Rottnest Island Tour: Oliver Hill & Island Bus from Perth
The heritage train carries you to a World War II gun emplacement buried in the island's interior.
This all-inclusive day trip from Perth combines a 90-minute ferry cruise across the Swan River with a guided exploration of Rottnest Island's nature reserve, heritage sites and beaches. After arriving on the island, you board a historic train to Oliver Hill for a tour of the restored WWII Guns & Tunnel complex, then ride a bus across the island with a guide pointing out wildlife, salt lakes and woodlands. Light lunch and all entry fees are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Rottnest Island guided tour from Perth
- Check in for cruise
- Cruise from Perth to Rottnest Island
- Free time on Rottnest Island
- Meet guide and board heritage train
- Tour Oliver Hill WWII Guns & Tunnel
- Enjoy light sandwich lunch
- Guided bus tour of island
- Return ferry to Perth
What’s included
- Ferry transfers from Perth to Rottnest Island and back.
- heritage train ride to Oliver Hill.
- guided tour of the Oliver Hill WWII Guns & Tunnel complex.
- guided bus tour of the island with stops at key locations.
- light sandwich lunch.
- admission fees to all sites.
- WiFi on board the ferry.
- restroom facilities on the ferry.
- optional complimentary hotel pickup in Perth (prebook required, subject to availability).
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by SeaLink Western Australia
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The experience
The day starts with a ferry departure from Perth. During the 90-minute cruise along the Swan River, the captain provides commentary on the water and the landscape while you settle in for the crossing. Once you arrive on Rottnest Island, you have free time to walk around before the guided portion begins.
Your guide meets you to board the heritage train: a restored narrow-gauge line that runs across the island to Oliver Hill. At the terminus sits a WWII gun emplacement and underground tunnel complex, preserved from when the site served as a coastal defense post. A guided tour takes you through the tunnels and explains the history, then you eat a light sandwich lunch on site. The train ride itself is the unusual part of the day: most island visitors never see this inland section, and the heritage line gives the journey a distinct character.
After Oliver Hill, you transfer to a bus for a guided circuit of the island. The driver acts as your guide, stopping at key locations and narrating the route: pointing out the salt lakes, woodlands, beaches and the quokkas and other wildlife that make Rottnest an A-Class nature reserve. The return ferry departs at 4:30pm and arrives back in Perth around 6pm, giving you the full day on the island without eating into evening plans.
Is this one for you?The 9.5-hour commitment means you leave Perth early and return by early evening, fitting the full island experience into a single day without cutting into other plans. The fixed return ferry at 4:30pm sets the pace, so you know exactly when the day ends.
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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 is Oliver Hill and why does the tour stop there?
Oliver Hill is a World War II gun emplacement and tunnel complex on Rottnest Island, built as a coastal defense post during the war. The tour includes a guided walk through the restored tunnels and gun positions, accessed by heritage train from the main settlement.
How long is the ferry ride from Perth to Rottnest Island?
The ferry crossing along the Swan River takes 90 minutes each way. The captain provides commentary during the cruise, and you can relax on deck or inside during the transfer.
What wildlife or natural features will I see on the island bus tour?
The guided bus tour takes in the island's salt lakes, woodlands, beaches and fauna. The driver points out attractions and wildlife as you travel, including the quokkas and other animals that live in this nature reserve.
Is lunch included, and what does it consist of?
Yes, a light sandwich lunch is included and is served at Oliver Hill after the guided tour of the WWII site.
What time does the tour end and when do I get back to Perth?
The return ferry departs Rottnest Island at 4:30pm and arrives back in Perth around 6pm, making this a full day trip that leaves your evening free.
Rottnest Island Tour: Oliver Hill & Island Bus from Perth
9h 30m · EN
from AU$ 253.50 per person
≈ US$ 181 in your currency
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