A car-free island with only 475 permanent residents and more short-tailed wallabies than people? An island with 63 pristine beaches, 20 picturesque bays, coral reefs, hardly any cars, and where most of the permanent residents are nicknamed “the happiest animals on Earth”? Who wouldn’t want to visit Rottnest Island?!
Well, the challenge of touring Rottnest Island is that it’s quite remote and relatively expensive. I took a 6-hour flight from the east coast of Australia, hopped on a train from Perth to Fremantle, and then a 30-minute ferry ride to Rottnest Island. This little detour from Brisbane cost me a pretty penny. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Playing with the short-tailed wallabies on Rottnest Island was a bucket-list item on my Australia itinerary. Besides hoping to see the wallabies, I had no expectations for Rottnest Island. But my island getaway turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire Australian trip, and my only regret is not staying overnight there (because, let’s be honest, I’m not very likely to return to Australia given how far it is from New York).
If you’re planning a trip to this little island near the Perth coast, here’s all the information you need to know before visiting Rottnest Island, including things I wish I had known before going there, such as different ferry options to Rottnest Island, where to eat, where to sleep, tours to take, what to bring, and more!
How to Travel to Rottnest Island (Rottnest Island Ferry Options)
Rottnest Island is a small, car-free island located 19 kilometers (about 12 miles) from Fremantle and 33 kilometers (about 20 miles) from Perth. It’s known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking bays, and abundant wildlife, particularly the famous short-tailed wallabies known as quokkas. To get to Rottnest Island, you have three ferry companies to choose from:
- SeaLink (Serving Perth and Fremantle)
- Rottnest Express (Serving Perth and Fremantle)
- Rottnest Fast Ferry (Serving Perth Only)
The duration of your ferry journey depends on the departure point, and it’s important to be aware of where you board the ferry:
- Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty (closest to the city center): This journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
- Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth (located about 25 minutes north of the city by taxi): The ferry ride from here to Rottnest Island lasts for about 45 minutes.
- Departing from Fremantle: If you’re departing from Fremantle, the ferry ride takes about 25 minutes.
A helpful tip: Booking your Rottnest Island ferry tickets online in advance is generally more cost-effective.
Here is a breakdown of each ferry company’s details, including ticket prices, ferry schedules, special offers, and optional services such as bike rentals and snorkeling equipment (which can also be rented on the island but may be subject to availability):
SeaLink Ferry
Ferry Terminals:
- Currently, SeaLink operates from the B-Shed Terminal in Fremantle.
Ticket Prices: - Same-day return: AU$59 + AU$20 (island admission fee) = AU$79
- One-way from Fremantle to Rottnest: AU$29 + AU$20 (island admission fee) = AU$49
- Extended return: AU$63 + AU$26 (island admission fee) = AU$89
- Children aged 4-12: AU$33 + AU$7 (island admission fee) = AU$40
- Children aged 0-3 travel for free.
- Family ticket (for 2 adults and 2 children): AU$179 + AU$49 (island admission fee) = AU$228
Special Offer: A special rate of AU$49 is available for same-day return trips departing at 7 am from Fremantle (valid on weekdays only). Children aged 4-12 traveling with parents can travel for free but need to pay the AU$7 island admission fee.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Bike rental: AU$30.00
- Children’s bike rental: AU$20.00
- Snorkel equipment rental: AU$20.00
- Bring Your Own (BYO) bike: AU$15.00
For detailed pricing information from Perth to Rottnest Island, please refer to the comprehensive price list on their website.
Ferry Schedule: You can access the ferry schedule on the SeaLink website.
You can book your ferry tickets through their website.
Rottnest Express Ferry
Ferry Terminals:
- Fremantle: Rottnest Express operates from the Northport Terminal and B-Shed Terminal in Fremantle.
- Perth: The company also departs from Barrack Street in Perth.
Ticket Prices (when booked online): - Fremantle to Rottnest Island: Same-day return from AU$79 (children aged 4-12 AU$39)
- Family ticket from Fremantle (for 2 adults and 2 children): AU$205 (AU$156 plus AU$49 island admission)
- Perth to Rottnest Island: Same-day return from AU$113 (children aged 4-12 AU$59)
- Family ticket from Perth (for 2 adults and 2 children): AU$310 (AU$260 plus AU$49 island admission)
Special Offer: Western Australian locals can join the Quokka Club, allowing children under 12 to travel for free.
Ferry Schedule: You can find the ferry schedule on the Rottnest Express website.
Book your ferry tickets through their website.
Please keep in mind that prices and schedules are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the respective ferry company’s website for the most up-to-date information and to make your reservations. Enjoy your journey to Rottnest Island, where you can explore the beautiful beaches, enjoy the stunning bays, and meet the adorable quokkas!
How to Reach Rottnest Island via Rottnest Fast Ferry
If you’re looking to reach Rottnest Island quickly, the Rottnest Fast Ferry departs from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth’s northern region. The ferry ride is a short 45 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Here are the ticket prices (when booked online):
- Same-day return: AU$69 + AU$20 (island admission fee) = AU$89
- Children aged 4-12: AU$43 + AU$7 (island admission fee) = AU$50
- Family pass (for 2 adults and 2 children): AU$181 + AU$50 = AU$231
- Same-day ferry and bike combination: AU$94 + AU$20 (island admission fee) = AU$114 (children aged 4-12 pay AU$65)
For the ferry schedule, you can refer to this link.
