Rottnest Island Full-Day Trip With Guided Island Tour From Perth
4
Rottnest Island Full-Day Trip With Guided Island Tour From Perth
By Rottnest Fast Ferries - Day Tours
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About
The sandy beaches and wildlife reserves of Rottnest Island lie just off the coast of Perth. On this tour, ride the ferry to Rottnest and take in all the highlights of the car-free island on a guided bus tour. Hop off along the way to admire landmarks such as Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, and Cathedral Rocks; take a train ride up to the Oliver Hill WWII site; and look out for the island’s native quokkas.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Magnificent views as you ride the ferry to Rottnest Island
- Guided bus tour: ideal for those who don’t want to walk or cycle
- Historic train ride up to the Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnel
- Includes hotel pickup, lunch, and round-trip transport from Perth
- National Park fees
- Lunch
- Live commentary on board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Return Ferry Ticket
- Entry/Admission - Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
- Entry/Admission - Wadjemup Lighthouse
- Entry/Admission - Oliver Hill Battery
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- 56 Southside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025, AustraliaFree parking is available if self-driving. From Perth CBD head north on Mitchell Freeway then exit left when you reach Hepburn Avenue. Continue to the end and enter the harbour through the main roundabout. Turn left onto Southside Drive and follow the signs to 'ferry terminal'.
Pickup details- Courtesy Coach transfers available from hotels in Perth CBD, Northbridge and Scarborough. You MUST notify us at the time of booking if you require this service so that we can book in a pick up from your closest hotel, this is subject to availability.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5676P6- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5676P6
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AU$180.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- ewilsonxx0 contributionsEasy and professional. Our trip to the island and back was seamless. The need to remove battery from bike was a hassle.Easy and professional. Our trip to the island and back was seamless. The need to remove battery from bike was a hassle. But they are unable to ensure no damage. Our bike as it was got quite knocked around with a lot of rental bikes leaning against it. I feel if you take your own bike it needs to be treated a bit better than the rentals. Apart from that both trips were fine.Written 20 November 2024
- JonathanP4000 contributionsSuper tour of a beautiful islandThe bayseeker tour includes the ferry to and from the island from Hillary's Boat Harbour. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes each way and we were lucky enough to see whales on the way across and back. This tour gave us about 3 hours free time on the island, plus a 90 minutes bus tour. Glenn our driver was a mine of information about the island, local life and times and made us laugh out loud several times. A super tour of a beautiful island.Written 19 November 2024
- jerneja980 contributionsBeautiful island and a must see while in PerthIn my opinion Rottnest Island is a must see when in Perth. The little quakkas and beautiful beaches are stunning so having a full day here is a must. This tour offers the ferry (and pick up from Perth city) as well as a bike rental. And while I loved the ferry and the island, I didn’t necessarily enjoy the biking as it was a very hot day. So if I’d go again I would pick to take the hop-on hop-off bus around the island and I would rather take my time on the beaches.Written 17 November 2024
- sydneysider480 contributionsA good look at a beautiful island.Rottnest Island is surprisingly large and the bus trip around the island showed off the beauty of the place and its many pretty beaches and clear, turquoise waters.Written 6 November 2024
- soo210 contributionsFabulous dayThis was our first visit. I did a little bit of research and decided that the hop on/ hop off bus would be our best option It was very busy when we first got off the ferry, but after seeing some quokkas we soon got on a bus The buses were busy but so easy to use. We never waited long for one and we could do as we pleased What a beautiful place. The beaches were incredible especially Ricey beach. Stunning. It was a beautiful sunny day which helped. The ferry was a little bumpy on the outward journey, but smooth sailing back.Written 19 October 2024
- Julie J0 contributionsGreat ferry ride.The ferry ride was great- around 45 minutes and the staff were really great. Drinks available to buy. Heaps of room in and outside of the ferry. Rottnest fast ferries are totally Australian owned which is great.Written 19 October 2024
