Personalize your Rottnest Island tour with stress-free round-trip ferry transfers.
Personalize your Rottnest Island tour with stress-free round-trip ferry transfers.
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Exclusions
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3 starting points available
1. B Shed, Fremantle
Get directionGet ready to explore Rottnest Island by boarding a ferry from Shed B at Fremantle.
2. Hillarys Boat Harbour
Get directionBoard the ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to spend the day learning about Rottnest Island's cultural and historical development.
3. Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty
Get directionExplore Rottnest Island historical landmarks and natural attractions by boarding a ferry from Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty, Perth.
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Rottnest Island
A picturesque island known for its clear waters, pristine beaches, and adorable quokkas. It’s a perfect getaway for swimming, snorkeling, and cycling through scenic trails. Don’t miss the chance to see unique wildlife up close!
Settlement Train Station
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Oliver Hill
Step into history by visiting this defense installation, with its large coastal artillery guns and intricate tunnel network. Learn about the island’s role during WWII and the soldiers who manned these guns.
1. Light Lunch
Lunch
Feast on a delicious wrap and a cookie as you enjoy the scenic views from the hill.
Guided Bus Tour from Oliver Hill
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3 ending points available
1. B Shed, Fremantle
2. Hillarys Boat Harbour
3. Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty
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Exclusions
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From Fremantle
From Perth
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Go For: Fast ferry tickets
Duration: Flexible
Transfers: Yes
Guide: No
Recommended tours:
Go For: Adventure boat tour
Duration: Full-day tour
Transfers: Yes
Guide: No
Recommended tours:
Go For: Guided tours
Duration: Full-day tour
Transfers: Yes
Guide: Yes
Recommended tours:
Cancellation policy
Strap on your helmet, hop on your segway and glide past sand dunes and historic streets to explore Rottnest. On these unique, eco-friendly adventures, stop by Thompson Bay thronged by beach bums, grab a pint at one of the island’s OG bars and swing by military landmarks like Bickley Battery and Jubliee Lookout that were part of the World War II efforts.
Leave the sunny beaches behind and take any of the five marked-out hiking trails on the 45 kilometres of roads on the island. Choose from a variety of trails like Gabbi Karniny Bidi that introduces you to the intrinsic lake system or the short Karlinyah Bidi that takes you to the northern coasts. Ngank Wen Bidi that loops through Narrow Neck and Ngank Yira Bidi talks about the history of the island, including its naval gun bases.
Rottnest’s gorgeous waters lapping against jagged, limestone bays and fine-sand beaches bring in swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Explore the popular Basin, Geordie Bay and Pinky Beach. For a more serene outing, head to Parakee Beach, Fish Hook Bay and Mary Cove. The waters are home to 400 different species of fish, green turtles, and western rock lobsters that make their way through piles of seaweed and coral.
Twelve, large salt lakes dot the north-eastern bit of Rottnest Island. Even though they are highly saline, the lakes boast unique plant life and a wetland ecosystem that nurtures life. Walk on cleverly constructed boardwalks that give you the feeling like you are walking on water. In summer, many of these lakes transform into pink and white salt pans that are worth stopping by especially if you have a weakness for spectacular sunsets.
As if a standing testament to its rich naval history, the coasts of Rottnest Island are populated with shipwrecks that can be easily explored by snorkelers. At Henrietta Rocks, swim along with tiny schools of fish to make your way to the seaweed-laden ‘Shark’ shipwreck that is a short swim from the shore. Another easily accessible wreck site is Uribes that stands close to the beachfront at Philip Point.
A protected wildlife sanctuary, Wadjemup - the Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island - is home to diverse creatures including the quokkas, bats, and migratory birds. Chief among these are the quokkas - that look like smaller versions of kangaroos - and populate the island. At Rottnest, these creatures roam freely and you can get close enough to get an adorable picture. However, touching or petting the animals can attract huge fines so steer clear!
Rottnest Island is a 19 km island that is just off the coast of Perth. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. There are many ways to get to the island from Perth, including ferry, air taxis, and boats.
Closest ferry stop: Rottnest Island
To get the most value for your money, we recommend you sign up for a Rottnest Island tour that includes ferry rides.
For those of you looking to arrive in style, there are several flight options to Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Air-Taxi: This is a 10-minute flight available every day from Perth.
Corsaire Aviation: Take a thrilling helicopter ride that gives you the chance to look out at Rottnest Island’s spectacular landscape from above. Daily departures from Jandakot Airport, Crown Towers, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour are available.
Air Charters West: These luxurious private charters take off from Bunbury Airport. The short, 30-minute flight includes a champagne breakfast.
Swan River Seaplanes: These are seasonal sightseeing planes available from Perth. The 20-minute flights offer sweeping views of Perth and the expansive sea before landing in Rottnest Island.
By boat
Private Boats are allowed to travel to Rottnest Island and dock at several points. However, they do attract larger fees. Do check out the Rottnest Island Authority website for detailed information.
