whilst incarcerated.
• A comprehensive survey undertaken by AJ Lewis for the Lands Department identifies the existence of a previously unidentified cemetery adjoining the recognised cemetery. 

1908

19 of the 21 Aboriginal prisoners on the island suffering from influenza.

1909

The Premier announces the proposed closure of the prison pending the completion of improvements to the buildings to allow for public accommodation.

For using his native language Henry Narriel (7528) is reprimanded and restricted to bread and water for 3 days. 

1910

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal prisoners accommodated in two large dormitories pending the completion of the new Aboriginal prison. The dormitory occupied by the Aboriginal prisoners is in poorer condition compared to the one occupied by non-Aboriginal prisoners.

• The Controller of Prisons, Queensland, Charles Edward do Fonblanque Pennefather, appoints a Royal Commission to enquire into the administration of Fremantle Prison. 
• Prisoner population at 56 - 20 Aboriginal men and 36 ‘good conduct’ non-Aboriginal men.
• The process of converting the ‘Quod’ into a place to accommodate tourists begins with the removal of the prisoners to a temporary camp situated at ‘The Neck’, 8 km’s west of the main settlement. The Colonial Secretary recommends the establishment of a new Aboriginal Prison.

1912

An Aboriginal life-saving brigade established and trained in the use of rocket fired equipment. 

• Establishment of a camping ground fronting Thompson and Bickley Bays closes in favour of the ‘Plantation’ adjacent to the settlement where the remains of Aboriginal prisoners were previously buried. The new site is described as ‘well shaded’ and close to the natural bathing pool and newly erected amenities. Daisy Bates returns for a second time to collect additional cultural and genealogical information. 
• Aboriginal prisoners relocated to temporary prison of small dimensions within the settlement area pending the construction of a new prison along with a cookhouse, washhouse, woodshed and temporary warder’s accommodation close to Salt House. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal prisoners alike are engaged to construct the temporary prison shed.   

1915

Almost 1100 German, Serbian and Croatian internees arrive, some opting to undertake the arduous tasks such as carting materials for which they were paid 2 shillings per day. Aboriginal prisoners assigned to the same tasks were unpaid.

Principal Warder recommends the removal of prisoners from the island during the tourist season but the Aboriginal prisoners remain.

1916

Sydney Edwin Smith of the Survey Department engaged to prepare a plan to establish a new Reformatory Prison for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal prisoners. The plan proposes to enclose 120 acres (48 hectares) of land within a cyclone fence to the immediate south of Lake Baghdad.

• Prisoners clear the proposed site and commence the quarrying of material. 
• Over 2 days the entire prison population is engaged in extinguishing a major bush fire and awarded a tin of meat per person for their efforts.
• Rottnest declared an A-Class Reserve for tourism.
• A Board of Control appointed to manage the affairs of the Island.
• Prison population 40: 20 Aboriginal men and 20 non-Aboriginal men.

1917

By mid-February 9 huts are hauled from the Salt House prison to the proposed new prison site.  

1918

Albert Jackson (9642) kills Wooby alias Jimmy Dibbs (6978). Charged with wilful murder, Albert is escorted back to the mainland where he escapes from custody, is recaptured, tried and sentenced to death with the recommendation of mercy. He gains further notoriety for endeavouring to escape on 3 occasions prior to his passing away at the hospital in December 1919.

1919

Aboriginal prisoners assist to contain roaring bushfires that threaten to envelop the Island. 

• Further plans to establish a Reformatory Prison within the Lake Baghdad area previously identified is completed by James Stoddard, a surveyor with the Public Works Department. Although this site was cleared and officially proclaimed a Prison Reserve, the Reformatory was never built.
• Petition presented to the State Parliament pointing out the inhumanity of bringing Aboriginal prisoners down from the north-west chained by the neck and given only a bare space of deck accommodation.
• Aboriginal prisoners commended for producing an ‘excellent’ sample of wheat.

1921

1922

Cabinet approves the closure of Rottnest as an extension of Fremantle Prison.

The remaining 9 long-term Aboriginal prisoners are transferred to Broome Goal. Their removal aligned to the growing number of tourist visitors.  

Rottnest Island Board assumes responsibility for the development of the Island and negotiates for the return of prisoners to undertake structural and domestic tasks.   

1923

Return of prisoners to Rottnest following the closure of the tourist season to undertake necessary work. 

1924

Questions raised in Legislative Assembly regarding the use of prison labour by ‘non-government’ residents.

1927

Reference in the 'Western Mail' to the existence of an Aboriginal burial ground containing the remains of 300 prisoners in the area set aside for camping.

1930

Article in the 'Mirror' entitled “Murderers at Large At Rottnest” provides a brief insight into the lives of 2 prisoners, Lumbia (no. 13083) and Malanga @ Bungarra (no. 12032) and conditions on the island during the penultimate year of the prison.

1931

The last remaining Aboriginal prisoner, Maitland Narrier (15597), is escorted back to Fremantle Prison to complete the remainder of his sentence.

1936

Land at Bickley acquired by the Commonwealth for defence purposes.    

1937

The entire island re-gazetted a temporary Military Manoeuvre Area.

1938

Kingstown Army Barracks completed.

