Rottnest Express Experience Rottnest with Bike & Snorkel Hire (ex Northport)

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Take the ferry from Northport or Perth to Rottnest Island and spend the day riding between quiet bays with a hire bike, helmet and snorkel set. The ferry, the gear and the island admission fee are included.

Days

About 7 hours, or 6 to 8 hours from Perth

Group size

Self-guided day

Start / finish

Northport, North Fremantle, or Perth (Barrack Street Jetty) / Rottnest Island / your start

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return high-speed ferry, then your own hire bike on the island

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Rottnest Express Experience Rottnest with Bike & Snorkel Hire (ex Northport)

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Included experiences

Rottnest Island — ride the car-free loop road of about 22 km
The Basin — swim and snorkel in clear water
Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point — snorkel spots suggested by the operator
Parakeet Bay — another bay for a swim and snorkel

Rottnest Express Experience Rottnest with Bike & Snorkel Hire (ex Northport)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: THE FERRY AND YOUR BIKE

Your day starts at the terminal for the option you booked. Northport at Rous Head in North Fremantle is the one for drivers, with a big car park beside the ferry, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. From Barrack Street Jetty in Perth the ferry first runs down the Swan River past Kings Park to the sea. You land at Thomson Bay on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), where your bike, helmet, mask, snorkel and fins are waiting on the jetty, so there's no hire queue to join.

THE NORTH SHORE BAYS

Rottnest is car-free apart from service vehicles and a bus, and the loop road is about 22 km and mostly flat. Start close to the Settlement at The Basin, a swimming hole ringed by reef where the water stays calm even when the wind picks up. Further along the north coast, Parakeet Bay is a white-sand cove with clear water over limestone ledges. The water around Rottnest is warmer than the coast nearby because the Leeuwin Current carries tropical water down from the north, bringing tropical fish with it.

THE SOUTH COAST SNORKEL SPOTS

Ride south and the bays get better for snorkelling. Parker Point sits inside a sanctuary zone where fishing is banned, so the fish are bigger and bolder. Next door, Little Salmon Bay has an underwater snorkel trail with plaques on the sea floor naming what lives on the reef. Some spots need a short walk or swim from where you leave the bike, so check the wind before you go in. Food and water are only sold in the Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay settlements, so pack a picnic for the far bays.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO THE JETTY

Ride back to Thomson Bay with time to spare. The crew load your bike onto the ferry, and you head home across the water to your car at Northport, or up the river to Perth if that's where you started.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: From Northport: Northport terminal, 1 Emma Place, Rous Head, North Fremantle. It can only be reached by car, as walking, cycling and public transport are not allowed inside the port. The terminal car park has about 400 paid bays and closes 30 minutes after the last ferry. From Perth: Pier 4, Barrack Street Jetty, Elizabeth Quay, in central Perth. Elizabeth Quay train station is close by and the free Blue CAT bus stops at the jetty; city parking 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. From Perth, a free morning pick-up from many Perth city hotels connects with the 8:45am sailing; ask for it when you book.
Duration: About 7 hours, Northport to Northport, or about 6 to 8 hours from Perth, including about 1 hour 15 minutes each way on the ferry.
Suits: Swimmers comfortable on a bike. Under 16s must snorkel with an adult. Child bikes (20 inch wheels) suit ages 4 to 7 and adult bikes (26 inch) suit 14 and over.
Please note: Some sailings from Northport take manual and motorised wheelchairs, with priority boarding. Ferries from Barrack Street are not wheelchair accessible because of a bend in the gangway. Prams are welcome but must be folded before boarding. Hire bikes are push bikes only.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Water and a picnic lunch
Sunscreen
Camera

What is included

Return ferry to Rottnest Island from Northport, or from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, with a Swan River cruise and commentary
Full-day bike hire with a helmet
Snorkel, mask and fins
Rottnest Island admission fee

Not included

Parking at Northport (daily rate)
Wetsuit
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

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.