Rottnest Express Adventure Rottnest Tour & Frankies Lunch (ex B Shed)

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Ferry from Fremantle's B Shed or from Perth to Rottnest Island for a 90-minute open-air fast boat ride along its wild coast, with expert commentary, then lunch at Frankie's on Rotto in the settlement. Look for fur seals, ospreys and, in spring, humpback whales.

Days

About 7 hours from Fremantle, or a full day from Perth

Age

4 years and over

Group size

Shared boat tour

Start / finish

Fremantle (B Shed) or Perth (Barrack Street Jetty) / Rottnest Island / your start

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return high-speed ferry and an open-air fast boat

Meals

Lunch at Frankie's on Rotto

Route

Map of Rottnest Express Adventure Rottnest Tour & Frankies Lunch (ex B Shed)

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Included experiences

Adventure boat — 90-minute commentated ride along the island's coast
Cathedral Rocks — see New Zealand fur seals from the water
Whale migration route — humpbacks from September to November
Frankie's on Rotto — lunch among the fig trees in the settlement

Rottnest Express Adventure Rottnest Tour & Frankies Lunch (ex B Shed)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: THE FERRY TO ROTTNEST

Your day starts at the ferry terminal for the option you booked. From B Shed on Victoria Quay in Fremantle, where the town's port has worked since the 1830s, the crossing takes about 30 minutes. From Barrack Street Jetty in Perth, the ferry first follows the Swan River past Kings Park to the sea, a longer run with commentary along the river. Either way you land at Thomson Bay on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), 19 km offshore, which the Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh named a rats' nest in 1696 after mistaking its quokkas for giant rats.

THE ADVENTURE BOAT: THE ISLAND'S WILD SIDE

From the Main Jetty you board an open-air fast boat for 90 minutes along the coast, much of it bays and cliffs you can't reach by land. Hold on as it picks up speed, then slows for the wildlife while your host tells the stories of the island's landmarks and sea life. Look up at the rock stacks too: ospreys build huge stick nests on them and come back to the same ones year after year. Dolphins and sea lions turn up on some trips, though nothing on the water is guaranteed.

CATHEDRAL ROCKS AND THE WHALE ROUTE

The boat stops off Cathedral Rocks at the West End, where New Zealand fur seals haul out on the limestone to sleep in the sun and play in the swell. They were hunted almost to nothing in the 1800s and have slowly come back. Between September and November the route follows the humpback whales heading south past the island to Antarctica with their calves, after giving birth in the warm water off the Kimberley, so watch for blows and tail slaps on the horizon.

LUNCH AT FRANKIE'S AND THE FERRY HOME

Back on dry land, lunch is at Frankie's on Rotto, a small family-run café under the Moreton Bay figs in the Settlement, opposite a playground, known for pizza, pasta and salads, with local beer and wine. After lunch the island is yours until the ferry: The Basin, a reef-ringed pool a short walk north, is good for a swim, and quokkas wander between the café tables. In the afternoon the ferry takes you back to Fremantle, or on up the river to Perth.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: From Fremantle: Rottnest Express B Shed terminal, 1 Peter Hughes Drive, Victoria Quay, Fremantle, beside the passenger terminal and a short walk from Fremantle train station. Parking close by is limited and paid, and building works have changed the road access, so allow extra time and follow the signs. From Perth: Rottnest Express, Barrack Street Jetty (Pier 4), Elizabeth Quay. Elizabeth Quay train station is close by and the free Blue CAT bus stops at the jetty; parking in the city is tight.
Departure time: Check in at least 30 minutes before your sailing; boarding closes 5 minutes before departure. Sailing times change with the season, and yours are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 7 hours, Fremantle to Fremantle, or a full day, Perth to Perth.
Minimum age: 4 years. Under 16s must be with an adult.
Fitness: It is a fast thrill ride, so it is not suitable during pregnancy or for anyone with a pre-existing back injury.
Dietary needs: Tell us any dietary needs when you book.
Please note: The boat tour runs from September to May. Ferries from B Shed are not wheelchair accessible, as there is a change of level inside the boat, and the Perth ferry is not either, because of a bend in the gangway. Prams are welcome but must be folded before boarding. The Adventure boat itself cannot take wheelchairs.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Swimwear and a towel
Camera

What is included

Return ferry to Rottnest Island from B Shed, Fremantle, or Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, with commentary on the Swan River leg from Perth
90-minute commentated Adventure boat tour
Lunch at Frankie's on Rotto
Rottnest Island admission fee

Not included

Other food and drinks
Bike and snorkel hire
Luggage storage on the island, behind the Visitor Centre ($10 per item per day)

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.