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Top things to do in Perth

Jewel Cave entrance in Margaret River, featuring a cave explorer cutout and surrounding greenery.

Margaret River Caves

from

AU$18

Optus Stadium in Perth at sunset with city skyline in the background.

The Optus Stadium Tour

from

AU$37

Pinnacles Desert limestone formations under clear blue sky in Western Australia.

Pinnacles Desert Tours

from

AU$35

Margaret River Lighthouse with surrounding greenery and wooden walkway.

Margaret River Lighthouse Tours

from

AU$18

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

We partner with the best

Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

Book with complete peace of mind

Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

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Slide 1 of 4
We curate the best ways to experience

Overview

  • Getting there: Ferry from Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys
  • Journey time: ~30 min from Fremantle, ~45 min from Hillarys, up to ~90 min from Perth depending on service
  • Time on island: Half-day to full-day
  • Top experiences: Quokkas, beaches, cycling, snorkelling and sightseeing

Your Rottnest Island tours explained

Tour typeDurationInclusionsTransfersPrice

Return ferry tickets

25–90 mins each way

Round-trip ferry, Rottnest Island admission fee, free time on the island

Departures from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys Boat Harbour

AUD $80–$150

Ferry + bike hire

Full day (4–8 hours on island)

Ferry transfers, bike hire, helmet & lock, island entry

Departures from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys Boat Harbour

AUD $110–$180

Ferry + guided bus tour

6–8 hours total (incl. 1.5–2 hr tour)

Ferry transfers, island bus tour, AC coach, live commentary, key landmark stops

Departures from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys Boat Harbour

AUD $140–$220

Adventure experiences (skydive, snorkelling, Segway)

2–4 hours (plus ferry time)

Ferry transfers, island entry, chosen activity (tandem skydive / snorkel gear / guided Segway tour), instructor or guide, safety gear

Ferry included; activities begin on the island

AUD $120–$400

What to expect from your Rottnest Island tour

Rottnest Express ferry creating a wake, with Rottnest Island and lighthouse visible in the distance.
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Scenic ferry rides across the Indian Ocean

Rottnest tours begin with a smooth, high-speed ferry journey from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys, offering coastal views and a relaxing start to your island escape.

Flexible ways to explore the island

Choose between cycling at your own pace, joining a guided bus tour, or combining both. Each option lets you experience Rottnest’s beaches, bays, and landmarks differently.

Up-close encounters with quokkas

One of the island’s biggest highlights is spotting quokkas in the wild, especially around the main settlement, where they roam freely and are easy to find.

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Beach-hopping across crystal-clear bays

Expect access to over 60 beaches and secluded coves, including favourites like The Basin and Pinky Beach, known for calm waters and great snorkelling conditions.

Relaxed, car-free island atmosphere

With no private vehicles allowed, the island offers a peaceful, slow-paced environment where cycling, walking, and nature take centre stage, making every visit feel like a true getaway.

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Things to know before booking your Rottnest Island tour

  • Ferry tickets vs. guided tours vs. bundled experiences: All Rottnest Island tours include a round-trip ferry transfer from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys, along with island admission. You can choose a standard ferry ticket for self-guided exploration, or opt for tickets that include experiences like bike hire, guided bus tours, or activities as part of the package. Each option is sold as a complete experience, allowing you to pick how you want to explore the island in advance.
  • Bike hire vs. bus tours: Cycling is the most popular way to explore Rottnest, with a 22 km island loop offering access to beaches, bays, and viewpoints. Bike hire includes helmets and locks, and suits those comfortable riding moderate distances. Bus tours are a low-effort alternative, ideal for visitors who prefer a relaxed overview without physical exertion.
  • Tour duration & time commitment: Ferry journeys take 25–90 minutes depending on your departure point. Most visitors spend 4–8 hours on the island, making it a full-day experience. Half-day trips are possible but limit how much you can see, especially if you plan to cycle or visit multiple beaches.
  • Accessibility & physical effort: Ferry transfers and bus tours are low-effort and suitable for most travellers. Cycling requires moderate fitness, especially in windy conditions. Walking is easy around the main settlement, but exploring beyond it typically requires a bike or tour transport.
  • Visitor suitability & age considerations: Ferry transfers and bus tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Bike hire is generally recommended for older children and adults comfortable with cycling. Some adventure activities like snorkelling or Segway tours may have age or safety requirements.
  • Meeting point & transport: Ferries depart from Perth (Barrack Street Jetty), Fremantle (B Shed or Northport), and Hillarys Boat Harbour. Visitors must check in at least 30 minutes before departure. On arrival, bike hire and tours begin near the main settlement. Hotel transfers are typically not included.
  • Weather & seasonal considerations: Rottnest experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Weather can impact sea conditions and cycling comfort, especially due to wind. Clear, calm days are best for snorkelling and beach visits, while summer months (Dec–Feb) are the busiest.

How to get to Rottnest Island

DepartureApprox. journeyBest for

Fremantle

30 min

Fastest crossing

Hillarys

45 min

Visitors staying north of Perth

Perth

Up to 90 min

Visitors wanting the Swan River journey

Top things to see & do at Rottnest Island

Quokka on sandy beach at Rottnest Island with ocean in background.