- Glenn H0 contributionsComfortable trip in rough conditionsThe trip was pleasant and the staff on the ferry accommodating given the rough conditions. Highly recommend using this service on their brand new boatWritten 1 October 2024
- maydinaustralia0 contributionsOur Family adventure to RottoThe trip was a little rough on the way over and the grew were so accomodating and respectful helping those that weren’t feeling the best. We had the same crew on the way back and they were terrificWritten 27 September 2024
- EleanorGray0 contributionsWell Worth It!What an absolutely amazing day we had. We were picked up in Perth near to our hotel and got to see the sights to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Had a lovely trip down Sunset Drive. Saw humpback whales on the way to Rottnest. We also purchased the island explorer hop on hop off bus with Rottnest Fast Ferries. A great price for all the inclusions we had.Written 13 September 2024
- 606valh0 contributionsAmazing Bucket list adventureFantastic whale cruise, the staff were amazing and the marine biologist was really informative and excited for all on board being able to see a Southern Right Whale which has been really unsual to see in this area. The Hump backs were passing by with their calves and smacking their tails close to our boat. All of the staff were friendly and looked after me really well as I was using a disability scooter. I would highly recommend this ferry and crew for making one of my bucket list a truly wonderful experience. Will be using Rottnest fast ferries for my next trip to Rottnest, Thank you so muchWritten 9 September 2024
- Trek461206436130 contributionsGirls weekend Rotto,Smooth ride over, great crew both ways ,easy check in wonderful staff assisting at the office highly recommend , this service.Written 30 May 2024
- Tourist331353967220 contributionsGreatGreat service, friendly helpful staff. Prompt times.. comfy seating with toilets, food and bevies on board. Very happy with the service.Written 23 May 2024
- nanamarie20150 contributionsGreat day on RottnestGreat day.very easy with complimentary shuttle bus pick up from easy to find pick up point in city.If last tour like us it also includes return shuttle to Perth which is so convenient. Our cray dog lunch was excellent and our Simmos icecream huge and delicious. We saw few Quokkas mainly around the cafe and old settlement buildings. Hop on off bus a little overcrowded we stayed on for the complete loop which proved best choice. Nice day all up.Written 3 May 2024
- GailM8600 contributionsWearyFerry trip was amazing.. on A rough return trip.. This company is a very well operated company We hired bikes.. no dramas at allWritten 30 April 2024
- Shinester8880 contributionsA good coverage on WW11 local history!Being interested in history this was a must for me. The train was not running so a bus replaced it; no issue really. We done the tour with Ian, it was very enlightening and comprehensive. You get to explore the full complex!Written 18 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.0
32 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
3
PMQuestions
North Yorkshire, UK35,738 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Absolutely brilliantly package. Coach from outside the hotel to the ferry, clear directions for a short walk to the railway station on Rottnest. Train ride, tour of the gun battery, train ride back. Straight onto a coach to see the rest of the island. Quokka aplenty at the end then onto the ferry for the ride home and the coach back.
Very well put together and executed.
Very well put together and executed.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John R
32 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
This tour is best seen as providing a days look at the Island. You spend much of your time in the Second World War tunnels and then a bus tour around the island. There’s no time to properly experience the beauty of the place and is best used as a useful reconnaissance to go back another time knowing the best beaches to go to and how to orientate yourself.
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff C
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
Mini bus pickup from City to Hillary’s harbour. Excellent diesel train trip to Oliver Hill gun emplacements with full tour of the amazing wartime facility. Lunch supplied then bus trip around the island with full commentary on all the sights and history. Saw a rare Osprey with nest, dugite snakes sunning themselves, friendly lizards, whales and of course the little quokkas. These were common around the commercial area near the harbour!
Written 9 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morris A
1 contribution
90 minute discovery Tour of Rottnest Island on September 11.
Tour Guide Sophie/ Sonia was outstanding. Presentation methods and subject knowledge were excellent. Seen by the bus load of tourists as personable and generous.
