Getting to Rottnest
Rottnest is a popular ferry destination. This is especially true for day tourists. Before Corona (2019), 502,585 people visited the island by ferry, of which 404,471 booked a day trip.[1]Rottnest Island Authority Annual Reports – Rottnest Island Authority
If you are planning to visit Rottnest, you can choose from threeΒ ferry operators that depart from four locations. You can view the departure ports on the map below.
Those who want to stay on the island must also pay an Island Admission Fee. That's AUD 20 for adults and AUD 7 for children. This is automatically added to your ferry booking.
You may also like:
Map with crossings to Rottnest Island
If you are departing from the North, the Hillarys ferry is definitely worth considering. This sails to the island in 45 minutes.
There are two ships from Fremantle. Rottnest Express departs north of the water Swan/Inner Harbor and Sealink south of this. The ports are not too far from a bridge so you could consider both.
The ferry from central Perth takes 1.5 hours to the island and is much more expensive than the other routes. However, choosing this crossing can be very convenient as you don't have to travel all the way to the coast.
Also on this page
Rottnest Island Ferry Tickets
Rottnest Express ferry departing from Fremantle
The ferries that leave for Rottnest are comparable in price. Only the ferry from the centre of Perth is much more expensive. This is also in line with the sailing time, which is considerably longer.
| Fares | Rottnest Express | Rottnest Express | Rottnest Fast Ferries | Sealink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|  |
|
| |
| North Fremantle | Perth | Hillarys | Fremantle | |
| Adult | AUD $59 | AUD $93 | AUD $68 | AUD $59 |
| 4-12 years | AUD $32 | AUD $52 | AUD $42 | AUD $33 |
| 0-3 years | Free | Free | AUD $5 | Free |
| Family | AUD $ 156 | AUD $261 | AUD $191 | AUD $179 |
| Book Tickets | Book Tickets | Book Tickets | Book Tickets |
An extra Island Admission fee is added to each ticket:Β
- Adults: $20 for one day trip and $26 for an extended stay
- Children 4-12: $7 for one day trip and $9 for an extended stay
- Children 0-3: Free
Tickets can be booked through the ferry companies themselves or via a booking website. The advantage of this is that you get all price proposals in one overview and can therefore easily compare.
Timetable, availability, and compare prices
Our online booking module makes it easy to find and book your desired ferry crossing. All you have to do is enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates. The system will show you the best routes and possible alternatives. You can then choose the ferry that best suits your needs and budget. Have a great trip to Rottnest!
Travel tip: Book early
The prices for the ferries rise sharply as the boats fill up. Especially during peak season, the ferries and parking decks fill up quickly. Therefore, book far in advance and avoid high costs.
Getting Around at Rottnest Island
Bikes at Parker Point, Rottnest Island
All ferries arrive at the same pier on the east side of the island. This is on Henderson Avenue, near the visitor centre. From here you can continue your way in different ways.
Rottnest Island is a car-free island. So you cannot drive around in your own car. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options to explore the island. For example, there is a bicycle rental and a Segway rental near the harbour in Rottnest. It is of course also possible to bring your own bicycle on the ferry.
Hiking is also great fun on the island. But exploring the island on foot is a bit too much for most people. The shortest route from the ferry port to the other side of the island is about 6 miles or 10 km. That is certainly not the most beautiful route. So to be able to explore the island properly, you need to be a well-trained hiker.
Many people opt for the hop-on-hop-off bus. With this, you can easily view the highlights of the park and plan your walks yourself. This also leaves you with some extra time to spot Quokkas or take a dip in the sea.
The Quokka, is the small Wallaby species that the island of Rottnest is famous for.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rottnest ferries
You can choose crossings with three ferry operators. These are Sealink, Rottnest Express and Rottnest Fast Ferries.Β
A ferry ticket for an adult is between AUD $59 and AUD $93 for a day trip. Besides this, you need to pay an admission fee for the island, AUD $20.Β
If you are traveling with a family you can get a family discount. The amount, however, increases considerably. From Fremantle, a family with 2 children costs around AUD $205. That amount can go up to AUD $321 for tourists from Perth.
The ferry operators departing from Fremantle offer the cheapest tickets to Rottnest Island. Rottnest Express and Sealink charge AUD $59 for an adult's return ticket (day tour). However, the Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle is the cheapest if you are travelling with children.
Use our ferry guides and maps
Ferry talk: Share your questions and opinions
Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!
References
| ↑1 | Rottnest Island Authority Annual Reports – Rottnest Island Authority |
|---|
Im hoping to take this trip next year from Hillarys Harbour, How frequent are the trips?