Rottnest Island tour from Fremantle: Heritage train & guided bus

Ride the heritage train to Oliver Hill, then tour the island by bus with a guide

A full-day guided tour of Rottnest Island departing from Fremantle, combining a heritage train ride to Oliver Hill with a WWII Guns & Tunnel tour, a guided bus loop of the island, and light lunch. The tour runs eight hours and includes ferry transport both ways, with return departure at 4pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rottnest Island guided tour and return

• Check in and board vessel to Rottnest Island
• Arrive and have free time before tour
• Meet guide and board heritage train to Oliver Hill
• Tour Oliver Hill WWII Guns & Tunnel
• Enjoy light sandwich lunch
• Take guided bus tour of the island
• Meet return ferry and depart Rottnest Island
• Disembark at Fremantle

The experience

The day starts with a ferry crossing from Fremantle to Rottnest Island, where you'll have free time before meeting your guide. The tour itself opens with a heritage train ride to Oliver Hill, a historic site on the island's western end. At Oliver Hill you'll tour the WWII Guns & Tunnel, a restored gun emplacement and underground tunnel system built during World War II, then eat a light sandwich lunch.

After Oliver Hill, a guided bus tour covers the rest of the island. Your driver acts as guide, pointing out the salt lakes, woodlands, beaches and wildlife as you move through the A-Class nature reserve. The bus stops at key locations, letting you step out and take in the landscape. The return ferry leaves Rottnest Island at 4pm and reaches Fremantle around 4:35pm.

The heritage train may be substituted with a coach if maintenance is underway, though the route and stops remain the same. The tour suits all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited paid parking is available near the Fremantle departure point, though public transport or a ride share is recommended.

What’s included

• Ferry transport from Fremantle to Rottnest Island and back.
• heritage train ride to Oliver Hill.
• guided tour of the Oliver Hill WWII Guns & Tunnel.
• light sandwich lunch.
• guided bus tour of the island with stops at key locations.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

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

GroupUp to 20 · max 9 per booking

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendly

Operated by Captain Cook Cruises (WA)

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a structured day covering the island's main sights by guided bus and train: the 4pm ferry return works if you're based in Fremantle and prefer not to navigate independently.

Traveler reviews

4.27★★★★★★★★★★

108 verified traveler reviews

5 ★57

4 ★28

3 ★19

2 ★3

1 ★1

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 is the Oliver Hill WWII site like?

Oliver Hill holds a restored gun emplacement and underground tunnel system built during World War II. The guided tour takes you through both the guns and the tunnels, showing how the site was used to defend the island during the war.

Can I bring my own vehicle to Rottnest Island?

The tour includes ferry transport from Fremantle, so you don't need a vehicle on the island. Limited paid parking is available near the Fremantle departure point for your own car.

What happens if the heritage train is not running?

Due to maintenance, a coach may be substituted for the heritage train without notice. The route to Oliver Hill and the stops remain the same. Only the vehicle changes.