Rottnest Island: Ferry Day Trip & Coach Tour from Perth

Summary

Rottnest Island coach tour with ferry ride and time to explore

You’ll cross from Perth or Fremantle by ferry to Rottnest Island, take a local-guided coach tour past lighthouses and rugged coastlines, then spend your afternoon exploring car-free roads or relaxing on quiet beaches before heading back—expect salty air, real stories, and maybe even a dolphin sighting if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to leave the city behind and just drift somewhere that’s mostly bikes, birds, and salty air? That’s pretty much how my Rottnest Island day started. We caught the early ferry from Fremantle—still a bit sleepy, but the Swan River breeze woke me up fast. There’s something about that river light, all silver and blue, that made even my coffee taste different. Our guide on the boat pointed out old shipwrecks (I missed half of them because I was distracted by pelicans—seriously, they’re huge).

Once we landed on Rottnest Island, it felt like stepping into a postcard but with less gloss. The coach tour was about 90 minutes—our driver, Dave, kept tossing in stories about ship captains and quokkas (the little marsupials everyone comes here for). We stopped at Wadjemup Lighthouse for five minutes; I tried to imagine climbing all those steps back in the day. At West End boardwalk, there was this wind that nearly took my hat—smelled like seaweed and sunscreen mixed together. Someone spotted dolphins way out past the rocks; I squinted but only saw whitecaps.

After the tour wrapped up, we had a few hours to roam free. No cars anywhere—just bikes whizzing by and people wandering barefoot with towels slung over their shoulders. I grabbed lunch (fish and chips—couldn’t resist), then wandered down one of those sandy trails where you can hear nothing but gulls arguing overhead. It’s weirdly peaceful. When it was time to catch the return ferry, I felt sunburned and sort of reluctant to leave. That quiet sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rottnest Island ferry and coach tour

• Board ferry from Perth or Fremantle
• Enjoy commentary along Swan River
• Arrive at Rottnest Island
• Stop 5 minutes at Wadjemup Lighthouse
• Stop 15 minutes at west-end boardwalk
• Free time to explore island
• Return ferry to mainland

Top questions

How long is the Rottnest Island coach tour?

The coach tour lasts about 90 minutes once you arrive on Rottnest Island.

Does this day trip include lunch?

Lunch is included if you select that option during booking; otherwise, food is available for purchase on the island.

Where does the ferry depart from?

You can choose to depart from either Perth or Fremantle when booking your ticket.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the journey and on Rottnest Island itself.

How much free time do I get on Rottnest Island?

You’ll have several hours of free time after the coach tour to explore at your own pace before returning by ferry.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry transfers between Perth or Fremantle and Rottnest Island (with scenic Swan River cruise if departing from Perth), a 90-minute guided coach tour with stops at Wadjemup Lighthouse and West End boardwalk, entry fees covered by the Rottnest Island Authority fee, plus lunch if you pick that option when booking—all with a local guide sharing stories along the way before your return trip in the afternoon.