Rottnest Fast Ferries Rottnest Island Bus & Ferry Combo

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A same-day return ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, with an all-day ticket on the hop-on, hop-off Island Explorer shuttle bus to see the island at your own pace.

Days

Full day

Group size

Self-guided

Start / finish

Hillarys Boat Harbour / Hillarys Boat Harbour

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return fast ferry, Island Explorer hop-on hop-off bus, Perth CBD hotel pick-up

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Rottnest Fast Ferries Rottnest Island Bus & Ferry Combo

View map

Included experiences

Rottnest Island — hop-on hop-off bus to 19 stops
Island bays — swimming
Rottnest lighthouse — climb
West End

Rottnest Fast Ferries Rottnest Island Bus & Ferry Combo

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: PICK-UP AND THE FERRY FROM HILLARYS

If you've booked the free pick-up, your coach collects you in the Perth city centre and takes you up the coast to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Otherwise drive there and park free. The fast ferry crossing takes about 45 minutes, through the water of Marmion Marine Park, declared in 1987 as Western Australia's first marine park. You land at Thomson Bay on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), 19 km offshore, and walk up to the Main Bus Stop beside the Settlement cafés to catch the Island Explorer.

THE SOUTH-EAST BAYS

The Island Explorer is a shuttle, not a tour, so there's no commentary. It loops the island past 19 stops, and your all-day ticket lets you hop off wherever you like and catch a later bus on. First out of the Settlement is Kingstown Barracks, an army base in the Second World War. Then come the snorkelling bays: Henrietta Rocks, Parker Point, inside a sanctuary zone where fishing is banned, and Little Salmon Bay, with fish and coral just off the sand. 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 on the island's high ground. Back on the coast, Green Island is a sheltered swimming spot and Strickland Bay is a surf break. Then the bus runs out to the West End, the wild tip of the island, with its boardwalk and viewing platform. Look down for the New Zealand fur seals that haul out on the rocks at Cathedral Rocks, and between September and November watch the sea for humpback whales heading south.

THE NORTH SHORE AND THE FERRY HOME

The return leg follows the north coast past Rocky Bay and Stark Bay, a surf spot, and the swimming beach at Ricey Beach. City of York bay is named after the barque wrecked on the reef here in 1899. Then come Little Armstrong Bay, Little Parakeet Bay and Geordie Bay, with its beach, cottages and restaurant, before the bus returns to the Main Bus Stop. Ride the loop as often as you like, then catch your ferry back to Hillarys and, if booked, the coach into the city.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Hillarys Boat Harbour, or hotel pick-up from the Perth CBD.
Please note: As a hop-on, hop-off service a seat is not always guaranteed and you may need to stand. In peak periods the bus might be full and you may have to wait for the next one.

What is included

Same-day return ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island admission fee
Island Explorer bus pass
Complimentary hotel pick-up from the Perth CBD

Not included

Food
Drinks

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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A great way to get over to Rottnest, especially with the hop-on hop-off bus added, so you can see everything at your own pace.

Vicki SS Verified· Travelled 28th February 2026

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