Western Australian tourism and transport company Pinnacle Travel Group has expanded its Rottnest Island portfolio and branched into hospitality with the acquisition of three eateries.
Pinnacle announced on Wednesday it had added The Lane Cafe, Simmo’s Ice Creamery and The Basin restaurant Havza to its investments surrounding the holiday spot, which currently comprise of its founding business Rottnest Fast Ferries and bus company Quokka Coaches.
The tourism group bought the hospitality additions off Glenn Evans, an entrepreneur and chef who had brought all three businesses to the island.
His most recent venture was Havza, a beachside Mediterranean restaurant Mr Evans established as owner and head chef in 2024.
More than a decade prior, Mr Evans opened The Lane Cafe around 2012 in the main Thomson Bay settlement, with Simmo’s residing next door.
Founding director Luke Crispin and managing director James Mulholland purchased Rottnest Fast Ferries in 2012 and have since built the group up to span 15 businesses.
“We are excited to welcome these popular establishments to the group,” Mr Crispin said.
“Rottnest Island holds a special place in our hearts and when the opportunity arose to acquire the businesses, we were instantly drawn to the idea of adding these unique West Australian offerings to the group.”
Mr Mulholland said although there were no immediate plans to change the way the establishments operated, the pair were looking to “the ways in which we can enhance the experience of island visitors”.
Rottnest Fast Ferries and Quokka Coaches had established a relationship with The Lane Cafe and Simmo’s through touring packages on offer, Pinnacle’s announcement said.
Alongside Quokka Coaches, Pinnacles also owns luxury coach tour company Australian Pinnacle Tours, Lancelin 4x4 Adventures, Explore Tours Perth, Integrity Coachlines and Tasmanian and Perth sightseeing bus tour company Gray Line Perth.
And in addition to Rottnest Fast Ferries, the group’s water-based companies feature Whale Watching Perth, Kimberley Quest, The Great Escape Charter Co and fuel jetty business Hillarys Marine Fuels.
Pinnacle also offers charting services with Pinnacle Coachlines, offering mining transport, corporate and private transfers and school trip services.
