Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Oliver Hill Train & Tunnel Tour

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Ride the historic Captain Hussey train up Oliver Hill on Rottnest Island, then follow a guide into the tunnels beneath the island's preserved World War II 9.2-inch gun battery, one of Rottnest's little-known sights.

Days

About 2 hours

Age

Under 12s with an adult

Group size

Up to 45 people

Start / finish

Rottnest train station / Oliver Hill / Rottnest train station

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Historic Captain Hussey train

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Oliver Hill Train & Tunnel Tour

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Included experiences

Captain Hussey train — commentated ride up Oliver Hill
Oliver Hill tunnels — 45-minute guided walk through the WWII tunnels
9.2-inch gun battery — preserved WWII coastal defence

Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Oliver Hill Train & Tunnel Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

THE SETTLEMENT: ALL ABOARD THE CAPTAIN HUSSEY

Your tour starts at the little train station on Brand Way in the Settlement on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), with departures from 10:30am to 1:30pm. You board the Captain Hussey, a historic train that runs on the island's narrow-gauge line. The line follows a military railway laid in the years before the Second World War to haul shells and supplies from the jetty to the gun batteries.

UP OLIVER HILL

The ride up Oliver Hill comes with commentary on the landmarks you pass, and the views open out across the salt lakes to the sea. Rottnest was one of the keys to the defence of Fremantle and Perth in the Second World War. On the hill sits the Oliver Hill battery, with its 9.2-inch gun: a coastal gun able to send a shell about 28 km out to sea against an Axis raider.

INTO THE TUNNELS

At the top, volunteer guides lead you underground into the tunnels that once kept the battery running, which carried shells and supplies to the gun under cover. The walk takes about 45 minutes and covers around 700 metres, with more than 240 uneven steps, much like climbing eight storeys. The ceilings are low in places, and there's no turning back once you're inside, so wear good shoes. After the war the battery was left where it stood because the guns were too costly to remove and ship back to the mainland. That's why so much of it is still here to see.

BACK DOWN TO THE SETTLEMENT

Back in the daylight, the train carries you down the hill to the Settlement, about two hours after you set off. You're in time for lunch by the water, or a swim at Thomson Bay right beside the jetty, the island's main bay.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The train station on Brand Way, Rottnest Island.
Departure time: Daily at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm.
Duration: About 2 hours, including the 45-minute tunnel tour.
Fitness: Physically demanding: about 700 metres of walking and 240+ uneven steps, the same as an 8-storey climb, with no rest stops and no backtracking once inside.
Suits: Children under 12 must be with an adult. Children can't be carried in the tunnels, except small infants in baby carriers that leave the adult's hands free for the railings.
Please note: The tunnels are enclosed, with low ceilings, uneven surfaces and other trip hazards; follow the guide's instructions at all times.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Camera

What is included

Return ride on the historic Captain Hussey train up Oliver Hill
Guided tour of the Oliver Hill guns and tunnels
All entry fees

Not included

Ferry to and from Rottnest Island

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

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.

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.

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.