Rottnest Island Ferry Roundtrip: Free Day to Explore

Spend a full day island-hopping without booking every hour

A roundtrip fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, 11 miles off Perth's coast, with free parking and optional hotel pickup. You arrive after a 40-minute crossing and have the full day to swim at any of 63 bays and beaches, hire a bike, join a guided tour, or simply sit in a cafe in the Settlement. The return ferry departs at 4:30pm, giving you flexibility to plan as you go instead of following a fixed itinerary.

The experience

The ferry leaves Hillarys Boat Harbour at either 7:30am or 10:00am depending on which option you book, and the crossing takes 40 minutes. Free parking is included at the harbour, and if you choose the transfer option, a driver picks you up from selected Perth hotels and brings you back after your return. You board a high-speed ferry with other day-trippers, and the boat does the work while you settle in for the ride out.

Once you land at Rottnest Island, the day is yours to shape. The island has 63 bays and beaches to choose from. Some are a short walk from the main jetty, others require a bike or the shuttle bus (both available to hire on the island). You can swim in coral-reef waters, walk the island's colonial architecture in the Settlement, grab lunch at one of the cafes and restaurants there, or pack a picnic and disappear to a secluded bay. A guided tour is also available if you want someone to show you the island's layout and wildlife. The only fixed point is the 4:10pm arrival time at the main jetty for your 4:30pm return ferry.

The return crossing takes the same 40 minutes, and you're back at Hillarys by late afternoon. If you booked the evening option (7:30am departure with return at 6:45pm), you get an extra two hours on the island. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and children must stay with an adult throughout the day. The whole experience is wheelchair accessible, and there's no fitness requirement. The pace is entirely up to you.

What’s included

• Roundtrip fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island.
• free parking at the harbour.
• optional hotel pickup from selected Perth hotels on request.
• all taxes, fees, Government Landing Fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

4 options

10:00 am to 4:30 pm, with transferGuide in English · 10:00Pickup is included

10:00 am to 4:30 pm, no transfersGuide in English · 10:00

7:30 am to 4:30 pm, no transferGuide in English · 07:30

7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with transferGuide in English · 07:30Departure at 7:30 am: Board the ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour for a mid-morning crossing. On reaching Rottnest Island, explore the island as you like, then take the 4:30 pm ferry back to the mainland. Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30 and 10:00

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rottnest Fast Ferries

Is this one for you?Choose the 7:30am departure if you want the longest possible day on the island. Pick the 10:00am slot if you prefer a later start and still have a full afternoon to explore. Add hotel pickup if you're traveling without a car, or skip it and use the free parking if you're driving to Hillarys yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the ferry ride to Rottnest Island?

The crossing takes 40 minutes each way on the high-speed ferry, so you're on the water for less than an hour total and have most of the day to spend on the island itself.

What can I actually do once I get to Rottnest Island?

Rottnest Island has 63 bays and beaches to swim at, and you can hire a bike to reach the quieter ones, take the shuttle bus around the island, join a guided tour, or spend the day in the Settlement area where cafes and restaurants are located. You plan your own schedule.

Is food included, or do I need to bring my own?

Food and drinks are not included, but cafes and restaurants operate in the Settlement area on the island, or you can pack a picnic lunch to take with you.

Do I have to book hotel pickup, or can I drive myself to Hillarys?

Hotel pickup from selected Perth hotels is optional. You can choose it when you book, or you can drive to Hillarys Boat Harbour yourself and use the free parking included with your ticket.

What time do I need to be back at the ferry for the return trip?

You must arrive at the main jetty by 4:10pm for the 4:30pm return ferry. If you book the evening option, the return ferry leaves at 6:45pm instead, giving you extra time on the island.