Rottnest Express Adventure Rottnest Tour with Bike Hire (ex B Shed)

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Ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then see its wild coast from an open-air fast boat on a 90-minute commentated ride, with a hire bike for the rest of the day. Fur seals, ospreys and, in spring, humpback whales are often on the route.

Days

About 7 hours

Age

4 years and over

Group size

Shared boat tour, then self-guided

Start / finish

Fremantle (B Shed) / Rottnest Island / Fremantle

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return high-speed ferry, open-air fast boat and your own hire bike

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Rottnest Express Adventure Rottnest Tour with Bike Hire (ex B Shed)

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Included experiences

Adventure boat — 90-minute commentated ride around the island's coast
Cathedral Rocks — see New Zealand fur seals from the water
Whale migration route — humpbacks from September to November
Rottnest Island — ride the car-free loop road on a hire bike

Rottnest Express Adventure Rottnest Tour with Bike Hire (ex B Shed)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: FREMANTLE TO ROTTNEST

The ferry leaves B Shed on Victoria Quay in Fremantle, where the harbour was opened in 1897 after the rock bar at the river mouth was blasted away. About 30 minutes later you step off at Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), 18 km offshore. The Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh named it "rat's nest" in 1696, mistaking its quokkas for giant rats. Your bike and helmet are waiting on the jetty, so you can ride off straight away or keep it for after the boat ride.

MIDDAY: THE ADVENTURE BOAT

Late in the morning or around midday, board the open-air Adventure boat at Berth 0 on the Main Jetty. For 90 minutes it runs fast along a long stretch of the coast, past bays that can't be reached by land, while a host talks about the island's history, landmarks and sea life. It's a thrill ride as much as a sightseeing trip, so hold on to your hat and expect a little spray on the windy side of the island.

ON THE WATER: SEALS, OSPREYS AND WHALES

The boat stops off Cathedral Rocks near the West End, where New Zealand fur seals haul out on the reef to doze in the sun. Sea lions and dolphins turn up at times, and ospreys nest on the rock stacks, adding to the same huge piles of sticks year after year. From September to November the route follows the humpback whale migration, as mothers and calves travel south towards Antarctica. Nothing out here is guaranteed, which is part of the appeal.

AFTERNOON: YOUR BIKE, YOUR ISLAND

Back at the jetty, the bike is yours for the rest of the day. There are no private cars on Rottnest, and the loop road runs about 22 km, mostly flat. Stop for a swim at The Basin, a clear pool ringed by reef near the settlement, or watch for quokkas, about 10,000 of which live on the island. In Thomson Bay, the Quod was a prison for Aboriginal men from 1838 to 1931. Food is sold only at the settlements, so carry water. Ride back to the jetty for the ferry and the crew load your bike.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: 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.
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, with the 90-minute boat ride in the middle of the day.
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 with a back injury. Riding the bike means being comfortable on a push bike.
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. Prams are welcome but must be folded before boarding. The Adventure boat itself cannot take wheelchairs.

What to bring

Water and lunch
Sunscreen
Swimwear and a towel
Camera

What is included

Return ferry between B Shed, Fremantle and Rottnest Island
90-minute commentated Adventure boat tour
Full-day bike hire with a helmet
Rottnest Island admission fee

Not included

Food and drink
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

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.