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Rottnest Island Travel Guide

Rottnest Island Ferry Departure Points

There are three departure points for ferries to Rottnest Island, Perth City (Barrack St Jetty). Hillarys Boat Harbour to the north of Perth and Fremantle to the south.

If you leave from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty the journey takes approximately an hour and a half. If you travel from Hillarys Boat Harbour you can be there in 45 minutes and for those departing from Fremantle the journey takes just 25 minutes.

Ferries departing from Hillarys Boat Harbour head straight to Rottnest, whereas the Perth departures travel down the Swan River and, depending on schedules, may also collect passengers at Fremantle.

There are two pick up locations at Fremantle, Northpoint and B-Shed. This guide only covers departures from B-Shed as it has close proximity to Fremantle Train Station.

Beach on Rottnest Island

Aerial view of Rottnest Island

Riding around Rottnest Island

Getting around Rottnest Island

 Getting around Rottnest Island

On Rottnest Island you can explore the island by foot, bike, bus or train. The train actually only runs from the Settlement Railway Station to Oliver Hill, so it is more of a tour than a way to get around the island. For self guided tours (walking, cycling or snorkelling) download the Rottnest Island Smart Phone App There is also an ‘Essential Guide’ available which includes a map, riding times, bus timetable etc. By Foot The Rottnest Voluntary Guides run a number of free guided walks around Rottnest Island. To see what walks are on when you are at Rottnest island head to the visitor’s centre (Thomson Bay near the main Jetty) and pick up their weekly guide, or an island map so you can head off yourself. By Bike Bicycles can be hired on the island, make sure you book ahead, or for a fee you can bring your own bike on the ferry, this must be arranged prior to departure. By Bus As well as the guided bus / coach tours there is a hop on hop off bus around Rottnest Island. The bus runs from 7.40 in the morning to 6.20pm at night with two later services on weekends. Check the essential guide for actual times the bus will be along the route, remembering that the bus stops for Quokkas so can sometimes take a little longer to complete its circuit of the island. You can also take the bus and bike tour where you can join the bus when you have finished your ride, leaving your bike at the bus stop for collection later. Snorkelling Tours Snorkelling and diving around Rottnest Island are very popular activities. At Parker Point there is a 200m snorkel trail with plaques on the seabed to guide your journey. Return to the top

Rottnest Is Points of Interest

Weather

Rottnest Island weather

What’s the weather like at Rottnest Island? Summer (Dec – Feb): Min 17.6°C Max 27.4°C Avg monthly rainfall 10mm Avg rain days per month 2 ½ Autumn (Mar – May): Min 15.3°C Max 26°C Avg monthly rainfall 43mm Avg rain days per month 7 ½ Winter (Jun – Aug): Min 12.3°C Max 21°C Avg monthly rainfall 99mm Avg rain days per month 16 Spring (Sep – Nov): Min 12.9°C Max 23°C Avg monthly rainfall 34mm Avg rain days per month 9 Return to the top

Rottnest Weather

What’s the weather like at Rottnest Island?

Summer (Dec – Feb): Min 17.6°C Max 27.4°C
Avg monthly rainfall 10mm Avg rain days per month 2 ½

Autumn (Mar – May): Min 15.3°C Max 26°C
Avg monthly rainfall 43mm Avg rain days per month 7 ½

Winter (Jun – Aug): Min 12.3°C Max 21°C
Avg monthly rainfall 99mm Avg rain days per month 16

Spring (Sep – Nov): Min 12.9°C Max 23°C
Avg monthly rainfall 34mm Avg rain days per month 9

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Getting around Rottnest Island

On Rottnest Island you can explore the island by foot, bike, bus or train. The train actually only runs from the Settlement Railway Station to Oliver Hill, so it is more of a tour than a way to get around the island.

For self guided tours (walking, cycling or snorkelling) download the Rottnest Island Smart Phone App

There is also an ‘Essential Guide’ available which includes a map, riding times, bus timetable etc.

By Foot

The Rottnest Voluntary Guides run a number of free guided walks around Rottnest Island. To see what walks are on when you are at Rottnest island head to the visitor’s centre (Thomson Bay near the main Jetty) and pick up their weekly guide, or an island map so you can head off yourself.

By Bike

Bicycles can be hired on the island, make sure you book ahead, or for a fee you can bring your own bike on the ferry, this must be arranged prior to departure.

By Bus

As well as the guided bus / coach tours there is a hop on hop off bus around Rottnest Island. The bus runs from 7.40 in the morning to 6.20pm at night with two later services on weekends. Check the essential guide for actual times the bus will be along the route, remembering that the bus stops for Quokkas so can sometimes take a little longer to complete its circuit of the island.

You can also take the bus and bike tour where you can join the bus when you have finished your ride, leaving your bike at the bus stop for collection later.

Snorkelling Tours

Snorkelling and diving around Rottnest Island are very popular activities. At Parker Point there is a 200m snorkel trail with plaques on the seabed to guide your journey.

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Rottnest Island Map

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Rottnest Island Tours

Guns and Tunnels Tour (Historic Rottnest)

Rottnest Island has a deep military history. During WWII the island became a defense post for Fremantle Port with six and nine point two inch guns installed.

A railway was build from the jetty at Thomson Bay to Oliver Hill (9.2 inch guns) and Bickley point (6 inch guns) to ferry supplies and munitions.

