Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys
The tunnels have no rest stops and no way back once you're inside.
A full-day tour from Perth departs by high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, where you board a historic train up to Oliver Hill. A local guide leads you through enclosed military tunnels built during World War II, past 9.2 inch diameter guns and defence mechanisms, then back down by train to the island settlement before the ferry returns you to the harbour. The tour is physically demanding: 45 minutes of walking 700 metres over 240+ uneven steps with low ceilings and no rest stops inside.
Step-by-step itinerary
Rottnest Island WWII Train and Tunnel Tour
- Depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour
- Ferry to Rottnest Island
- Board Captain Hussey train to Oliver Hill
- Guided tour of WWII tunnels and guns
- Train back to Rottnest Island Settlement
- Free time on Rottnest Island
- Return ferry to Hillarys Boat Harbour
- Hillarys Boat Harbour 30m
- Rottnest Island passing by
What’s included
- High-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island.
- historic train ride to Oliver Hill and back to the settlement.
- local guide for the tunnel tour.
- all taxes, fees, handling charges and government landing fees.
Times
- Every day 10:00
Before you book
Operated by Rottnest Fast Ferries
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The experience
The ferry leaves Hillarys Boat Harbour and crosses to Rottnest Island on one of the newest and most spacious ferries in the fleet. Once you arrive at the island settlement, you walk to the Captain Hussey train station and board the historic train for the ride up to Oliver Hill. The views open as you climb. The train itself is part of the day, not just transport to it.
At Oliver Hill, the guide takes you into the tunnel system that defended Australian ports during World War II. You'll see the 9.2 inch diameter guns and the mechanisms built to protect against warships. The tunnels are enclosed with low ceilings and uneven surfaces underfoot. The walk covers approximately 700 metres over 240+ uneven steps, equivalent to climbing eight storeys, with no rest stops and no backtracking once you enter. You follow the guide's instructions closely and watch for trip hazards. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Small infants can travel in baby carriers, which keep the accompanying adult's hands free for the railings.
After the tunnel tour, you take the train back down to the Rottnest Island Settlement. You have free time to explore the island, visit the Visitor Centre, or eat at the restaurants and cafes in the main settlement before boarding the fast ferry back to Hillarys Boat Harbour. If you booked the return hotel transfer, it departs from selected Perth hotels. Otherwise, free parking is available at the harbour.
Is this one for you?This tour suits travellers with moderate to good fitness who can handle steep, uneven terrain and enclosed spaces without rest stops. The fixed schedule and guided format mean you move through the tunnels as a group with an expert, which is essential for safety in the low-ceilinged passages and on the 240+ steps.
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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 exactly is Oliver Hill and why does it matter to Rottnest's history?
Oliver Hill is a World War II defence site on Rottnest Island that protected major Australian ports from Japanese warships during the war. It's now a significant heritage site where visitors can see the original 9.2 inch diameter guns and the tunnel system built into the hillside as part of Australia's coastal defence strategy.
How physically demanding is the tunnel tour inside Oliver Hill?
The 45-minute guided tunnel tour involves walking approximately 700 metres over 240+ uneven steps with low ceilings and uneven surfaces. There are no rest stops once you enter the tunnels and no way to backtrack, so you need at least a moderate level of fitness and the ability to navigate steep, enclosed spaces.
What's included in the ferry and train travel?
The high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, the historic Captain Hussey train up to Oliver Hill, and the train ride back down to the settlement are all included. The local guide, all taxes, fees, handling charges and government landing fees are also included in the price.
How much free time do I have on Rottnest Island after the tunnel tour?
After you return by train to the Rottnest Island Settlement, you have free time before the ferry departs back to Hillarys. You can visit the Visitor Centre, explore the settlement, or eat at the restaurants and cafes there. The exact amount of free time depends on the ferry schedule for your return crossing.
Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys
7h 30m · EN
from AU$ 130 per person
≈ US$ 93 in your currency
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