Explore the whole island in 1 hour 45 minutes

Let the island come to you. Sit back in the air-conditioned bus as your guide tells you about Rottnest’s history, wildlife, and hidden bays.

























































From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Darren Bradley
NZ

Darren

New Zealand
Oct 2025
5/5

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Our guide leeha was awesome, did everything and so much more great tour guide in every aspect treated everyone as family which was awesome
Harrison Stanford Dicker
AU

Harrison

Australia
Oct 2025
5/5

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This marked the first day of my parents first trip to Western Australia since I moved here late last year. They enjoyed themselves almost as much on the ferry down the Swan River as they did on Rottnest Island. Without this context, it would've been fair to assume that they were on a honeymoon.
Lisa Kustermann
DE

Lisa

Germany
Aug 2025
5/5

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The crew were very helpful. Even without collecting the wristband for the bikes they organised it for us. So we could still discover the beautiful island on bicycles. Of course one of the highlights and reasons coming here are the Quoakkas, and we didn't leave without a selfish. Definitely worth the trip.
James Bennington
AU

James

Australia
Nov 2025
5/5
Every team member we met today was absolutely fantastic, we had an amazing day! The volunteer guide team was great, super knowledgeable and really friendly. Along with the staff who drove the bus and train for the grand island tour! They made the trip fun, and a joy to experience! Rottnest Island is a must see when visiting Perth and it is truly a beautiful place to visit, my wife and I highly recommend the grand island tour.
Dianne T Allen
AU

Dianne

Australia
Sep 2025
5/5
Both the ferry service and the Grand tour were amazing. Island is bigger than I imagined. Saw lots of Quokkas! Both guides were great. Not crowded, easy to get around (with pram). Good facilities. Yummy boxed lunch. I am from Vic, was visiting family in WA. Would go again. Good value. Highly recommended.

Why choose a Bus Tour

✔️ Effortless sightseeing with a 1h 45m air-conditioned guided bus tour

✔️ Includes return ferry transfers from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys

✔️ See island highlights like Wadjemup Lighthouse & Cathedral Rocks in one trip

✔️ Perfect for travellers who want comfort, commentary & zero logistics

✔️ Great if you prefer guided exploration over cycling or self-navigation

Tourists walking near a bus on Rottnest Island with coastal scenery in the background.

What to expect on a Rottnest Island Bus Tour

Tourists walking near a bus on Rottnest Island with coastal scenery in the background.
Tourists walking near a bus on Rottnest Island with coastal scenery in the background.
Tourists walking near a bus on Rottnest Island with coastal scenery in the background.
Tourists walking near a bus on Rottnest Island with coastal scenery in the background.
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Easy start to the day

Depart from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys and enjoy a smooth ferry ride to Rottnest Island. Meet your guide near the settlement before boarding your air-conditioned bus.

Island highlights made effortless

Settle into comfortable seats as your guide leads you past Rottnest’s top lookouts like Bathurst Lighthouse, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Cathedral Rocks, and sweeping bays like Geordie and Ricey.

Wildlife, history & hidden corners

Hear local insights about shipwrecks, quokkas, salt lakes, military sites, and cultural history as your guide points out scenery you might miss on your own.

Explore at your pace after the tour

Once the 1h 45m loop ends, enjoy downtime to wander beaches, grab lunch, or snap photos before catching your return ferry.

Things to know before booking your Rottnest Island Bus Tour

  • The 1hr 45min guided bus loop covers the island’s major viewpoints. 
  • Round-trip ferry transfers and island admission are included, but snorkel gear, bike rental, and other add-ons must be purchased separately.
  • The experience combines structured sightseeing with free time after the tour, giving you flexibility to explore beaches, cafés, or walking trails on your own.
  • Tours operate in all seasons but ocean conditions may affect ferry timings.
  • Great for families, easy-paced travelers, and anyone who prefers to see more in less time.

