Bickley Military Heritage Precinct
Focus Military Heritage
Bickley Military Heritage Precinct
Rottnest Island has numerous WWII defence heritage sites and structures across the Island. The remnant military structures and features are in various states of repair ranging from fully restored buildings through to rapidly deteriorating and unstable ruins. Many ruins are currently fenced off for safety reasons.
The renewal of the heritage structures and features including a major refurbishment of the Bickley Battery trails and military assets is a strategic focus.
DID Military Interpretation Centre
Rottnest Island is recognised for its strategic importance as a key site for Australia’s coastal defence during World War II. The associated World War II infrastructure, including the intact Oliver Hill Battery, Bickley Battery, Signal Station, Kingstown Barracks, and railway, constitute nationally significant heritage that demonstrates the role of the Australian Defence Force and Australian men and women in the national war effort. The new Military Interpretation Centre will enhance the defence heritage experience available to visitors to Wadjemup/Rottnest Island. The DID Shed, situated next to the Bickley walk trail offers a gateway to the multiple military sites around Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, on foot, bike, train and bus. The Bofors Anti-Aircraft Gun, which has recently undergone extensive conservation works will be a prominent feature of the new Military Interpretation Centre presented by members of the 116th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (2nd AIF) Association, Western Australia to the Rottnest Island Authority, to commemorate the Regiment’s service on Rottnest Island between 1942-1943.
Bickley Battery
Rottnest Island is home to many remnant military structures and features, in various states of repair. Renewal of the Bickley Battery trail heritage structures and features will improve visitor experience, link defence heritage sites, improve pedestrian pathways and access and overall management of military assets.
Project Outcomes
• Create a revitalised gateway to the precinct
• Build a Military Interpretation Centre within the Detail Issue Depot (DID) Shed
that will enhance the defence heritage experience
• Manage the nationally significant World War II Bickley Battery heritage structures
to allow increased access and appreciation
• Revitalise the Bickley Battery trail heritage structures, features and interpretation
• Build an all-abilities interpretive trail connecting the Military Interpretation Centre
with Bickley Battery heritage structures
Funding Opportunities
• COMPLETE PROJECT or
• Trail development and signage
• Military Interpretation Centre
• Contribute to the management of current military equipment and buildings
We are seeking both individual donations and partnerships with corporate and philanthropic organisations to deliver this project. Please contact us on info@rottnestfoundation.org.au.
