Rottnest Island Round-Trip Ferry from Perth
Overview
Available languages
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Rottnest Island is widely regarded as one of Western Australia’s treasures, with numerous white sandy beaches, secluded bays, abundant wildlife and fascinating history. Hop on the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island and enjoy free time to explore the coast, walking trails, car-free roads and historical sites at leisure, before returning on the afternoon ferry to the mainland.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
You’ll have the choice to catch the ferry to Rottnest Island from Perth or Fremantle. If you're traveling from Perth, you’ll motor down Swan River to Fremantle before continuing on the journey to Rottnest Island, 25 minutes from Fremantle. How you spend your time on arrival is then up to you! With 20 bays and 63 beaches dotted along the coast, you’ll find plenty of places to snorkel, swim, surf or stand up paddleboard. Or rent a bike (own expense) and pedal along car-free roads to a secluded bay. Families can enjoy kid-oriented activities at the family fun park or aqua park. If you’re a history buff, check out the Rottnest Island Museum, Lomas Cottage, the Salt Store and Exhibition Center or the Pilot Boathouse. You’ll discover why Rottnest Island is a favorite of locals and visitors alike! Just note that all entrance fees and activities are at your own expense. After a full day exploring the island at your leisure, you’ll return on the afternoon ferry to Fremantle or Perth.
What‘s Included
Rottnest Island Authority fee
Same day return ferry to Rottnest Island from Perth
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Entrance fees to any attractions
Options
Round-Trip Ferry: Perth
Departs from Barrack St Jetty, Perth at 8:45am. Concludes in Perth at 6:30pm
Reviews
356 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very beautiful island BUT CAREFUL IN CHOOSING HOW TO SHOOT IT
Marika23 323,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very pretty and suggestive island of South Western Australia. In balance between a still rather unspoilt and somewhat wild nature and structured holiday tourism. Inhabited by delightful creatures called quokka, peaceful and free to roam everywhere. During the visit you will discover wonderful landscape views and there is the possibility to reach coves and beaches with crystal clear water. However, you have to pay close attention to choosing how to get around the island. There are several alternatives: buses, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters and partially a train. However, an aspect, in my opinion, very important and decisive for the choice of how to move on the island is not adequately highlighted at the start: the continuous ups and downs with significant differences in road levels that do not make it suitable for everyone simple bicycles. This should be made very clear, which is not the case. Also you have to be careful about the directions. They often lead to stretches of sandy roads that force you to get off your bikes and make long distances on foot. Once you have identified the most appropriate means the tour can be really enjoyable.
Hop on Hop off - Outstanding service by the bus driver
J8291JEmarcusb,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/5 Stars!) We had an absolutely fantastic experience on the hop-on hop-off bus, thanks to our driver Paul! From the moment we stepped on board, he was incredibly welcoming and set the tone for a great day. Paul’s knowledge was outstanding — he shared so much interesting information along the way, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations themselves. What really stood out was how much he genuinely loves his job; his enthusiasm was contagious and made the whole experience feel special. Nothing was too much trouble, and he made everyone feel comfortable and included. It’s rare to come across someone who delivers service at this level. If you’re lucky enough to have Paul as your driver, you’re in for a treat — he deserves 6 stars out of 5!
Rottnest offers the best adventure.
sofiaorquiachan,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rottnest Island trip was one of the greatest & most memorable family adventure we had considering that it was also a year end travel made it even more precious. The island has tons of activities to offer catering from lil' kids to oldies. Hiking & walking are two best things to do. My family & I went there on a public holiday & the entire place was swarmed, packed & loaded with hundreds of tourists but it was still fun because the island obviously is really big. Highly recommended place to visit & we would surely love be go back💗👌.
Absolutely fantastic
Millieandjake,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rottness island 🏝️ is a must if you’re visiting Perth. It has stunning sights, beaches, fabulous wildlife you dont see everyday. Bus tours, cycling & great food. Stay for a day trip or weekend. Its a paradise you won’t want to leave
The ferry was great,...
Angela D,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ferry was great, really efficient and all the signage was very straight forward. I tend to get seasick but was fine on this ferry!
Just like Centre Parcs, overrated
swardestoncanary,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Sadly the lady who made the booking at Elizabeth Quay couldn’t even crack a smile, albeit she was quite helpful. Boat trip down the Swan River was fine but got to say Rottnest Island was the worse place I’ve visited in Australia. Basically an island full of rent a bikes, of which they have 2,000 and a load of chavvy holiday chalets. The island is very barren with hardly any wildlife, as for quokkas they all seem to live round the terminal. A few nice bars there, Samphire Club was the best we found. Would we return, no chance.
Nice trip, but Quokkas are not like the promotional ads
debbiea451,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Picked up the Rottnest Express Ferry to Rottnest Island in Perth. The ride to the island is long mostly because of going down Swan River. They said there was a 'tour' as you went down the river, but you couldn't hear the person speaking. Rottnest is small and quaint. Almost all the buildings are right near the dock. There are a few hotels, some restaurants, and shops. Swimming isn't great in this area but there are many wonderful beaches around the island. Riding bikes is the mode of transportation so be careful or you could get runover. Good luck if you are looking for Quokkas and visit during the day. Quokkas are nocturnal so they are hidden and sleeping in the daytime. Good luck finding them. They are not that cute (as in the promotional pictures) and they don't smile at you. They look like large rats. We added a guided bus trip around the island which was quite nice. The guide Eli and driver Larry were very nice and knowledgeable. Larry saw a potentially hurt bicycle rider and even stopped to see if she needed help. All in all it was a nice trip. I could see locals going out to the island every weekend as there are cost effective packages they could maximize.
There's a lot to do so...
Jacqueline F,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There's a lot to do so wear a good pair of trainers. And a hat as there isn't a lot of shade. It is worth it though
Wonderful trip to Rottnest Island from the Barracks Jetty terminal.
Mariela A,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely wonderful experience on the Rottnest Express premium ferry and bus tour of the Island, and Sophie truly made our day extra special. From the moment we arrived, Sophie was welcoming, friendly, and incredibly professional. During the bus tour of Rottnest Island, she shared so much interesting information about the island’s history, wildlife, and hidden spots all delivered with genuine enthusiasm. She made everyone feel comfortable and included, and was always happy to answer questions or help with directions and tips for exploring. Sophie’s warm personality and knowledge really elevated the whole experience. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does, and it shows in the way she looks after guests. A big thank you to Sophie for showing us the quokkas and also thank you from the Rottnest Express team for such a memorable day. I highly recommend both the premium ferry and island bus tour, especially if Sophie is your guide! 🚢
Enjoyed the day on the island
Rosalie M,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Picked up the tickets the day before as the tour operator was very busy on the morning of the tour. Long queue to get on. Limited outside seating on the ferry and limited upstairs seating inside. Staff very friendly on the ferry. Great views along the river and commentary was informative. Island lovely to walk around plenty to see and do for the long day.
Related Experiences
Operated by Rottnest Express