Summer on Rottnest Island kicks off this Saturday, 31 October, when the Pinky’s Summer Series returns to Pinky Beach. It’s the first of seven Saturday sessions. They will run until 24 April 2027; each built around a long afternoon of live music by the water.
Opening day: Aperol Spritz Beach Club Takeover
The launch starts early, at 1.30 pm. DJ Chad Latulippe will be on the decks with saxophonist Laura “Sax Lady” Laureli, and Aperol giveaways will run through the afternoon. Antipasto platters cost $30 a head, or $50 with two Aperol Spritzes.
The other six sessions run from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm, as the sun starts to set.
The season lineup
28 November: DJ Chad Latulippe and Marcio Mendes on percussion and sax.
19 December: DJ Gabs and Marcio Mendes.
23 January: The season’s biggest day, a Wine & Beer Festival with tasting pop-ups and live music from Gemini.
20 February: Live music by Calico.
20 March: Live music by Distant Sun.
24 April: The Summer Series Finale, with live music by Howie Morgan.
The festival falls on the weekend before the Australia Day public holiday on Tuesday, 26 January. Take the Monday off, and you have a four-day weekend on the island.
Bradley Kerkman, Executive General Manager Tourism West at Discovery Resorts, says the series is meant to give people something to look forward to every month through to April. Bookings for the summer season are up 16 per cent, and many visitors come from WA. Guests are also booking earlier, which suggests they are planning their summer around the island.
Where to stay and how to book
Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island, the island’s original eco-tent stay, sits just back from Pinky Beach. A boardwalk links the tents to Pinky’s; each canvas eco-tent has its own ensuite and a pillow-top bed. The resort also has a swimming pool, a communal barbecue, beach access and a tour desk.
Alternatively, you could bring your own tents and camp out at Stay Rottnest Campground, a budget setup with a communal camp kitchen and barbecue facilities.
Book a table for the Summer Series on the Pinky’s Rottnest Island website.