Meet the quokkas

Spot Rottnest’s famous quokkas roaming freely around the main settlement, one of the easiest places in Australia to see wildlife up close.

Group cycling towards Wadjemup Lighthouse on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Clear waters and rocky shoreline at The Basin, Rottnest Island with a distant lighthouse.
Wadjemup Lighthouse on Rottnest Island with surrounding landscape and ocean.
Couple walking along the beach with sailboats in the water at Rottnest Island.

How long do you need on Rottnest Island?

  • Half day: Good for quokkas, Thomson Bay and a few nearby beaches.
  • Full day: Best for first-time visitors who want to combine cycling, beaches, wildlife and sightseeing.
  • Overnight: Best for a slower visit and exploring more of the island.

How to get around Rottnest Island

  • Bike: Best for flexibility and covering more of the island.
  • Bus: Best for comfortable sightseeing without cycling.
  • Walking: Best around Thomson Bay and for shorter trails.
  • Segway: Best for a guided alternative to cycling.

Plan your visit

Bus tour on Rottnest Island with people walking nearby, surrounded by trees.

Opening hours: Rottnest Island is open all year round. Ferry and tour departures run at fixed times, mostly starting in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

Ferry timings:

  • From Perth: 8:30am–8:45am departures
  • From Fremantle: 9am–9:30am departures
  • Return ferries: Typically between 4pm and 5pm

Tour timings:

  • Guided bus tours: Morning and early afternoon departures
  • Segway tours: 9am departures
  • Skydiving: Multiple slots between 7:50am and 2:50pm

Duration:

  • Ferry ride: 25–90 minutes depending on departure point
  • Time on island: 5–7 hours on most day trips
  • Guided bus tour: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Skydiving experience: 2 hours total

Distance: Rottnest Island lies about 30 km off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.

Transfers:

  • The only way to reach the island is by ferry from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys.
  • Travel time:
    • Fremantle: 25–30 minutes (fastest)
    • Hillarys: 45 minutes
    • Perth: 90 minutes via Swan River cruise
  • Most tours include round-trip ferry transfers and island admission.

Getting around on the island:

  • No private cars allowed
  • Explore via bike hire, guided bus tours, segways, or walking trails
  • Over 45 km of cycling and walking paths across the island
Tourists smiling with a quokka on Rottnest Island, bicycles and beach in background.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (strong coastal sun)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Swimwear and towel for beach stops
  • Comfortable walking shoes or cycling-friendly footwear
  • Light jacket (coastal winds can pick up quickly)
  • Camera or phone for quokka photos and coastal views
Tourists dining outdoors with a view of Rottnest Island beach and boats in the background.

  • Base facilities: Thomson Bay is the island’s main hub, with visitor services including check-in areas, restrooms, cafés, and retail stores. Lockers are available nearby for short-term storage.

  • Accessibility: Ferries and select tours are accessible, but much of the island features uneven terrain and natural paths. For a low-effort experience, guided bus tours are the most comfortable way to get around, while cycling and walking routes may involve longer distances and limited shade.
  • Food & amenities: A range of cafés, bakeries, and casual dining spots are clustered around Thomson Bay, with additional options near popular beaches. Scenic picnic areas are spread across the island, including spots near Pinky Beach and Geordie Bay.
  • Parking: Paid and public parking options are available near ferry terminals in Perth, Fremantle, and Hillarys—arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Quokka on Rottnest Island with ocean and boats in the background.
  • Do not touch or feed quokkas, it’s illegal and can harm their health
  • Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and avoid disturbing natural habitats
  • Follow all safety instructions from ferry crews and tour guides at all times
  • Drones are not permitted without prior approval due to wildlife protection laws
  • Alcohol is restricted in certain areas and on ferries unless specified
  • Dispose of waste responsibly, the island is a protected reserve with strict conservation rules
  • Stay on marked paths and cycling routes to protect fragile ecosystems
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early for ferry check-in and boarding procedures

Tips

  • Start early: The first ferry gives you cooler weather, quieter beaches, and more time to explore
  • Pre-book bikes or tours: Same-day availability is limited, especially in peak season
  • Don’t underestimate distances: Rottnest is bigger than it looks; plan stops in clusters
  • Mix transport modes: Combine cycling with the island shuttle or a short bus tour to cover more ground comfortably
  • Head beyond Thomson Bay: Some of the best beaches are quieter and further out
  • Carry water and sun protection: Shade is limited across most of the island
  • Build in buffer time: Leave enough margin to return bikes and catch your ferry stress-free
  • If short on time: Prioritise a loop covering Pinky Beach, Wadjemup Lighthouse, and a couple of west-end bays for the best variety.

Frequently asked questions about Rottnest Island tours

Most tours include round-trip ferry transfers, island admission, and optional add-ons like bike hire, guided bus tours, or segway experiences.

Which departure point is right for you

About Rottnest Island

Getting There

Map