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From happy customers

Loved by 49 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Dianne B

Australia
Couple
2 weeks ago
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Very informative guide, Jett. Tour was well paced. He was happy to answer questions and allowed plenty of time for photos.

Mirela R

Australia
Family
Feb 2026
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+1 more

Amazing to see and experience- but the life saver of the day is the staff that were a big help by being flexible with our booking. Sometimes with kids things just don't go to plan- but the amazing staff had our backs! We visited Jewel and Mammoth and looking forward to visiting the two caves next year on our annual trip down south. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and charming, very impressed overall!

Nicholas P

United Kingdom
Couple
Last week
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#We had a super day on Rottnest Island - in the end declining the bikes and doing the 'hop on/hop off' bus instead. It was gorgeous weather and we did some walking between bus stops and completed the circuit of the whole island. Also spent time on one of the fabulous beaches and enjoyed a picnic. And we met the quokkas....

Christine D

Australia
Couple
Dec 2025
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Just a lovely day out and the bus tour meant we got to see all of the island. Would have liked to have heard more historical info but otherwise great thanks.

Therese H

Australia
Group
Jan 2026
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Very helpful company, changed return ferry, no problem. Positive staff, amazing place to explore. Go for the bikes when exploring the place.

Nicholas S

Family
Jan 2026
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What a place! Hiring or taking a bike is absolutely the way to go. I caught the ferry which gets you there in 40-45 mins to the harbour from the settlement area. Which has a great variety of food outlets and information centres as to where to go. I made my way around to the basin to snorkel the aqua and turquoise water where there is also reefs and then further on to Catherine's beach. Quokkas just sit in bushes and are chilled. All I can say 5 hours was not enough and I'll definitely be back. Loved it.

Shane P

Australia
Group
Jan 2026
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Rottnest Island was an amazing day out with friends. The ferry ride over was calm and scenic, and the hop on hop off bus made exploring the island easy and relaxed. We stopped at beautiful beaches, enjoyed lunch and drinks at different venues, and soaked up the laid‑back atmosphere. Visiting the lighthouse was a standout with incredible views, and learning about the island’s history along the way added real depth to the experience. And of course, seeing the quokkas was a highlight as always. They bring so much charm to the day. A brilliant experience from start to finish with the perfect mix of scenery, history, wildlife, and easy exploring.

Kathleen D

Australia
Couple
Nov 2025
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Boat staff were great, scenery was wonderful, plenty of quokkas, bus trip very informative and great dining options ... a fantastic day out

Why book Rottnest Island ferry tickets?

Because it’s the only practical way to reach the island

Rottnest is a car-free paradise sitting 33 km off the coast of Perth, and daily return ferries get you there in 30–90 minutes depending on where you board. While you can arrive by private helicopter, seaplane, or air taxi, those options come at a premium cost.

Three departure points

You can depart from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys. Ferry operators vary, but services run frequently from all three terminals. Perth offers the longest and most scenic journey at around 90 minutes, while Fremantle gets you to Rottnest the fastest in just 25–30 minutes.

A comfortable and scenic ride across the Indian Ocean

Expect a smooth trip with big views like Perth’s skyline fading behind you, Fremantle’s historic port, and stretches of sandy coastline and marinas. Ferries offer comfortable seating, refreshments, and wide windows for sightseeing. Departures from Perth include the iconic Swan River cruise route before hitting the open ocean, and if you are lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales along the way.

