From Hillarys: Rottnest Island Return Ferry, Perth


























From Hillarys: Rottnest Island Return Ferry, Perth
Duration: Varies (1 min to 9 hours)
Varies (1 min to 9 hours)
Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start of your experience
100% refund up to 24 hours if you select a refundable option for a small fee.
100% refund up to 24 hours if you select a refundable option for a small fee.
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Expert local tour guide
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Set sail on an exciting day trip to Rottnest Island with this return ferry tour departing from Hillarys, Perth. Enjoy exploring Thomson Bay for close encounters with charming quokkas and relax at The Basin's serene turquoise waters. Your ticket includes round-trip ferry transfers and entry to the island, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
Set sail on an exciting day trip to Rottnest Island with this return ferry tour departing from Hillarys, Perth. Enjoy exploring Thomson Bay for close encounters with charming quokkas and relax at The Basin's serene turquoise waters. Your ticket includes round-trip ferry transfers and entry to the island, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
Begin with a round-trip ferry from Perth's Hillarys and spend several hours exploring Rottnest Island, complete with entry tickets.
Start your day at Thomson Bay to meet friendly quokkas before enjoying swimming or relaxing at The Basin in the morning light.
Ascend Wadjemup Lighthouse to enjoy panoramic vistas over 38 m high; then explore historic gun emplacements at Oliver Hill Battery.
Opt for bike hire or a guided bus tour during your adventure from Hillarys to Rottnest Island, maximizing exploration.
Access to the island of Rottnest
Self-guided exploration of Rottnest Island
Return ferry transfers from Perth's Hillarys area
Bike rental including helmet and security lock (as per option selected)
45-minute guided AC bus tour on Rottnest, with commentary included (as per option selected)
Live commentary during the tour (as per option selected)
Individual Costs

Ferry to Rottnest Island with tourists on deck, coastline visible in background.
Your Experience on Rottnest Island
This adventure begins at Hillarys, taking you to the beautiful Rottnest Island. Spend a full day exploring its welcoming quokkas, sparkling beaches, and historic sites—all tailored to your interests.
Getting Started
Your ticket provides round-trip ferry transfers from Perth’s Hillarys area and access to all of Rottnest Island's attractions. We recommend arriving 30 minutes early for check-in procedures before you dive into a day filled with discovery.
What to Expect on Your Visit
- Quokka Encounters: Head over to Thomson Bay, where these charming marsupials are often found. It’s the perfect spot for capturing selfies and creating lasting wildlife memories.
- The Basin Experience: Enjoy a swim or relax in this renowned natural pool with serene turquoise waters—ideal when visited early in the day.
- Wadjemup Lighthouse Viewpoint: Ascend to witness stunning panoramas of coastal lines, ocean expanses, and island vistas. It’s an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts and nature admirers alike.
- Historic Landmarks Tour: Discover Oliver Hill Battery's WWII tunnels or enjoy picturesque stops at Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse to explore the island’s long history.
- Cycling Around Rottnest Island (Optional): Choose to rent a bike, complete with helmet and lock, for an independent journey along scenic coastal trails and secluded spots.
- Scheduled Guided Bus Tour (Optional): Opt-in for this narrated 1-hour 45-minute tour aboard an air-conditioned bus. Experience Rottnest Island’s premier attractions and lesser-known sites with engaging live commentary.

Tourists smiling with a quokka on Rottnest Island, bicycles and beach in background.

Lighthouse on Pink Beach, Rottnest Island, with clear blue water and sandy shore.

Ferry to Rottnest Island with tourists on deck, coastline visible in background.

Tourists smiling with a quokka on Rottnest Island, bicycles and beach in background.

Lighthouse on Pink Beach, Rottnest Island, with clear blue water and sandy shore.

Ferry departing Rottnest Island towards Perth or Fremantle across the ocean.
What to bring
Pack swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and a water bottle for your trip.
What's not allowed
- Luggage up to 22kg must fit within dimensions of 800mm x 500mm x 400mm for storage in the ferry’s luggage crates.
- Carry-on items should be no larger than 600mm x 400mm x 300mm.
Alcohol, weapons, drugs, drones, pets, smoking, and furniture are prohibited on board.
Accessibility
- The ferry accommodates wheelchairs for accessibility purposes.
To get the latest information regarding service dog access in this A-Class reserve, it’s advisable to contact island rangers directly.
Additional information
- A refillable water bottle and sunscreen are recommended since some stops like The Basin and Wadjemup Lighthouse offer limited shade and kiosks for refreshments.
An admission fee to Rottnest Island is included in your ferry fare at booking, contributing towards island conservation efforts and facilities upkeep.

Kingstown Barracks building with red brick and white trim on Rottnest Island, Australia.

Ferry traveling across turquoise waters to Rottnest Island from Perth or Fremantle.

Ferry departing Rottnest Island towards Perth or Fremantle across the ocean.

Kingstown Barracks building with red brick and white trim on Rottnest Island, Australia.

Ferry traveling across turquoise waters to Rottnest Island from Perth or Fremantle.
Arrive at Hillarys ferry terminal around 30 minutes early for check-in to ensure a smooth start to your day on Rottnest Island.
If you're planning to explore multiple attractions, consider starting with the furthest one from your initial point of arrival and work back towards it for efficient sightseeing.
Bring essential items like swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and water bottle for comfort during outdoor activities on Rottnest Island.
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