The Rottnest Island Authority was established under the Act of the same name to come into existence on 30 May 1988.

The Act gives the Authority the power to control and manage the Island for the following purposes:

• to provide and operate recreational and holiday facilities on the Island;

• to protect the flora and fauna of the Island; and

• to maintain and protect the natural environment and the man-made resources of the Island and, to the extent that the Authority's resources allow, repair its natural environment.

As part of a series of machinery of government changes effective from 1 July 2017, the Rottnest Island Authority became part of the new Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. This new department brought together the functions and staff of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and the Zoological Parks Authority.