Things to do in Rottnest Island

Our most recommended things to do in Rottnest Island

From Perth: Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip

From Perth: Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip

Enjoy the best of Rottnest Island with bike rental and same-day return ferry tickets. Get in the saddle and explore this unique island without cars at your own pace. Enjoy a coffee at Hillarys Boat Harbour before boarding. Relax on the 45-minute high-speed ferry crossing. On arrival, enjoy a full day to explore Rottnest Island at your own pace. Add-on a snorkel set at check-out to discover the island’s beautiful marine life. Pedal to Wadjemup Lighthouse or race to the West End. Discover the many different bays and beaches. Be sure to meet a smiling quokka and snap a selfie! Leave Rottnest Island on the 4:30 pm ferry, returning to Hillarys Boat Harbour at 5:15 pm.

From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour

From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour

Experience Rottnest Island at your leisure on a day trip with round-trip fast ferry transfers and bike hire from Fremantle. Admire the stunning views as you cycle across the island. Depart from Fremantle and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the island. Disembark at Rottnest Island and explore independently as you cycle from the jetty. Take in the views along secluded bays and beaches and breathe the fresh air as you cycle the 6.8 miles (11km) long by 2.5 miles (4km) wide island. Visit the bays on the south to avoid the easterly winds and make your way to the Basin, Parakeet Bay, and Little Armstrong Bay on the southwest in the afternoon.

From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour

From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour

Explore the stunning beauty of Rottnest Island on a day trip with return ferry transfers from Fremantle or Perth. While there, enjoy an included 1-hour 45-minute bus tour in air-conditioned comfort and listen to live commentary as you discover the island's flora, fauna, and must-see locations. When booking, select your departure location from either Perth or Fremantle. If you depart from Perth, enjoy a Swan River scenic cruise past Fremantle and onward to Rottnest Island. Alternatively, board the ferry in Fremantle and enjoy the 30-minute journey to Rottnest Island. Hop on the bus tour and take in Rottnest's amazing flora and fauna, including beaches, woodlands, and salt lakes. Learn about the island's colonial and maritime history from the live commentary, too. The bus tour covers all of Rottnest’s must-see locations, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, the majestic lookout point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks, and Cape Vlamingh. Afterward, have free time to explore the island at your own leisure, before boarding your return ferry.

From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry & Admission Ticket

From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry & Admission Ticket

Visit Rottnest Island with same-day or extended return ferry tickets departing from Fremantle. Choose from multiple departure times to suit your schedule and maximize your time on the island. Board the ‘Quokka 1’ ferry, the newest and most environment-friendly vessel servicing Rottnest Island. Enjoy the 30-minute crossing in air-conditioned comfort with free WiFi. Kick start your island adventure with a beverage, light snack, and tea or coffee from the fully-stocked bar onboard (food and drinks not included in the ferry price). On arrival at the island, spend your day exploring. Enjoy a wide range of activities including bike riding, snorkeling and guided tours on the island (at your own expense). Purchase food from eateries or general stores or bring along your own packed lunch to savor in the tranquil setting.

From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

Come aboard for an unforgettable experience in Western Australia. Depart from the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and cruise in style on the Steep Point, a purpose-built luxury catamaran, for 2 hours of whale watching.  On your cruise, spot the magnificent humpback whales on their southern migration as they rest in the sheltered waters of Perth. Adult humpback whales are the first to return south and often approach the vessel with much curiosity. Mothers and their calves can be sighted from October onwards. As they spend a few days relaxing and socializing with others, the calves can often be sighted practising the language of the whales as they breach, tail slap, and play to build strength. Meet Western Australia's Whale Watch family who operates whale watch experiences all year and is onboard every tour to share their knowledge and experience with guests. Experts will provide a live and educational commentary throughout the cruise and answer any questions you may have during a service that is personal, professional, and passionate. In the unlikely event that no whales are sighted, you’ll receive a return trip free of charge, redeemable at a time of your choosing.  The Steep Point features 5 viewing decks over 3 levels, where you’ll enjoy stunning uninterrupted views from the water level to the huge open bow, upper grandstand deck, and heated interior saloon with luxury lounge seating. Your boat is the largest and most luxurious whale-watching vessel in Western Australia and has been purposely built for safety, comfort, luxury, and viewing enjoyment. Superior service and no crowding are guaranteed.

From Fremantle: SeaLink Rottnest Ferry and Bike Hire

From Fremantle: SeaLink Rottnest Ferry and Bike Hire

Discover Rottnest Island by bicycle and experience over 63 beaches and 20 bays as you explore this unique Class A Reserve renowned for its high conservation and community values.  Before boarding the ferry please make your way to our office to collect boarding passes and a bike wrist band from our friendly reservations staff. Once you get off the ferry, collect your bike from our friendly ferry crew. Your bike hire will include a helmet and lock. Bicycles must be collected on island by an Adult 18+. Hirers under the age of 18 must be accompanied at the time of bike hire by a parent or guardian who is 18+. Bicycles must be returned to the crew on the return ferry journey. To hire children's bikes, multi-day hire or bike accessories, Pedal & Flipper is our trusted partner for electric bikes and kids bikes. You can also hire baby seats, child trailers and other mobility assistance equipment. Cycling is environmentally friendly and a fun recreational activity for all ages. As Rottnest Island has no private vehicles, cycling is also one of the best modes of transport on the Island. To ride around the entire island (22kms) you would need between 3-5 hours, alternatively there are shorter routes available. Easily return your bike to our friendly crew and catch your return ferry to Fremantle when you are done exploring Rottnest Island.