By car
Rottnest Island is primarily a car-free island. There are few asphalt roads and connectivity on the island is mostly on foot, segways, bikes and buses. There is no road that leads directly to the island either, so you will be unable to access Rottnest Island by car.
Since Rottnest Island is car-free, visitors rely on other modes of transport to make their way around the island. You can pick from:
Bikes: Once you get off the jetty, you can head to Pedal & Flipper Hire to hire out bikes. They have a range of bikes. However, we recommend you hire out an e-bike as it simplifies navigating the island’s rugged terrain.
Quokka coaches: These are hop-on and hop-off buses that stop at around 19 points in the island. You can get your tickets at the Main Bus Stop between 8:30 AM and 3 PM and can stop by the island’s key landmarks including Henrietta Rocks, the Lighthouse, and Cape Vlamingh.
Quokka hopper: If you prefer private transfers, you can hire the Quokka Hopper - electric carts - that drives through Thomsan Bay, Kingstown and Geordie Bay. They operate between 8 AM and 10 PM every day and we recommend you make a booking in advance if you want to avoid delays.
The Island is open throughout the year and on all days of the year.
If you are taking a Rottnest Express Ferry from nearby points, you should know that the first from Perth (towards Rottnest) is at 8:45 AM and the last ferry towards Perth is at 7:30 PM. From Fremantle, the ferries start at 7:30 AM and the last ferry back is at 8:15 PM.
Best time to visit
To experience the best beach life, head to Rottnest Island during the summers (November to January) or even Autumn (March to May). These are the best months to soak in the warm sun and sign up for the long line-up of beach activities. However, prices tend to be on the higher side during these times, especially during summer, and you can expect sizeable crowds even on weekdays. While the wetter and colder months (June to August) are less crowded, the rains and the cold weather might mean that you are stuck indoors.
Restrooms: Available at the Settlement, Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.
Showers: Located at the Settlement, Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.
Changing rooms: Henderson Avenue and Thomson Bay
Water refill stations: The Settlement, Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.
Baby changing facilities: Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay
Barbecue facilities: Thomson and Geordie Bays
Dome Cafe: A breezy, pretty-looking cafe by Thomson Bay serving up soups, sandwiches, all-day breakfasts and desserts along with chilled beer and wine.
Lontara: Upscale dining option, near The Settlement, serving Asian flavours and delectable cocktails.
Isola Bar e Cibo: Traditional Italian dishes made from fresh local ingredients, this seaside place is best known for its jumbo prawns, succulent lamb and fresh pasta.
Geordie’s Cafe and Art Gallery: Located near the busy Geordie Bay, this is a laidback cafe with outdoor seating, serving up hefty burgers, fresh salads, and loaded milkshakes.
The prices of tours to Rottnest Island depend on the experience you are signing up for. Rottenest Island ferry tickets start off at about AU$ 78. And experiences like the bike, segway and boat tours are slotted between AU$ 137 and 208.
Rottnest Island tours can easily be booked online. There are also multiple options including bike, segway and boat tours.
Rottnest Island tours are best booked online for their various advantages, such as,
- Advanced planning: Rottnest Island is ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway and having your bookings in place helps you plan in advance and flesh out the details of your trip.
- Avoid Disappointment: Accessible from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour, the tickets to Rottnest Island can sell out fast on weekends. This is because Rottnest Island ferries are the most popular way to access the island and other tour tickets are limited.
- Convenience: Many of the Rottnest Island ferries and tours offer you the flexibility of fully refundable cancellations up to 24 hours.
The inclusions under the Rottnest Island ticket depend on what you have signed up for. Usually, Rottnest Island ferry tickets will bring you back and forth from the island. However, tour tickets often include to-and-fro ferry rides, pickups from CBD hotels, and specific tour experiences. There are also guided tour options available.
Rottnest Island is a very popular getaway and discounts may not be available. However, Rottnest Island tours often offer great value for money, packing in ferry trips, unique experiences, pick-ups and drops and guided tours in one ticket. You may also enjoy some online discounts while booking that you may not get in offline bookings.
Yes, there are! Guided Tours include a tour of the island and an introduction to its history and encounters with its wildlife. There are also guided segway tours that stop by the island’s best-known landmarks.
A handful of the tours offer cancellations up to 24 hours of the experience. However, the guided tours cannot be cancelled once booked.
Rottnest Island is open throughout the year and around the clock. However, if you are accessing it from Perth, the first ferry leaves after 8 AM and the last ferry back is at 7:30 PM. From Fremantle, the first ferry is at 7:30 AM and the last ferry back is at 8:15 PM.
Rottnest Island is easily accessible by ferries from Perth, Fremantle, and Hillarys Boat Harbour through ferries, and boats. There are also scenic flights available for slightly higher prices. However, there is no car access to the island.
Absolutely! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Rottnest Island is a small but breathtaking island, just off Perth. It offers visitors the chance to dive into its turquoise and blue waters, explore underwater caves and shipwrecks, discover unique wildlife and chill out on sandy beaches.