Tour Guide Sophie/ Sonia was outstanding. Presentation methods and subject knowledge were excellent. Seen by the bus load of tourists as personable and generous.
Written 11 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Rottnest Island. Rottnest Fast Ferries were excellent. Guided tour of island was comprehensive and enjoyable. Tour of gun & tunnels was extremely informative. Volunteer guide was very knowledgeable. Beautiful Island with lots of options for travellers.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leone S
1 contribution
June 2024 • Couples
Had to run from late ferry to tour bus. Bus broken too. Train been broken for weeks, wasn't told till last minute. Didn't see quokka till last hour on island due to tour. Tour guide amateur, rushed. Gun turret interesting.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camper06007978614
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Great day out. Very informative guide, Glen. Really enjoyed the bus and train trip. Could have spent less time at the gun and more at the light house. Good picnic lunch. Lovely to meet the quokas.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DarjeelingDot
Melbourne, Australia465 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
For a trip that was to be the highlight of our trip it turned out to be the most memorable for all the wrong reasons.
One disaster after another. That sums up our horrendous day trip with this company.
First, the hotel pick up was late. We had to call to see what was happening to be told the bus was running late (we already figured that one out). No apology.
We get to the jetty late to be given morning tea vouchers five minutes before the ferry left. Can we take takeaway on board? Don’t know!
Onto the ferry, now for our safety instructions, watch our helpful staff demonstrate. We’re still waiting. No safety demonstration instead a Mr Bean movie. Don’t know how that’ll stop me drowning.
We pull into Rottnest jetty, follow the signs to the train. We wait and wait for any directions. Finally get on the train which was overfilled, to be told it can take up to 63 people, so 63 people were very uncomfortably put on the train.
Off we go, waiting for the live commentary which consisted of us being taken to a set of old military tunnels. We were not given clear instruction about what was to happen some people stayed on board others got off. My partner went to the front of the train to ask BOB to clarify what was happening when he POINTED AND SHOUTED AT ME TO GET OFF THE TRAIN. Why? It’s part of the tour. We’re claustrophobic so elected to not to go into the tunnels and were berated by Bob.
Thankfully, the train broke down and a bus was sent up to collect us to take us to the Settlement. Lisa the bus driver kept saying ‘what a day, what a day’. We were dropped off and told lunch will be dropped off and a picnic area pointed at where that was. We then waited for TWO HOURS for the other members of the tour to be dropped back. So what’s happening now? No, the tours not proceeding yet as they have to have lunch. Lunch finally over, the bus wasn’t big enough for all the people on the tour. That entailed another 20 minute wait and what had we seen on the Grand Tour, the bus stop!
Totally frustrated we told Bob we had had enough and not continuing on the tour. We hadn’t even seen a quokka up to then. We started walking away only to have BOB chase us yelling at us.We saw more walking around by ourselves.
Ferry time we lined up to board to be told we didn’t have the right ticket, no, BOB had it. The crew member made us stand aside while he checked on board everybody else despite our protests. No, two seconds to check his iPad was too much.
Back on the ferry NO SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. Then an elderly man had a heavy fall and had to be attended to by passengers. When the crew where asked for assistance they got an icepack, not once did they check on the welfare on the old man.
We finally get off the ferry, now which bus is there to take us back to the hotel. We went to a bus that had our hotel listed on it to be told by the driver we weren’t on that bus it was for Rendezvous Scarborough. But it has ‘city’ on it. We went to the other bus and the driver said, no, the other bus.
So back to the first bus and said ‘so this is the right bus afterall’., to be told rudely by the bus driver ‘well it wasn’t too far to walk’. On the drop offs into the city he didn’t HAVE ENOUGH SEATS so THREE passengers HAD TO STAND UNTIL their drop off.
Clearly an OH&S issue.
When we were approaching our drop off the driver very roughly pulled in to the drop off.