At the end of the war the guns and the railway were decommissioned with the larger guns left in place. In the 1990’s the railway was reconstructed and a new railcar entered into service. The railcar was Captain Hussey after the officer who oversaw the original construction.

The guided tour includes a train ride and a tour of the guns and tunnels  of Oliver Hill.

Coach Tour

A 90 minute coach tour of Rottnest Island showing you all the highlights of this wonderful island. The tour covers the islands history, culture, flora and fauna which includes the island’s quokkas.

Grand Island Tour

currently we can only offer this tour with departures from Hillarys the Grand Island Tour combines the best of the Hills and Tunnels Tour & The Coach Tour. This is you best value for money tour of Rottnest island as the three hour Grand Island Tour is cheaper than either of the two tours it combines!

Adventure Cruise

Weather, tides and seasons permitting this cruise circumnavigates the island’s rugged coastline. Between September and November you may encounter the migratory humpback whales. It is also a chance to get a better view of the New Zealand Fur Seal colony at Cathedral Rocks and the feathered and finned animals that call the island home.

Guided Bike Tour

Bicycles are the ideal transport for Rottnest Island and if you are departing from Perth or Fremantle then you can also take a guided bicycle tour. This is a relaxed pace tour of the island.

Segway Tour

Currently only on offer for Hillarys departures this is a 1.5 hour off road Segway adventure touring the island’s military history. Includes bike hire for the rest of the day and lunch at Subway.

Self Guided Snorkel Tour

Hire or bring your own snorkelling equipment and head to Parker Point where there is a 200m underwater snorkel trail. On the seabed you will find a series of plaques to guide your journey.

Rottnest Island

See all our Rottnest Island tours

Departing Perth City – Barrack Street Jetty

There is no parking at the Barrack Street Jetty so passengers are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary hotel pick-ups or use public transport. Your trip to Rottnest Island from Perth city takes about 90 minutes and commences with a cruise down the Swan river and avoids the city traffic.

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers Only – optional snorkel hire available

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Bike Hire – optional snorkel hire available

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Bike Tour

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Also includes bike hire for the remainder of the day. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Snorkel Tour

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Also includes bike hire for the remainder of the day. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Guns and Tunnels tour

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Also includes an introductory walking tours, 2pm departure. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Coach Tour

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Also includes an introductory walking tours, 2pm departure. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Adventure Cruise

Boarding for this service closes at 8.30am with the ferry arriving back in Perth around 6.45pm. Also includes an introductory walking tours, 2pm departure. Book Here

Times are a guideline only and may vary due to tide and operation requirements. Please ensure you reconfirm your departure and boarding times from Perth and Rottnest Island a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. Contact details as per your booking confirmation.

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Departing Fremantle – B-shed

If you are south of the Swan River or want to utilise public transport then B-Shed would be you best option. B-Shed is an eight to ten minute walk from Fremantle train station. Return transfers from Fremantle hotels are available,

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers Only – optional snorkel hire available

Boarding for this service closes at 9.30am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 5.45pm. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Bike Hire – optional snorkel hire available

Boarding for this service closes at 9.30am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 5.45pm. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Bike Tour

Boarding for this service closes at 9.30am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 6.45pm. Also includes bike hire for the remainder of the day. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Snorkel Tour

Boarding for this service closes at 9.30am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 5.45pm. Also includes bike hire for the remainder of the day. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Guns and Tunnels tour

Boarding for this service closes at 8.15am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 5.45pm. Also includes an introductory walking tours, 2pm departure. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Coach Tour

Boarding for this service closes at 9.30am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 5.45pm. Also includes an introductory walking tours, 2pm departure. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Adventure Cruise

Boarding for this service closes at 9.30am with the ferry arriving back in Fremantle around 5.45pm. Also includes an introductory walking tours, 2pm departure. Book Here

Times are a guideline only and may vary due to tide and operation requirements. Please ensure you reconfirm your departure and boarding times from Fremantle and Rottnest Island a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. Contact details as per your booking confirmation.

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Departing Hillarys Boat harbour

Hillarys Boat Harbour is just over 20 kilometres from the Perth CBD. If you are staying north of the CDB and want to avoid travelling into the city, then make Hillarys your departure point for Rottnest Island. Selected hotel pick ups are available.

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers Only – optional snorkel and / or bike hire available

Ferry departs at 7.30am or 10.00am with the afternoon ferry arriving back in Hillarys around 5.15pm. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Guns and Tunnels tour

Ferry departs at 10.00am, hotel pick ups prior to this, with the afternoon ferry arriving back in Hillarys around 5.15pm. Lunch included. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Coach Tour

Ferry departs at 10.00am, hotel pick ups prior to this, with the afternoon ferry arriving back in Hillarys around 5.15pm. Lunch included. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Grand Tour ** Best Value **

Ferry departs at 10.00am, hotel pick ups prior to this, with the afternoon ferry arriving back in Hillarys around 5.15pm. Book Here

Rottnest Island Ferry Transfers and Adventure Cruise

Ferry departs at 10.00am, hotel pick ups prior to this, with the afternoon ferry arriving back in Hillarys around 5.15pm. Subway lunch included. Book Here

Times are a guideline only and may vary due to tide and operation requirements. Please ensure you reconfirm your departure and boarding times from Hillarys and Rottnest Island a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. Contact details as per your booking confirmation.

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