Rottnest Island Bus Tours vs Standard Tours

FeatureStandard tourBus tour

Pacing

Self-guided, flexible timing

Fixed route, steady pace

Personalization

Choose bikes or bus add-ons

Fully curated sightseeing

Group size

Independent or mixed groups

Guided group onboard

Atmosphere

Free-roam, explore your way

Comfortable, commentary-led

Best for

Active, flexible explorers

Comfort seekers, easy touring

Highlights

Beaches, bays, cycling freedom

Lighthouses, viewpoints, top landmarks

Inclusions

Ferry + optional activities

Ferry + 1 hr 45 min bus tour

Highlights of your Bus Tour

Bathurst Lighthouse

See one of Rottnest’s iconic white lighthouses while enjoying sweeping coastal views.

Geordie Bay

You’ll pass Rottnest’s most picturesque bay, known for its calm turquoise water, wide shoreline, and classic island holiday homes lining the coast.

Ricey Beach

Admire one of the island’s quieter, more secluded beaches. Famous for bright blue shallows, soft white sand, and postcard-worthy views from the lookout.

Roland Smith Memorial

Pause at this significant heritage point as your guide shares stories of Rottnest’s past, early settlement, and the people who shaped the island’s history.

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Capture panoramic views from Rottnest’s highest vantage point and learn how this 19th-century lighthouse guided ships safely through Western Australia’s coastline.

Little Salmon Bay

Take in a stunning sheltered bay with vivid water and rocky reefs.

Kingstown Barracks

Explore one of the island’s key heritage sites, with military history and preserved architecture offering a glimpse into Rottnest’s World War II past.

Plan your visit to Rottnest Island

Duration: The guided AC bus tour runs for 1 hour 45 minutes. Depending on your departure point (Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys) the one-way ferry takes 25–90 minutes. In total, expect to spend around 5–7 hours on Rottnest Island.

Visitor Centre timings: 7.30am until 30 minutes after the last ferry

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Rottnest Island is September to April, when the weather is warm, waters are clear, and wildlife is active.

By boat: You can reach Rottnest Island by ferry from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty, Fremantle’s B Shed or Northport terminals, or from Hillarys Boat Harbour. Travel times vary between 25 and 90 minutes. Many tours bundle return ferry tickets, and passengers must check in around 30 minutes before departure.

  • Lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a hat to stay comfortable during outdoor photo stops.
  • Carry a reef-safe sunscreen.
  • A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated between stops and during free time.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring viewpoints and bays before/after the tour.
  • A camera or smartphone for capturing lighthouses, bays, and wildlife sightings.
  • A light jacket or windbreaker, especially if you're visiting during cooler or breezy months.
  • Visitor Centre & Settlement amenities: Restaurants, cafés, restrooms, and shaded seating areas where you can relax before or after your bus tour.
  • Free island shuttle & wayfinding: Easy movement around the Settlement and to tour meeting points with clear signage and accessible paths.
  • Bike & snorkel hire hubs: Convenient if you want to explore further during your free time after the guided bus tour.
  • Rottnest Island is protected as an A-Class Reserve, meaning all plants, animals, shells, and natural features must be left untouched.
  • Never feed or handle wildlife as it can harm them and is strictly prohibited.
  • Public vehicles aren’t allowed on the island; apart from essential service vehicles, everyone gets around by bike or on foot.
  • Follow island safety rules: fires are banned, drones require a permit, and swimming should be done only in safe, approved areas depending on conditions.

Frequently asked questions on taking the Rottnest Island Bus Tour

How long is the Rottnest bus tour, and how much free time will I have?

The guided bus tour lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. Depending on your ferry choice, you’ll have several hours of free time to explore the island before your return.

Do I need to book the bus tour in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, as seats on the guided bus tour can fill up quickly.

Are there restroom stops during the bus tour?

Yes, the tour makes planned stops at select locations where restrooms are available.

Can I bring luggage or large bags on the bus?

Large suitcases cannot be brought on the tour bus, but small daypacks are fine. Larger items can be stored in ferry luggage crates before boarding.

Is the bus tour suitable for children and older travellers?

Absolutely, the air-conditioned bus and relaxed pace make it ideal for families, seniors, and anyone who prefers minimal walking.

Will I get time to take photos at the main viewpoints?

Yes, the tour includes several designated photo stops at popular lookouts such as Wadjemup Lighthouse and Cathedral Rocks.