NEVER EVER HAVE WE EXPERIENCED SUCH RUDE, BULLISH BEHAVIOUR OF THE STAFF OF A TOUR COMPANY. Every single step was a disaster. Every single step.
Whatever you do, don’t go with this company, you will regret it.
One disaster after another. That sums up our horrendous day trip with this company.
First, the hotel pick up was late. We had to call to see what was happening to be told the bus was running late (we already figured that one out). No apology.
We get to the jetty late to be given morning tea vouchers five minutes before the ferry left. Can we take takeaway on board? Don’t know!
Onto the ferry, now for our safety instructions, watch our helpful staff demonstrate. We’re still waiting. No safety demonstration instead a Mr Bean movie. Don’t know how that’ll stop me drowning.
We pull into Rottnest jetty, follow the signs to the train. We wait and wait for any directions. Finally get on the train which was overfilled, to be told it can take up to 63 people, so 63 people were very uncomfortably put on the train.
Off we go, waiting for the live commentary which consisted of us being taken to a set of old military tunnels. We were not given clear instruction about what was to happen some people stayed on board others got off. My partner went to the front of the train to ask BOB to clarify what was happening when he POINTED AND SHOUTED AT ME TO GET OFF THE TRAIN. Why? It’s part of the tour. We’re claustrophobic so elected to not to go into the tunnels and were berated by Bob.
Thankfully, the train broke down and a bus was sent up to collect us to take us to the Settlement. Lisa the bus driver kept saying ‘what a day, what a day’. We were dropped off and told lunch will be dropped off and a picnic area pointed at where that was. We then waited for TWO HOURS for the other members of the tour to be dropped back. So what’s happening now? No, the tours not proceeding yet as they have to have lunch. Lunch finally over, the bus wasn’t big enough for all the people on the tour. That entailed another 20 minute wait and what had we seen on the Grand Tour, the bus stop!
Totally frustrated we told Bob we had had enough and not continuing on the tour. We hadn’t even seen a quokka up to then. We started walking away only to have BOB chase us yelling at us.We saw more walking around by ourselves.
Ferry time we lined up to board to be told we didn’t have the right ticket, no, BOB had it. The crew member made us stand aside while he checked on board everybody else despite our protests. No, two seconds to check his iPad was too much.
Back on the ferry NO SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. Then an elderly man had a heavy fall and had to be attended to by passengers. When the crew where asked for assistance they got an icepack, not once did they check on the welfare on the old man.
We finally get off the ferry, now which bus is there to take us back to the hotel. We went to a bus that had our hotel listed on it to be told by the driver we weren’t on that bus it was for Rendezvous Scarborough. But it has ‘city’ on it. We went to the other bus and the driver said, no, the other bus.
So back to the first bus and said ‘so this is the right bus afterall’., to be told rudely by the bus driver ‘well it wasn’t too far to walk’. On the drop offs into the city he didn’t HAVE ENOUGH SEATS so THREE passengers HAD TO STAND UNTIL their drop off.
Clearly an OH&S issue.
When we were approaching our drop off the driver very roughly pulled in to the drop off.
NEVER EVER HAVE WE EXPERIENCED SUCH RUDE, BULLISH BEHAVIOUR OF THE STAFF OF A TOUR COMPANY. Every single step was a disaster. Every single step.
Whatever you do, don’t go with this company, you will regret it.
Written 10 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello DarjeelingDot,
I am disappointed to have taken so long to respond to your review.
It took some time to investigate the issues and concerns you experienced over the day, both getting to and from Rottnest Island plus your experiences with the tour operator running the Grand Island Tour on Rottnest island.
I have made several attempt to contact you on the number that was attached to your booking in order to ask further questions as your review does not represent the usual experience of our customers booking and travelling with us.
Your review makes some extremely serious claims that cannot be ignored and as such would still like the opportunity to speak to you, could you contact me at feedback@rottnestfastferries.com.au, with a possible alterative phone number?
