The first Europeans took up residence on Rottnest Island shortly after the first settlement of the Swan River Colony was established, in 1829. Rottnest Island was considered to be of interest, as a place with potential for salt harvesting, farming and fishing. The European Cemetery, located next to the Rottnest Island Lodge, was used as a burial ground for the early Europeans who inhabited the Island. Today, visitors can visit the European Cemetery to gain a historical perspective of days long past, where the gravestones tell an interesting story.