Ferry routes to Rottnest Island

From Perth

  • Boarding Point: Barrack Street Jetty
  • Distance: 33km
  • Operated by: Rottnest Express
  • Journey duration: 90 minutes
  • Time slots: 8.45am and 9am

​Book Rottnest Island ferry from Perth

From Fremantle

  • Boarding point: Rottnest Express B Shed Ferry Terminal
  • Distance: 15km
  • Operated by: SeaLink and Rottnest Express
  • Journey duration: 25 to 30 minutes
  • Operating hours: Multiple daily departures starting around 7am, with frequent sailings throughout the day until about 6pm

​Book Rottnest Island ferry from Fremantle

From Hillarys

  • Boarding point: Rottnest Fast Ferries terminal
  • Distance: 26km
  • Operated by: Rottnest Fast Ferries
  • Journey duration: 45 to 50 minutes
  • Time slots: Multiple daily departures starting around 7:30am, with sailings continuing through early afternoon until approximately 5:30pm

​Book Rottnest Island ferry from Hillarys

Highlights of taking a ferry to Rottnest Island

Stunning coastal and ocean views

Sail past Perth’s skyline, glide along the Swan River (on Perth departures), and cross the turquoise Indian Ocean with clear views of Rottnest’s white beaches and reefs as you approach the island.

Island admission included

Entering Rottnest Island requires you to purchase an admission ticket. Thankfully, this fee is already included in your ferry ride, so you don’t need to buy anything extra. Simply arrive, step off the ferry, and start exploring the island’s unique landscapes, beaches, wildlife, and lookout points.

Same-day return

Most ferry tickets let you return to the same departure port i.e., Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys, making day trips seamless. You choose your preferred return time, giving full flexibility to plan your day on the island.

Add-ons that shape your day

Ferry tickets can be bundled with island essentials like bike hire for exploring car-free roads, an air-conditioned guided bus tour, a Segway experience, or even a tandem skydive. These add-ons help tailor your Rottnest adventure exactly the way you want it.

Know before you go

Rottnest Express ferry approaching jetty in turquoise waters, Rottnest Island.
  • Perth ferries from Barrack Street Jetty offer a scenic route along the Swan River before heading into the open ocean, combining city and coastal views.
  • Fremantle departures provide the shortest ferry ride to Rottnest Island in about 25-30 minutes. So if you want more time on the island, then opt for this terminal. 
  • Multiple daily departures run year-round, with increased sailings during summer, weekends, and school holidays to accommodate higher visitor numbers.
  • An exclusive late 9pm return ferry from Rottnest to Fremantle allows people to enjoy evening stays and watch sunsets on the island. You can even stay overnight on the island and take a return ferry the next morning.
  • Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as ferries can sell out quickly.
  • All ferries provide onboard amenities such as comfortable seating, refreshment options, and outdoor decks.
  • When planning your trip, considering departure time, ferry duration, and available facilities at the boarding point can help optimize your Rottnest Island experience.
Ferry passenger seated comfortably, using a phone, with blue seats and large windows.
  • Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, including shaded and open-air areas for scenic viewing during the journey.
  • Onboard refreshment kiosks or cafés offering snacks, drinks, and occasionally light meals.
  • Modern restroom facilities are available on all major vessels for passenger convenience.
  • Secure luggage storage zones and bike racks for travelers bringing personal items or hiring bikes on the island.
  • Accessibility features for passengers with mobility needs, such as ramps, accessible toilets, and staff assistance on request.
Woman enjoying ocean view from Rottnest Island lookout.
  • Bring reef-safe broad-spectrum sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from strong WA sun during the open ferry crossing and island activities.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle as there are refill stations on the island to stay hydrated without buying plastic bottles.
  • Pack comfortable closed shoes or sturdy sandals suitable for cycling and walking on sandy or rocky paths.
  • Take swimwear, a towel, and a lightweight backpack or beach bag for easy carrying of essentials and spontaneous beach stops.
  • Don’t forget your ferry tickets, ID, and any accommodation details, preferably in a waterproof pouch or ziplock to protect from water and sand.
  • Carry light snacks or a picnic lunch if you want flexibility eating outdoors as food options on the island are limited mostly to the main settlement.
  • A small first aid kit, including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medication, is wise as there’s no pharmacy on the island.

Frequently asked questions about Rottnest Island tours

Choose based on convenience and travel time: Perth offers a scenic Swan River cruise (90 mins), Fremantle is the quickest (25–30 mins), and Hillarys is a relaxed northern option (45 mins).