Rottnest Island tour from Hillarys: Ferry, bus & quokkas
Ferry crossing and guided island loop in one morning
A day trip from Perth to Rottnest Island that starts with a high-speed ferry crossing from Hillarys Boat Harbour and continues with a 90-minute guided bus tour of the island's main sites. You'll see Mabel Cove, Jeannie's Lookout and Wadjemup Lighthouse while your driver explains the island's history, wildlife and Noongar heritage. Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Perth hotels are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Rottnest Island bus tour and ferry
- Board ferry at Hillarys Boat Harbour
- Enjoy 45 minute ferry crossing
- Visit Rottnest Island resource hub
- Take 90-minute guided bus tour
- Stop at Mabel Cove and Jeannie's Lookout
- Visit Wadjemup Lighthouse and learn history
- Relax on Rottnest Island
- Return ferry to Hillarys Boat Harbour
- Optional dinner at Hillarys Boat Harbour
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Perth hotels.
- high-speed ferry crossing to Rottnest Island.
- 90-minute guided bus tour of the island.
- all taxes, fees, Government Landing Fees and handling charges.
- free parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Times
- Every day 07:30 10:00
Before you book
Operated by Rottnest Fast Ferries
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day begins at Hillarys Boat Harbour, where you board a Rottnest Fast Ferries vessel for the 45-minute crossing. The ferry is the newest and most spacious on the route, locally operated. Once you arrive at Rottnest Island, you have time to visit the Main Settlement resource hub before heading to the Main Bus Stop for your guided tour.
Your 90-minute bus tour covers the island in air-conditioned comfort. The driver provides running commentary on the island's history, wildlife, culture and maritime heritage as you travel. Two key stops break up the route: Mabel Cove, where you can take in the coastal views, and Jeannie's Lookout for another vantage point. The tour also stops at Wadjemup Lighthouse, Western Australia's first lighthouse, which became Australia's first rotating beam lighthouse after its 1881 conversion. Your driver will share the Noongar history connected to the site.
After the bus tour ends, the island is yours to explore at your own pace. You can relax on a beach, walk around the Main Settlement, or look for quokkas. When you're ready to leave, catch the return fast ferry back to Hillarys Boat Harbour. If you booked the hotel transfer service in advance, you'll be dropped at your Perth hotel. Otherwise, you can stay longer at the Harbour, which has restaurants, cafes and bars, or make your own way back to the city.
Is this one for you?The guided bus tour means you see the island's main sites and history without navigating on your own, and the ferry schedule is built into the booking, so you don't arrange transport separately. Choose this if you want a structured introduction to Rottnest in a single morning and prefer not to rent a car or plan your own route around the island.
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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 from Hillarys to Rottnest Island?
The crossing takes 45 minutes on a high-speed ferry operated by Rottnest Fast Ferries, the newest and most spacious vessel on the route.
What is Wadjemup Lighthouse and why does it matter?
Wadjemup Lighthouse was Western Australia's first lighthouse and became Australia's first rotating beam lighthouse after its conversion in 1881. The site also holds Noongar history, which your guide will explain during the tour stop.
Can I explore Rottnest Island on my own, or is the whole day guided?
The 90-minute bus tour is guided, but after it ends you have free time to explore the island at your own pace before catching the return ferry. You can visit beaches, the Main Settlement, or search for quokkas on your own.
Is lunch included, and where can I eat on the island?
Lunch is not included in the tour package, but the Main Settlement at Rottnest has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
How does the hotel transfer work at the end of the day?
Free hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Perth hotels is included, but it must be pre-booked when you reserve the tour. If you don't book it in advance, you can stay at Hillarys Boat Harbour or make your own way back to the city.
Rottnest Island tour from Hillarys: Ferry, bus & quokkas
7h 30m · EN
from AU$ 145 per person
≈ US$ 103 in your currency
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