In 1994 a heritage assessment and conservation plan was developed. The cottage group above the sea wall was assessed as having rarity value at a national level and the buildings, some of which date from 1840s are very early representative structures from Swan River Colony times.
Griffiths Architects also have worked on other heritage structures on the island, with involvement in traffic management planning, landscape master planning, and interpretation planning.
Rottnest Island was settled early in the life of the Swan River Colony, but was resumed as a ‘native prison’ in 1839. From then until the prison closed, it was used as a base for a pilot service, light stations, farming, salt production, and Governor’s summer residence. Rottnest cottages span a number of these themes namely the ‘native prison’ and pilot service. They have been used for holiday accommodation since the island was opened to excursionists and following the failure of the first campsite at Bickley Bay.