Rottnest Island Tours






































































Explore the home of the Quokkas on a Rottnest Island tour

Located just off the coast of Perth, this compact A-Class reserve is made for an easy, carefree day trip. From beach hopping to wildlife spotting, there’s plenty to do here with the real celebrity moment being snapping a selfie with the island’s resident charmers, the quokkas.

Fun fact: when Dutch explorers arrived in the 17th century, they mistook these little cuties for giant rats and named the island “Rat’s Nest.” Thankfully, the name didn’t stick, but the quokkas did and they’re still a major reason people visit Rottnest.

  • Tour duration: Full day about 7-9 hours
  • Best season: Late spring to early autumn (October–April)
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys
  • Key attractions: Wadjemup Lighthouse, The Basin, Main Settlement, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay

Which departure point is right for you

What to expect on a Rottnest Island tour?

Boats moored at Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island, with sandy beach and clear blue water.

Morning departure

Board your ferry from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys. Expect comfortable seating, smooth boarding, and a well-timed schedule that gets you to the island with plenty of daylight to explore.

Wadjemup Lighthouse on Rottnest Island with surrounding landscape and ocean.
People on Segways during a tour on Rottnest Island, passing historic buildings.
Couple with bicycles on Rottnest Island beach, Western Australia.
Seaplane flying over turquoise waters near Rottnest Island, Australia.

Things to know before booking your Rottnest Island tour

  • Choosing your starting point: All tours to Rottnest Island, except lunch cruises, start from Perth, Freemantle and Hillarys. Freemantle is the closest starting point, located 25 minutes away by ferry. Hillarys will take you 45 minutes to reach by ferry. Perth city is the farthest location and will take you 90 minutes via ferry. The good thing is, you get a free pass-by tour of the Swan Lake if you choose to board from Perth!
  • Guided vs self-guided tours: You can choose an air-conditioned guided bus tour that completes a 1 hour 45 minute loop around the island, covering all major attractions and lookouts. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can walk between points of interest or book a tour that includes bike hire for more flexibility.
  • For thrill-seekers: If you love adrenaline rushes, tandem skydiving in Rottnest Island is a must-try experience, starting at AU$399. Get stunning sky-high views of the island and the Indian Ocean as you free-fall from as high as 15,000ft! Upgrade to the Rottnest Island skydive and ferry tour starting at AU$581, for ferry returns, and time to explore the island after the skydive.
  • Fun way to explore the island: Consider joining a quick Segway tour of the island. These guided rides take you along scenic coastal paths and quiet trails while a local expert shares stories about the island’s history, wildlife, and hidden gems.

Your Rottnest Island tickets and tours explained

TourBoarding pointDurationInclusionsTransfers includedBest suited forUpgradesPrice
Return ferry from Fremantle

Fremantle

7 hr 30 min – 8 hr

Entry to Rottnest, round-trip ferry, up to 7 hrs on island; optional: bike hire, AC bus tour, Oliver Hill tour, Captain Hussey Train, Wadjemup Lighthouse visit, light lunch

Round-trip ferry

Travelers wanting flexible, self-paced exploration with easy transfers

Bike hire, guided bus tour, Oliver Hill tour, Captain Hussey Train, lighthouse visit, lunch

AU$86.50
Ferry & bike day trip

Perth / Fremantle / Hillarys

Flexible (typically full day)

Entry, round-trip ferry, bike hire with helmet/lock, up to 7 hrs on island

Round-trip ferry

Adventurous travelers wanting to explore by bike at their own pace

AU$120
Return ferry from Perth

Perth

8 hr – 9 hr 45 min

Entry, round-trip ferry, up to 7 hrs on island; optional: bike hire, AC guided bus tour

Round-trip ferry

Explorers wanting river views, a relaxing cruise, and flexible touring

Bike hire, guided bus tour, English-speaking guide

AU$127
Guided bus tour + return ferry

Perth / Fremantle / Hillarys

5 hr 45 min – 9 hr 45 min

1 hr 45 min AC guided bus tour, guide, entry, round-trip ferry, free time

Round-trip ferry

Visitors wanting an easy, fully guided experience

AU$140
Return ferry from Hillarys

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Flexible (typically full day)

Entry, round-trip ferry, self-guided time; optional: bike hire, AC guided bus tour, live commentary

Round-trip ferry

Travelers wanting shorter ferry, fewer crowds, easy parking

Bike hire, AC bus tour, live commentary

AU$92
Segway tour + teturn ferry

Perth / Fremantle

8 hr – 9 hr 25 min

Entry, Segway tour, guide, ferry transfers, Segway training, radio commentary, helmet

