Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Explorer Hop On Hop Off

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A day ticket for Rottnest Island's hop-on, hop-off Island Explorer bus, which loops the island past 19 stops, from the snorkelling bays to the West End and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Use it as often as you like for the day. Bring your own ferry ticket, or choose the option with a return ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour and a Perth hotel pick-up.

Days

Full day bus ticket

Group size

Self-guided day

Start / finish

Main Bus Stop, Rottnest Island (loop), or Perth hotel / Hillarys / Rottnest / Hillarys with the ferry option

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hop-on, hop-off Island Explorer bus, plus hotel transfer and fast ferry on the ferry option

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Australian Pinnacle Tours ROTTNEST - Island Explorer Hop On Hop Off (Ferry fare not included)

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Included experiences

Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay — snorkelling
Salmon Bay — swimming and surfing
Wadjemup Lighthouse — stop at the island's lighthouse
West End — viewing platform and surf beaches
Geordie Bay — swimming beach and restaurant

Australian Pinnacle Tours ROTTNEST - Island Explorer Hop On Hop Off - (Ferry fare not included)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GETTING THERE: THE FERRY AND THE MAIN BUS STOP

Your day starts when the ferry ties up at the jetty in Thomson Bay on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island). Depending on the option you choose, that's your own ferry or the return ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour included with this ticket. Walk up to the Main Bus Stop beside the cafés and catch the Island Explorer. It's a shuttle, not a tour, so there's no commentary. You simply hop off wherever you like, stay as long as you want and catch a later bus on. Rottnest is about 11 km long, and the bus saves you all of it on a bike.

THE SOUTH-EAST BAYS

First stop out of the Settlement is Kingstown Barracks, an army base in the Second World War. After it come the island's best snorkelling bays, close together: Henrietta Rocks, Parker Point, inside a marine sanctuary where fishing is banned, and Little Salmon Bay, where coral and fish sit just off the sand. Porpoise Bay is the fishing spot, and Salmon Bay is a long curve of beach for a swim or a surf.

THE LIGHTHOUSE AND THE WEST END

Inland stands Wadjemup Lighthouse, the limestone tower finished in 1896. Back on the coast are Green Island for a swim and Strickland Bay for surfers. The bus then runs out to the West End, the wild tip of the island, with its viewing platform and boardwalks. Look down for the New Zealand fur seals that haul out on the rocks below, and between September and November watch the sea for humpback whales heading south.

THE NORTH SHORE AND BACK TO THE SETTLEMENT

The return leg follows the north coast past the Roland Smith Memorial, Rocky Bay and Stark Bay, and the swimming beach at Ricey Beach. City of York is named after the barque City of York, wrecked on the reef here in 1899. Then come the snorkelling coves of Little Armstrong Bay and Little Parakeet Bay, and Geordie Bay with its swimming beach, holiday cottages and restaurant, before the bus heads back to the Main Bus Stop. Ride the loop as many times as you like until it's time for your ferry.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Island bus only: the Main Bus Stop on Rottnest Island, the ferry arrival point. You need your own ferry to the island. With return ferry: free coach pick-up from selected Perth CBD hotels to Hillarys Boat Harbour, 56 Southside Drive, Hillarys. Hotel transfers need to be booked at least 24 hours ahead; your pick-up point and time are set when you book.
Duration: Valid for the whole day; use it for as many stops as you like.
Ferry times: With the ferry option, ferries leave Hillarys daily and times change through the year. The 4:30pm ferry from Rottnest gets you back to Hillarys at about 5:15pm.
Suits: Anyone who wants to see the beaches and the West End without cycling. Companion Card holders travel with their companion free.
Please note: Seats are not guaranteed, so you may need to stand, and in busy periods a full bus means waiting for the next one. Prams, beach trolleys and fishing rods must fold to go on board; bicycles, bike trailers (including child trailers) and other bulky items that don't fold are not allowed.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Hat and sunscreen
Camera
Swimmers and a towel if you plan to swim or snorkel

What is included

All-day Island Explorer hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
Unlimited travel between the 19 stops for the day
With the ferry option: return fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour, pick-up and drop-off from selected Perth CBD hotels, and the Rottnest Island admission fee

Not included

Ferry to and from Rottnest Island, on the island bus only option

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.