Rottnest Island Grand Tour: Train, Tunnels & Lunch

Four hours covering WWII history, lighthouse views and a fur seal colony

A 4-hour guided tour of Rottnest Island combining a historic train ride to Oliver Hill, a 45-minute walk through WWII tunnels and gun emplacements, lunch, and coach stops at Wadjemup Lighthouse, Jeannie's Lookout and Cathedral Rocks. The tour includes live commentary and an air-conditioned vehicle for the coach portion. Ferry transport to the island is booked separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rottnest Island guided tour and sights

• Ride historic trolley train to Oliver Hill
• Tour WWII Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels
• Enjoy included light lunch
• Coach tour with ocean views at Jeannie's Lookout
• Pass by salt lakes on coach
• Pass Wadjemup Lighthouse
• Visit fur seal colony at Cathedral Rocks

The experience

The tour starts with a historic trolley train that climbs to Oliver Hill, where you enter a guided walk through the WWII defence tunnels and gun positions that protected Western Australia's ports during the war. The Oliver Hill component runs 45 minutes and involves roughly 700 metres of walking plus 240 uneven steps through enclosed tunnels with low ceilings and uneven surfaces. There are no rest stops or backtracking once you're inside. After that, lunch is included before you board an air-conditioned coach for the second half of the day.

The coach leg takes you to Jeannie's Lookout for ocean views and fringing reef, then to Cathedral Rocks at the West End to watch the long-nosed fur seal colony. You'll also pass Wadjemup Lighthouse, built in 1896 and still operating with a 26-nautical-mile range. Along the way, the guide points out the island's salt lakes (some permanent year-round, others that dry in summer), and explains how algae and salt interact to turn certain lakes pink. Live commentary runs throughout.

The tour departs at either 11:15am or 11:30am depending on the option you choose. Ferry transport to and from Rottnest Island is not included and must be arranged separately with your preferred operator. Children under 12 need an adult with them at all times. Small infants can be carried in baby carriers inside the tunnels so the adult keeps both hands free for the railings, but no other child carrying is allowed.

What’s included

• Historic train ride to Oliver Hill.
• 45-minute guided WWII tunnels and guns tour.
• light lunch.
• air-conditioned coach for the island leg.
• stops at Wadjemup Lighthouse, Jeannie's Lookout and Cathedral Rocks.
• live guide commentary throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 38

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Australian Pinnacle Tours

Is this one for you?The Oliver Hill tunnels involve 700 metres of walking and 240+ uneven steps with no rest stops, so you need a moderate level of fitness and comfort with enclosed spaces. If the tunnels aren't for you, the coach portion alone covers the lighthouse, seal colony and lookout views at a steady pace.

Traveler reviews

4.31★★★★★★★★★★

74 verified traveler reviews

5 ★42

4 ★22

3 ★4

2 ★3

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: 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.

What's involved in the Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels part of the tour?

Oliver Hill is a 45-minute guided walk through WWII-era defence tunnels and gun emplacements built to protect Australian ports. The walk covers roughly 700 metres with 240 uneven steps through enclosed tunnels. There are no rest stops or backtracking once inside, and you need to watch for low ceilings and uneven surfaces. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to book my own ferry to Rottnest Island?

Yes, ferry transport to and from the island is not included in this tour and must be arranged separately with your preferred ferry operator.

What can I see at Cathedral Rocks?

Cathedral Rocks at the West End is home to a long-nosed fur seal colony. The tour stops there so you can watch the seals and take in the views.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

A light lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included, so you may want to bring your own or purchase them separately.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 4 hours total, starting at either 11:15am or 11:30am depending on which option you book.