Rottnest Island Oliver Hill Train & Tunnel Tour

Walk through enclosed WW2 tunnels carved into Oliver Hill, climbing 240+ uneven steps into a working gun emplacement.

The Rottnest Island Oliver Hill Train & Tunnel Tour combines a relaxing trolley train ride across the island with a 45-minute guided descent into the historic Guns and Tunnels fortification. The tour covers roughly 700 metres of walking through enclosed tunnels with significant elevation change and uneven surfaces. A live guide in English leads the tunnel section, explaining the military role Rottnest played during World War II. The trolley train itself is air-conditioned and seats 64 passengers. Ferry transport to and from the island is not included and must be arranged separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Rottnest Island and Oliver Hill

• See historic Rottnest Island settlement
• Ride Captain Hussey trolley train
• Join 45-minute guided Guns and Tunnels tour

The experience

The day starts with a 64-seat trolley train ride that passes the main settlement and other landmarks before arriving at Oliver Hill. Once there, the guided portion begins: a 45-minute walk through the tunnels and gun positions that defended Australian ports during WW2. The route is physically demanding: roughly 700 metres of walking with 240+ uneven steps (equivalent to climbing eight storeys) and no rest stops once you're inside. The tunnels have low ceilings and uneven surfaces throughout, so you'll need to watch your footing and follow the guide's instructions closely.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Infants can be carried in baby carriers, which keeps the adult's hands free for the tunnel railings. Other children cannot be carried. The tour takes about two hours total, and you'll choose your departure time at checkout: options run from 10:30 through 13:30. The trolley itself is air-conditioned, but the tunnel section is unshaded and involves sustained physical effort, so bring water and wear sturdy shoes with good grip.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned trolley train ride across Rottnest Island.
• live guide commentary during the Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels tour.

Options for this experience

4 options

10:30 OHTTGuide in English · 10:30

13:30 OHTTGuide in English · 13:30

11:30 OHTTGuide in English · 11:30

12:30 OHTTGuide in English · 12:30

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 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30

Book up to8h before

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

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Australian Pinnacle Tours

Is this one for you?The trolley train makes the island landmarks accessible without walking the whole route, then the tunnel section delivers the physical challenge and historical depth for visitors fit enough to handle sustained climbing and uneven ground. Skip this if you have mobility constraints or prefer a gentler pace: the tunnels offer no rest stops and demand real stamina.

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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 makes the tunnel walk so physically demanding?

The Guns and Tunnels section covers roughly 700 metres of walking with 240+ uneven steps, equivalent to climbing eight storeys, all within enclosed tunnels with low ceilings and uneven surfaces. There are no rest stops and no backtracking once you enter, so you'll need moderate fitness and the ability to sustain effort for 45 minutes without a break.

Is ferry transport to Rottnest Island included in this tour?

Ferry transport to and from the island is not included. You'll need to book your own passage on a ferry operator of your choice before the tour begins.

What time options are available for the tour?

Departures run at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30. You'll select your preferred time when you book.