Round-trip ferry

Those wanting effortless sightseeing with expert commentary

AU$184
Tandem Skydive

Rottnest Island (make own way)

2 hr

10,000 ft or 15,000 ft skydive, instructor, safety gear

No ferry transfers included

Thrill-seekers wanting pure skydiving without ferry components

Choose 10,000 ft or 15,000 ft jump

AU$439
Skydive + return ferry

Perth / Fremantle / Hillarys

12 hr

Entry, round-trip ferry, 10,000 ft/15,000 ft skydive, instructor, safety gear, accident insurance, time on island

Round-trip ferry

Travelers wanting a full adventure day with ferry + skydiving + beach landing

Choose jump altitude; purchase photos/videos

AU$527

Things to do on your Rottnest Island tour

Children crouching near quokkas on Rottnest Island during a guided bus tour.
Cyclists on Rottnest Island with ocean view, accessible via ferry from Perth or Fremantle.
Couple snorkeling in clear turquoise water at Rottnest Island, Australia.
Coastal view of Rottnest Island, Australia, with clear turquoise waters and a wooden staircase leading to the beach.
Rock formations and coastal view at Wadjemup, Rottnest Island.
Walkway leading to lighthouse on Rottnest Island at sunset.
Lookout with binoculars overlooking ocean at Rottnest Island.
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Meet the Quokkas

Rottnest’s famous quokkas roam freely around the island, especially near Thomson Bay and Settlement. Spend time observing them in their natural habitat and capture a cute selfie—but remember to keep a respectful distance and never feed them.

Explore by Bike

With car-free roads and scenic coastal trails, biking is one of the best ways to explore Rottnest. Ride to secluded bays, lighthouses, and lookout points at your own pace while enjoying ocean views and refreshing island breezes.

Snorkel at The Basin

The Basin is Rottnest’s most iconic natural swimming pool, known for calm turquoise water and vibrant underwater life. Snorkel among corals and fish in shallow, protected conditions ideal for beginners, families, and anyone seeking a relaxing swim.

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Visit Parker Point

A marine sanctuary with crystal-clear visibility, Parker Point offers excellent snorkeling and peaceful beach lounging. Follow the underwater snorkel trail to spot corals, reef fish, and occasional rays while enjoying one of the island’s most beautiful white-sand stretches.

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Walk the Wadjemup Bidi Trails

The Wadjemup Bidi is a network of walking trails covering forests, wetlands, beaches, and heritage sites. Choose from shorter loops or full-day sections to experience Rottnest’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and hidden viewpoints away from the main settlement.

Climb Wadjemup Lighthouse

Located at the island’s highest point, Wadjemup Lighthouse offers panoramic 360-degree views of bays, salt lakes, and rugged coastline. A short climb rewards you with sweeping island vistas and a deeper understanding of its maritime history and navigation heritage.

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Discover the West End

The island’s westernmost point features dramatic cliffs, blowholes, and prime wildlife viewing. Stop at Cathedral Rocks to spot fur seals, enjoy sweeping ocean panoramas, and explore rugged coastal landscapes shaped by powerful Indian Ocean swells.

Map of Rottnest Island

Plan your Rottnest Island tour

Visitor tips to make the most of your Rottnest Island tour

  • Stunning cliff views: The West End is the western-most point of the island, which we recommend visiting for stunning views of the blue waves crashing against rocky coves that line the shore. 
  • Quokka bandits: The island’s cutest inhabitants have a habit of grabbing things that are within their reach, so make sure you keep food and other valuables stowed away when you're nearby. 
  • Day at the museum: The Wadjemup Museum pays tribute to the island’s history tracing the lives of the Aboriginals who were imprisoned and buried on Rottnest, featuring military tunnels and a WWII gun battery. It's a must visit for history buffs
  • Whale watching: If you’re visiting the Island between August and December, head to the Cathedral Rocks or Cape Vlamingh. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see whales on their migratory journey!
  • Save your lighthouse stop for mid-day: Most tours hit Wadjemup Lighthouse early, making the viewing platform busy. Go around midday instead because the tour buses have moved on, the breezes are stronger, and you’ll get clearer ocean views over the salt lakes.
  • Ride straight to Little Salmon Bay before the tour groups arrive: If your tour includes free time or a bike hire, pedal directly to Little Salmon Bay. It’s the first beach to fill up, and early visitors get the calmest water, best snorkeling visibility, and empty shoreline vibes.

Frequently asked questions about Rottnest Island tours

There are several ways to explore Rottnest Island. Choose between ferry tours, bike tours, guided tours, and lunch cruises, depending on your budget and travel preferences. You also have the option to choose between three starting points: Perth, Freemantle and Hillarys.