Rottnest Express Discover Rottnest Ferry Bus Tour & Frankies Lunch (ex Perth - Premium)

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Travel from Perth to Rottnest Island on the Premium ferry service, with morning coffee and pastries on board, then see the whole island on a 90-minute commentated bus tour and have lunch at Frankie's on Rotto. Wine and cheese come out on the river cruise home.

Days

About 8 hours

Group size

Shared ferry and bus tour

Start / finish

Perth (Barrack Street Jetty) / Rottnest Island / Perth
Back at Barrack Street in the late afternoon

Return

Back at Barrack Street in the late afternoon

Transport

Premium return ferry along the Swan River and an air-conditioned island bus

Meals

Lunch at Frankie's on Rotto; morning tea and wine and cheese on the ferry

Route

Map of Rottnest Express Discover Rottnest Ferry Bus Tour & Frankies Lunch (ex Perth - Premium)

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Included experiences

Swan River — morning cruise with coffee and pastries, bow open for viewing
Rottnest Island — 90-minute guided bus tour of the whole island
Cape Vlamingh (West End) — short walk and coastal views, quokkas often nearby
Frankie's on Rotto — lunch among the fig trees in the settlement
Return cruise — wine and cheese tasting on the river

Rottnest Express Discover Rottnest Ferry Bus Tour & Frankies Lunch (ex Perth - Premium)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: DOWN THE SWAN RIVER

Your day starts at Barrack Street Jetty on Elizabeth Quay, right in the middle of Perth, on the Premium service, which runs direct to the island. Coffee, tea and pastries come round as you pull away, and the bow is open, so take your cup up front for the river views. The Swan River, Derbarl Yerrigan to the Whadjuk Noongar people, carries you past the bushland of Kings Park, 400 hectares of bush and gardens on the hill above the city, and on down to the sea at Fremantle. From the harbour mouth it's open water to the island.

ON THE ISLAND: THE DISCOVER BUS TOUR

You land at Thomson Bay on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island). The Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh landed in 1696, took the quokkas for giant rats and named it a rats' nest. From the Main Bus Stop, your air-conditioned bus sets off on a 90-minute loop of the whole island, one of the few vehicles allowed on its roads, with your guide talking about its plants, animals, history and culture. Look inland for Wadjemup Lighthouse, the limestone tower finished in 1896 on the island's high ground, and along the way for the bays and lighthouses of a coast with 63 beaches.

THE WEST END AND THE SALT LAKES

The one stop is Cape Vlamingh at the West End, named after that same Dutch captain, where you step off for a short walk and the views from the boardwalk. Quokkas often shelter in the scrub nearby, ospreys hunt along the cliffs, bottlenose dolphins are common, and between September and November humpback whales pass offshore. The ride back follows the northern coast and passes the salt lakes in the middle of the island, shallow and saltier than the sea, where migratory shorebirds that breed as far away as Siberia feed in summer.

LUNCH AT FRANKIE'S AND FREE TIME

Lunch is at Frankie's on Rotto, a small family-run café under the Moreton Bay figs in the Settlement, opposite a playground. It's known for pizza, pasta and salads, with local beer and wine on the list. Whether you eat before or after the bus depends on your departure. The rest of the time is yours. The Settlement's oldest limestone buildings went up in the 1800s, when the island was a prison for Aboriginal men, and The Basin, a reef-ringed swimming hole, is a short walk north.

AFTERNOON: WINE AND CHEESE ON THE RIVER

In the afternoon the Premium ferry heads straight back to Perth. Once you're back in the calm water of the Swan River, the wine and cheese tasting comes out, so you can watch the river suburbs and the city skyline go by, glass in hand. You step off where you started, at Barrack Street Jetty in the city, in the late afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Rottnest Express, Barrack Street Jetty (Pier 4), Elizabeth Quay, Perth. Elizabeth Quay train station is close by and the free Blue CAT bus stops at the jetty; parking in the city is tight. If you book the hotel pick-up, you are collected from your hotel instead.
Departure time: Leaves Perth around 9:30am and the island around 4:15pm. Check in at least 30 minutes before; times are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 8 hours, Perth to Perth.
Dietary needs: Frankie's serves pizza, pasta and salad; tell us any dietary needs when you book.
Please note: The Premium service does not run on Wednesdays and takes a break from late November to the end of January. Seats are limited. The Perth ferry is not wheelchair accessible because of a bend in the gangway. Prams are welcome but must be folded before boarding. The bus can take a wheelchair if seats are removed, which needs notice when you book.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Swimwear and a towel
Camera

What is included

Premium return ferry between Barrack Street Jetty, Perth and Rottnest Island
Coffee, tea and pastries on the way out
Wine and cheese tasting on the return river cruise
Pick-up from selected Perth city hotels, booked ahead
90-minute commentated Discover bus tour
Lunch at Frankie's on Rotto
Rottnest Island admission fee

Not included

Other food and drinks
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.