From Perth to Paradise: Exploring Rottnest Island
Nestled off the sun-kissed shores of Western Australia, a hidden gem awaits – welcome to Rottnest Island, with turquoise waters that sparkle in the sun, and sandy beaches that stretch out as far as the eye can see. The best way to get to this beautiful island is by booking a ferry from Perth. The ferry offers a convenient, quick, and incredibly scenic way to access this stunning destination.The ferries are frequent, with the quickest journey only 25 to 35 minutes, and you’ll have the opportunity to spot marine life like dolphins, seals and even whales during the crossing! Here’s a step-by-step how-to guide on getting to Rottnest Island by ferry and what to do once you touch down in this magical paradise.
Decide where you are departing from
Select your ferry operator and book your tickets
Check the ferry schedule
Arrive at the ferry terminal
Check in and board the ferry
Set sail and enjoy the ferry ride
Arrive at Rottnest Island
Explore Rottnest Island
Return Journey to Perth
Select Your Departure Point
In Perth, Rottnest Island ferries depart from the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth’s City centre, North Fremantle (Rous Head), Fremantle (Victoria Quay), and Hillary’s Boat Harbour. Decide which departure point is most convenient for you.
Perth & Fremantle Ferries
Travel to the island on the high-speed ferry from either Perth or Fremantle – you can decide your departure point when booking. Ferries leaving from Perth take approximately 90 minutes, while those leaving Fremantle take approximately 25 minutes.
Pro tip: the ferries departing from Fremantle offer the cheapest ferry tickets to Rottnest Island.
Address | Barrack Street Jetty, Perth WA 6000, Australia |
Directions | Nearest train station is Perth station, then take a short 1-minute walk |
Timings | Monday to Sunday, departs at 8:45am |
Address | 1 Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia |
Directions | Nearest train station is Fremantle, then take a short 10-minute walk |
Timings | Monday to Sunday, departs at 9:30am |
Hillary's Boat Harbour Ferry
If you’re going to Rottnest Island from Hillary’s Boat Harbour for the day, you can hop on a ferry from Hillary’s to Rottnest with a day return trip. You can park for free at Hillary’s Boat Harbour or book a free shuttle from your Central Business District accommodation. The ferry ride is comfortable, with food and drinks available for purchase, outdoor viewing decks and indoor air-conditioned areas. Ferries leaving from here take approximately 45 minutes.
Directions: Take Joondalup Line train to Warwick Station. Transfer to the 423 bus to Hillarys Boat Harbour, walk for 4 minutes
Timings: Monday to Sunday, departs 7:30am and 10:30am Leaving Rottnest Island: 4:30pm
Address: |
86 Southside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025, Australia |
Select Your Ferry Operator and Book Your Ferry Tickets
Several ferry operators provide services to Rottnest Island, including Rottnest Express and Sealink Rottnest Island. Compare the Rottnest Island ferry times, prices, and amenities each operator offers to choose the one that suits your preferences. Make sure you book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability.
Check the Ferry Schedule
Before you head to the departure point, check the ferry schedule to ensure you don’t miss your preferred departure time. Ferries typically run regularly throughout the day, but Rottnest Island ferry timetables will often vary depending on the season and the weather conditions.
Arrive at the Ferry Terminal
Arrive at the chosen ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, to ensure you have enough time to pick up your tickets and board the ferry.
Check-In and Boarding
To receive your boarding pass, head to the ticket counter or the check-in desk to present your booking confirmation. Make sure to have all required identification documents with you. Continue to the designated boarding area and follow the instructions from the ferry crew; they will guide you to your seat or area on the ferry.
Enjoy the Ferry Ride!
Now comes the fun part! Sit back and enjoy your incredibly scenic ferry ride. Take in the magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, feel the sea breeze on your face, and keep your eyes peeled for any marine life that might surface during the journey. If you’re lucky, you may spot a dolphin, seal or even a whale from August to December!
Arrival at Rottnest Island
Explore Rottnest Island, Stress-free!
Enjoy exploring Rottnest Island’s stunning beaches, bays, wildlife, and attractions. Once ashore, ferry travellers can explore the island’s beauty without the burden or hassle of renting a car. Bicycles, the preferred mode of transport, are readily available for rent, providing a serene and eco-friendly way to discover Rottnest’s natural beauty. You can rent bikes, book tours, or wander around at your own pace.
Some Cool Rottnest Island Activities to Check Out
Island Boat Adventure
Take your pick of a high-speed ferry ride from either Perth or Fremantle, then hop on the Eco Express boat for an exciting 90-minute adventure to explore the island’s wild side. Get up close with the rugged coastline and come across incredible wildlife, including migrating humpback whales (typically from Sept-Nov). Take it from us, this tour is an absolute blast for nature lovers!
Ferry, Snorkle and Bicycle Adventure
Enjoy a fun day at Rottnest Island, equipped with your bicycle and snorkelling gear. Take in the island’s stunningly pristine coastlines by bike, stop anywhere along the way for a hike in the wilderness, or go snorkelling with stunning views of underwater marine wildlife and tropical corals. Don’t forget to look out for friendly quokkas, the adorable creatures native to Rottnest Island. This tour also includes a return ferry ticket from either Fremantle or Perth.
Bus Tour around Rottnest Island
Join this comprehensive 4-hour island tour that covers all the must-see spots on Rottnest Island. Explore the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels, and soak in the breathtaking views from the majestic look-out point at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh.
Rottnest Island Luxury Lunch by Seaplane
Hop on a seaplane and soar through the skies to Rottnest Island with a glass of sparkling wine before your stunning seaplane flight! You’ll touch down on the island and be greeted with a Bellini Cocktail at the beautiful beachside Lontara restaurant before being treated to a long and luxurious lunch of only the freshest seafood and Western Australian produce, all from an exclusively curated Chef Selection menu.
Return Journey to Perth
Before your return journey, check the ferry schedule for departure times. Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before with enough time to check in and board the ferry. Board the ferry and enjoy the scenic ride back to Perth, Fremantle or Hillary’s Boat Harbour, reminiscing about your incredible memories on Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Island: All Aboard!
The ferry journey from Perth to Rottnest Island is the quintessential way to begin a memorable island adventure. From the breathtaking ocean vistas to the seamless convenience and eco-friendly experience, it sets the tone for an unforgettable visit to this natural paradise. So, step aboard the ferry and let it carry you to the incredible world of Rottnest Island, where breathtaking landscapes, friendly quokkas, and boundless adventures await.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need to book my ferry tickets in advance?
We recommend booking ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot on the ferry. Popular departure times can sell out, especially during peak season and weekends.
Can I bring carry-on baggage on the ferry?
Passengers can bring carry-on items onboard the ferry as long as they fit in the seat, do not take up any additional seats, and do not block the aisles.
What’s the best time to visit Rottnest Island?
Perth’s temperate weather conditions make Rottnest Island great to visit all year round. December to March is usually hot and sunny and is the best time for beach lovers. Spring and Autumn (April, May and September to November) offer milder weather, while the offseason is from June to August, but travellers can still go hiking and surfing.
How do I get around Rottnest Island?
Cars are restricted on Rottnest Island, so the most popular way to get around is by bicycle or by walking.
How easy is it to spot quokkas on Rottnest Island?
Over 10,000 quokkas are living on Rottnest Island, so spotting one is quite easy; however, they are nocturnal, so the best time for sighting one is either in the early morning or evening.