Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour from Perth or Fremantle
Overview
Our Rottnest Island ferry and bus tour is a day trip from Perth or Fremantle to the car-free island of Wadjemup. Return ferry tickets, island admission fees and a 90-minute bus tour with live commentary are included, and the option leaving from Perth adds a scenic Swan River cruise past Fremantle. You see beaches, salt lakes, the lighthouse and coastal lookouts, then have free time to explore, swim or look for quokkas before the return ferry. It suits couples, families and first-time visitors to Western Australia.
Highlights
- Return ferry tickets from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island
- Swan River scenic cruise from Perth to Fremantle, then on to the island, on the Perth option
- A 90-minute guided bus tour with live commentary on wildlife and colonial and maritime history
- Stops at the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh, depending on the day
- Island admission fees included
- Free time on the island for swimming, walks and quokka spotting
- Choose between three departures with different bus tour times
Full Description
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
Rottnest Island, called Wadjemup by the Noongar people, lies about 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth and Fremantle. It has no private cars, so visitors move around on foot, by bike or by bus, which gives the island a quiet character. The island is best known for its white beaches, turquoise bays and friendly quokkas, small marsupials that live wild here.
A Rottnest Island day trip from Perth is one of the most popular things to do in the region, and the ferry crossing from Fremantle takes only about 30 minutes. The best time to visit Rottnest Island is from late spring to early autumn, when the water is warm and the days are long.
The island bus tour and its lookouts
The bus tour lasts about an hour and a half and circles the island with live commentary on its plants, animals and history. Typical stops include the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, the dramatic Cathedral Rocks lookout and Cape Vlamingh at the western end, and you also pass salt lakes, woodland and quiet bays.
The commentary covers the island's Aboriginal heritage, its use as a colonial-era prison and its role in maritime history. The exact stops can vary by day and by conditions, but the bus route always gives a good overview before you spend free time on your own.
Quokkas, beaches and free time
Free time is where many visitors find the highlight of the trip. The main settlement at Thomson Bay has cafes, a bakery and shops, and sheltered bays nearby are good for swimming and snorkelling. Quokkas are often seen near the settlement and along walking tracks, and they are protected, so do not touch or feed them.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat, because shade is limited on the beaches. Bike hire and extra luggage must be pre-booked and are not included, and food and drinks are not included in any option.
Choosing your departure: Perth or Fremantle
There are three options. The Perth departure leaves at about 8:30 AM with a Swan River cruise past Fremantle, then the island bus tour from about 11:15 AM and a return ferry at about 4:30 PM. The Fremantle options depart at 9:00 AM, with the bus tour at 11:15 AM or 1:45 PM, and a return ferry at 4:00 PM.
If you want the most time to swim first and see the island later, choose the 1:45 PM bus tour. If you would like to see the coast from the river on the way, choose Perth. Meet at the ferry terminal shown in your booking voucher.
Itinerary
- Meet at the ferry terminalCheck in at the Perth terminal (about 8:30 AM) or the Fremantle terminal (about 9:00 AM), depending on your option.
- Ferry to Rottnest IslandFrom Perth, a Swan River cruise via Fremantle; from Fremantle, a direct crossing of about 30 minutes.
- Island bus tourAbout 90 minutes with commentary and stops at lookouts, the lighthouse and coastal viewpoints.
- Free timeTime to swim, walk, eat, or look for quokkas before or after the bus tour.
- Return ferryBoard the ferry at about 4:30 PM on the Perth option or 4:00 PM on the Fremantle options.
What's included
- Return ferry tickets from Fremantle
- 1.5-hour island bus tour with commentary
- Island admission fees
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Bike hire and extra luggage (must be pre-booked)
Not suitable for
- Travellers with mobility impairments
- Anyone who is prone to seasickness and cannot manage a ferry crossing
Meeting point
For the Perth option, meet at the ferry departure terminal in Perth at about 8:30 AM, using the details in your booking voucher. For the two Fremantle options, meet at the Fremantle ferry terminal for the 9:00 AM ferry. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your way to the terminal and arrive about 20 minutes early.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; shade is limited on the island.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the bus tour and for walking.
- Passengers may bring one carry-on item each; bikes and extra luggage must be pre-booked and are not included.
- Food and drinks are not included; there are cafes and shops in the main settlement.
- Do not touch or feed the quokkas, and keep a respectful distance.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Adults are aged 13 and over, children 4 to 12, and infants aged 3 and younger have their own place.
- Timetables can change for weather, and you may be able to switch to another departure with notice, subject to availability.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Rottnest Island ferry and bus tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, that is Perth departure or one of the two Fremantle departures. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at the ferry terminal in Perth or Fremantle, and the details are in your booking voucher.
How long is the Rottnest Island day trip?
The Perth option is a full day, with a return ferry at about 4:30 PM. The Fremantle options last about 7 hours, with a return ferry at 4:00 PM.
What is the difference between the options?
The Perth option adds a Swan River cruise on the way. The Fremantle options depart at 9:00 AM directly, with the bus tour at either 11:15 AM or 1:45 PM, so you choose whether to explore before or after the tour.
Are the ferry tickets and bus tour included?
Yes. Return ferry tickets, the 90-minute bus tour with commentary and island admission fees are included. Food and drinks are not.
Can I see quokkas?
Quokkas live all over the island and are often seen near the main settlement. Sightings are never guaranteed, and please do not touch or feed them.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 4 to 12 have their own rate, and infants aged 3 and younger can travel too. The beaches and quokkas are popular with families.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Choose your date in the booking panel to see availability. Summer weekends are busy, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Is Rottnest Island worth visiting?
Yes, for its beaches, its quokkas and its quiet atmosphere. It is one of the best day trips from Perth.