From Perth: Rottnest Island Grand Island Day Tour with Lunch

From Perth: Rottnest Island Grand Island Day Tour with Lunch

See the best of Rottnest Island on this full-day, all-inclusive tour of Western Australia's most beautiful island, just 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth.  Begin your day at Hillary's Boat Harbor in Perth, where you can explore the harbor. You will get there on a lightning-fast ocean crossing aboard the local partner's high-speed ferries. It is recommended to arrive at Hillary's Boat Harbor at 9:00 AM for the 10:00 AM ferry departure.  Then, discover everything this beautiful island has to offer on a 3.5-hour all-inclusive fully guided bus tour. Explore the stunning beauty of this A-Class reserve in air-conditioned comfort, taking in the amazing fauna and flora of the island, stunning beaches, woodlands, and incredible salt lakes - all ending in a unique historic train ride from the main settlement up to the island's highest point - Oliver Hill. Learn all about the islands war history by visiting the Oliver Hill gun fortification and tunnels, before enjoying a delicious light picnic lunch before starting the bus tour.  On the bus tour, you will visit all of Rottnest's must-see locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta rocks, Cape Vlamingh, and the majestic lookout point at Cathedral Rocks.  Learn all about the major natural habitats found on the island, as well as about Rottnest's cultural and historical heritage from maritime to military, and what future developments are planned for this beautiful spot.  When you're ready, return to Perth by ferry. The last ferry departs Rottnest at approximately 4:30 PM.

From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bike Trip

From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bike Trip

Experience Rottnest Island at your leisure on a day trip with round-trip fast ferry transfers and bike hire from Perth. Admire the stunning views as you cycle the 11km long island. Depart from Perth and enjoy a scenic 1-hour ferry ride with live commentary along the Swan River to Fremantle before heading to the island. Disembark at Rottnest Island and explore independently as you cycle from the jetty. Take in the views along secluded bays and beaches and breathe the fresh air as you cycle the 11km long by 4km wide island. Visit the bays on the south to avoid the easterly winds and make your way to the Basin, Parakeet Bay, and Little Armstrong Bay on the southwest in the afternoon.

Rottnest Grand Island Package with Ferry, Tour & Light Lunch

Rottnest Grand Island Package with Ferry, Tour & Light Lunch

The Rottnest grand island tour is the most comprehensive guided tour of the island allowing you to explore the stunning beauty of this A-class nature reserve. This tour includes a guided bus and tunnel tour, taking in the amazing fauna and flora of the island, stunning beaches, woodlands, and incredible salt lakes. This 4-hour all-inclusive island tour with lunch takes in all of Rottnest’s must-see locations. Featuring the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels and the majestic look-out point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh.  All major habitats are covered on this amazing tour, including Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage ranging from maritime and military history right up to future developments. When booking, you can select your departure location from either Perth or Fremantle. Meet your tour guide at Rottnest Island Settlement Train Station 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. Depart from Perth at 8:30 AM and enjoy a scenic cruise past Fremantle and onwards to Rottnest Island. Alternatively, you can board the ferry in Fremantle and enjoy the 30-minute journey to Rottnest Island.

Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer

Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer

Experience Rottnest Island with same-day round-trip fast ferry tickets. Choose from two ferry departure times: 7:30 AM or 10 AM. Make your own way to Hillarys Boat Harbour or select complimentary coach transfers.  Arrive at the meeting point 30 to 45-minutes before boarding to collect your bike and tickets. Enjoy a coffee at Hillarys Boat Harbour before boarding. Relax on the 45-minute high-speed ferry crossing. Spend the day enjoying some of the island's 63 beaches and 20 bays. Rent a bike or snorkeling equipment. Join a guided tour to learn about the island's decades of history and involvement in WWII, or climb Wadjemup Lighthouse. Be sure to meet a smiling quokka and snap a selfie! Leave Rottnest Island on the 4:30 pm ferry, returning to Hillarys Boat Harbour at 5:15 pm.

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Frequently asked questions about Rottnest Island

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What people are saying about Rottnest Island

Overall rating

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
(7,800 reviews)
5
5 out of 5 stars

Everything was well-organised from the start. Finding the historic train to Oliver Hill was super easy, just a short 10-minute walk from the ferry. They give you a map of the island as well, when picking up the ferry ticket in Fremantle. The guided tour around Oliver Hill was fascinating, with a great mix of history and stunning views. The military tunnels and stories really brought the past to life. After that, we hopped on a bus for a scenic ride around the island, stopping at key points with our guide sharing interesting facts along the way. A great way to see and learn about the whole island in one day. Highly recommend!

5
5 out of 5 stars

This was a fun day. Getting around the island on a bicycle was a great was to see everything and stop whenever you felt like it. The ferry crew was excellent at their job. Super aware and helpful to people who got seasick. Excellent communication with the company about changed due to weather. I would highly recommend.

5
5 out of 5 stars

What a great day out. From pick up at hotel through to all the transportation throughout the day. Our guides were fun and informative and it was a lovely way to get a full experience of Rottnest Island

5
5 out of 5 stars

Loved the trip. Information about the coach pick up was very confusing. That needs to be very much clearer.

5
5 out of 5 stars

loved the biking around, the tour has been great to go to the island and enjoy!