I can perhaps see how your day did not start as anticipated, the courtesy coach that picked you up to take you to the ferry terminal was indeed late, due to picking up passengers from other hotels and unexpected roadworks in the city during peak hour traffic. You did the right thing ringing the office, and the information they gave you was correct.
Our Coach tracker shows that your courtesy coach made up time and you arrived at the ferry terminal 1 minute early at 9.14am, 46 minutes before departure.
Our Booking System shows that you checked in and where given all of your paperwork, morning tea vouchers, tickets and explanation of what to expect during the day at our ticket office at 9.21am, 39 minutes before departure.
Our Boarding System shows that our skipper, who also happened to be one of the owner of the business, scanned your ticket as you boarded our ferry to Rottnest at 9.44am 16 minutes before departure.
The Owner and skipper for your morning crossing to Rottnest Island has confirmed that he did play the Safety Video.
As mentioned the tour on the Island is run by a third party, and I would like to talk through that with you as have some questions after speaking to their operations manager.
Our skipper followed correct procedures when he asked you to step to the side so to board the customers in line before searching his system for your missing ticket. You were given separate tickets for the Island Tour, I’m not sure if you ended up finding them in your belongings on your return to your hotel.
Your comments about the elderly man not receiving help from our crew is incorrect, the customer that assisted him that you are referring to, was one of our workers on the island. Our crew did indeed check on the gentleman and he thanked them for their assistance when departing our ferry.
DarjeelingDot, we are disappointed that your experience did not meet your expectations, as mentioned above I would like to discuss your complaints with you.
Regards
Phil Richards- Director of Sales and Marketing
Written 18 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichaelandAnne
Bribie Island, Australia526 contributions
June 2022
Great service - we booked the bus on Rottnest and the pick-up/return via them. Their ship is very modern and moves along. One warning - it does go into the ocean - if you are slightly of the "nauseous persuasion" when on a boat - travel downstairs in the rear - middle preferably. The ship was extremely clean and staff were excellent. Comfortable seats and good room.
Food and drink onboard and toilets. I saw people bringing bikes etc. People staying on the Island also had luggage which was stored by the crew.
A lovely marina so you might want to have a look about and a coffee. It seems a more efficient set-up than via Fremantle - but both would be fun.
Food and drink onboard and toilets. I saw people bringing bikes etc. People staying on the Island also had luggage which was stored by the crew.
A lovely marina so you might want to have a look about and a coffee. It seems a more efficient set-up than via Fremantle - but both would be fun.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vannsandra
Perth, Australia169 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
I confess, we thought we had only booked the bus tour, but were on the train and military tunnels tour also. The bus tour showed plenty of nice places, but there was no time to stop and take photos. Rottnest as a whole is misleading in regard to Quokkas. We had been told you would see them everywhere, but it turns out, they are nocturnal. If we had just stuck to the bus tour, we could have spent more time with those that were about (our main reason for going), but we were left with very little time to see them and enjoy them. If it is the wildlife you are after, stick to the bus tour only. The ferry was fantastic and the tour guides were excellent - you couldn’t fault them.
Written 8 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear vannsandra,
Thank you for your feedback on your visit to Rottnest Island last week. I'm sorry you felt rushed during your visit, perhaps the Island Explorer would have been a better option as this tour gives customers the opportunity to hop off at a stop and hop back on the next bus. We are disappointed that you didn't have the opportunity to interact with the Islands beautiful Quokkas, whist they are nocturnal, during the day is when most people capture their Quokka Selfie! Usually the main Settlement is where you will see them up and about around the clock. I glad you found our Ferry experience and the caliber of the guides excellent.
Thanks again for the feedback
Best Wishes
Phil Richards- Director of Sales and Marketing
Written 10 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wildingte
Basingstoke, United Kingdom
If I book the ferry, when I get to Rottnest, can I then book a guided tour on the island?
Written 15 March 2019
Does the free time include time for the guided tour to the Quokkas?
Written 27 December 2018
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