1940

Defence Department assumes control with the island becoming a restricted area. Buildings within the settlement are converted for military purposes and tourism halted. Permanent residents permitted to remain whilst civilian women and children are evacuated.

1942

Full strength of 2500 military personnel stationed on the island.

1945

Following the declaration of peace that ended World War II, Island re-opens for tourism. 

1946

Construction of tourist facilities and amenities re-commences.

1953

Further reference to the existence of an Aboriginal cemetery "enclosed by a low line-stone wall" published in a book titled ‘Isle of Girls’ by author Eleanor Smith.

1956

The Rottnest Island Board supersedes the Rottnest Island Board of Control.

1958

State Cabinet approves a capital grant of £95,000 to effect infrastructure upgrades and re-afforestation activities.

1959

The long-abandoned Salt Works demolished.

1962

A contracting team engaged in drainage work accidently uncover skeletal remains in an area about 50 metres in diameter near the T-junction of the golf-course road and the road that runs between the lodge resort and Garden Lake. The remains are buried in a sitting position in rows of trenches about 60cm apart.

1970

The existence of a burial ground acknowledged in the Manager’s report to the Rottnest Island Board which states that ‘hundreds of skeletons’ were in the area to the immediate north of the Quod.

1976

Official opening of the Museum once used as a temporary dormitory for the prisoners prior to the establishment of the Salt House prison, and as a building for the storage of salt.

1977

Report entitled “Rottnest Island: A National Estate Survey of it’s History, Architecture and Environment” by R.J. Ferguson released, providing, in part, an overview of the history of the incarceration of Aboriginal prisoners on the island from 1838 through to 1922. The report is published as a book in 1985.

1984

A “Rottnest Island Master Plan” produced for the Rottnest Island Board advocates establishing a ‘Historic Precinct’ encompassing the original structures associated with the early Thompson Bay settlement and penal colony and makes no reference to the existence of the Aboriginal burial ground whilst at the same time failing to accommodate for its existence.

1985

Rottnest Island Management Plan Report produced for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Rottnest Island Board. Reference is made to a cemetery containing approximately 60 bodies as being a major site of importance relating to Aboriginal presence on the island and recommends:

1. acknowledgement of the area in consultation with the Western Australian Museum and local Aboriginal Community
2. no further disturbances except to maintain existing services
3. the preparation of a history for educational purposes.

1986

Further evidence confirming the existence of the burial ground with the discovery of bones within The Quod and the Infirmary.

1988

Proposal to redevelop the Quod met with protests from over 200 Aboriginal people. 

• Public concerns raised about the neglect of the burial ground.
• The Rottnest Island Authority take over the administration for the running of the island from the Rottnest Island Authority Board.

1989

Work ceases on the upgrading of the Rottnest Lodge due to the Aboriginal burial site in the area. 

• Cultural items, including a glass spearhead and a message stick uncovered during maintenance work on The Quod.
• A number of prominent Aboriginal people seek to have the area declared a sacred site. The application is rejected by the Supreme Court.

1990

Aboriginal Sites Department requests Curtin University to assist with re-defining the extent of the burial site.

1991

Specialist advisory committees formed to investigate aspects of the island including historic buildings and sites.

• Minutes of the meetings of the Rottnest Island Authority reveal that attempts were made throughout the year to agree upon the extent of the Aboriginal burial ground as well as the management of the site.

1992

The Aboriginal burial site location is re-fenced to provide greater protection.

1993

Premier Richard Court addresses a State-wide Aboriginal representative group during the Year of Indigenous Peoples and acknowledges Wadjemup as the largest Aboriginal deaths in custody burial site in Australia.

• Ground penetrating radar survey raises the possibility that the island contains more Aboriginal graves than previously thought.

1994

Proposal to acknowledge the significance of Wadjemup to the Aboriginal community throughout the State presented to the Premier.

1995

'Chronological History of Rottnest Island' published by the Government of Western Australia.

1997

The highly acclaimed book by Neville Green and Susan Moon, ‘Far From Home’, is published.

1998

200 Aboriginal people representing different language groups from across the state visit and march in procession to the burial ground where they offer their respect to the dead. A spokesman for those gathered requests that the area be fenced, a plaque erected, and Aboriginal people employed to supervise the proposed work.

2006

First Aboriginal person, Karen Jacobs, appointed to the Rottnest Island Authority Board.

2007

Designated camping area relocated away from the Aboriginal Burial Ground.

2009

First Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) adopted by the Rottnest Island Authority.

2012

A revised RAP recommits the Rottnest Island Authority Board to continue the intent outlined in the original document.

2014

Short film 'Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground' produced by Aboriginal film maker Glen Stasiuk is released detailing the history of incarceration and more recent developments.

2017

Cabinet approves the establishment of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG) to provide advice to the Rottnest Island Authority Board and Executive Director on a future strategy for the Aboriginal burial ground, and possible future use of The Quod.

2018

The Quod closes as tourist accommodation.

2020

Consultation commences to memorialise the Aboriginal history of Wadjemup.

2024

 Aboriginal people from across Western Australia gather on Wadjemup for a ceremonial week to carry out Sorry Business and commemorate the Aboriginal men and boys who were imprisoned on the island between 1838 and 1931.