To book your ferry tickets, visit their website.
Island Admission Fee:
The island admission fee is AU$20 for day visitors and AU$26 for overnight visitors, which is typically included in the Rottnest Island ferry ticket price.
Cost of Visiting Rottnest Island:
First and foremost, it’s important to note that visiting Rottnest Island can be quite costly. Expenses can add up quickly, especially if you plan to dine on the island and intend to rent additional equipment like bikes or snorkeling gear, or use the hop-on-hop-off bus service.
If you wish to snorkel and bike around the island, consider these costs:
- Return ferry ticket to Rottnest Island: AU$59 (online discounted price)
- Island admission fee: AU$20
- Bike rental: AU$30
- Snorkeling equipment rental: AU$20
- Booking fee: AU$1.42
Total: Approximately AU$130.42 for a day trip to Rottnest Island. Please note that this doesn’t include any food or beverages.
Can I Make It Cheaper?
Certainly, you can choose to pay only for the ferry cost. However, personally, I enjoyed having the freedom to explore the entire island at my own pace on a bike and not rely on bus schedules. Since the waters around the island are so clear, I have no regrets about renting snorkeling gear and seeing some beautiful marine life while snorkeling.
I opted not to dine on the island, but if you plan to have lunch or dinner, please factor it into your budget.
For families: If you plan to explore Rottnest Island with your family, you can expect to pay at least AU$400 for a day trip.
For 2 adults and 2 children departing from Fremantle (with the island admission included) or departing from Perth with Rottnest Express, it will cost AU$205 or AU$310, respectively. If you wish to add the cost of bike rentals (AU$30 per adult, AU$20 per child) or bike trailers (AU$24 each) and helmets (AU$3 each), the expenses increase. If you plan to rent snorkeling equipment, it will cost an additional AU$20 per adult or AU$15 per child. Again, this does not include any food or snacks.
Tip: Families traveling on weekdays and choosing the “Children Travel Free” option with SeaLink can save a substantial amount. It’s also worth comparing special offers and packages between Rottnest Express and SeaLink Ferries.
Visiting Rottnest Island can be a wonderful experience, but it’s essential to budget accordingly and plan for the activities you want to enjoy during your visit.
How to Explore Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a car-free paradise, which means that to get around, you have several options: you can take the hop-on-hop-off bus, rent a bicycle, or explore on foot.
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus:
The hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient way to explore the island. It operates from 8:45 am to 3 pm daily, with buses departing every 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the season (frequency is higher during peak season and holidays). The bus stops at 19 different locations across the island. If you don’t wish to rent a bicycle, this is the easiest way to explore the island, as you can simply hop on and off at the beaches or attractions that catch your eye. Be sure to check the schedule for the last bus in the afternoon to avoid getting stranded. Planning where you want to get off in advance can also be helpful.
Rottnest Island Bus Map:
Ticket prices for the bus are affordable, and it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. Online bus tickets cost AUD 20 for adults and AUD 15 for children aged 4-12. Families can get a ticket for two adults and two children for AUD 50. Children aged 3 and below travel for free.
You can book your bus tickets here.
The hop-on-hop-off bus is an excellent way to get an overview of the island’s top attractions, beaches, and landmarks while having the flexibility to disembark and explore at your own pace.
Enjoy your visit to Rottnest Island, where you can relax on beautiful beaches, observe the local wildlife, and immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
Exploring Rottnest Island by Bicycle
If you want a more flexible way to explore Rottnest Island, especially after 3 pm, cycling is an excellent option. Riding a bike is one of the most popular choices for tourists to explore the island, and there are hundreds of bikes available for rent near the ferry terminal, or as part of ferry ticket packages (see the prices mentioned earlier).
If you haven’t booked a ferry and bike combination, don’t worry; you can still find bikes on the island. Pedal & Flipper is a large bicycle rental facility with nearly 2,000 bikes, located just a short walk from the ferry terminal. They also offer children’s bikes and bike trailers for rent. Bike rentals are typically priced at AUD 30 for a 24-hour period. You can find a complete price list on their website.
Please note: If you plan to bring your own bike to Rottnest Island, there’s a ferry charge of AUD 15. Riding a bike on Rottnest Island is relatively easy, as the roads are well-paved, although there are some hills. Keep in mind that the weather can be extremely hot during summer (December to February), so plan your routes according to when you want to ride. I enjoyed doing the full loop and being able to see fur seals from the vantage point of the Vlamingh Lookout at the southwestern tip of the island. However, if you’re less concerned about touring the island and more interested in beach time, you may prefer a shorter route.
The bike routes on Rottnest Island include:
- Mini Loop (4 kilometers, about 30 minutes – shown in red on the map)
- The 10 km loop to Wadjemup Lighthouse (2-3 hours, including photo stops – shown in green on the map)
- The full circumnavigation loop (22 kilometers, 4-5 hours, with several stops – shown in brown on the map)
Enjoy your bike ride on Rottnest Island and take in the scenic beauty and wildlife at your own pace.
Exploring Rottnest Island on Foot
You can explore Rottnest Island without the need for any transportation, but be prepared to do some walking, and note that you won’t see most of the island. However, there are plenty of beaches within walking distance from the ferry terminal where you can relax, take a dip, and enjoy some of the island’s beautiful landscapes, most importantly, seeing the quokkas!
For example, within walking distance from the ferry terminal, you can reach:
- Pinky Beach – 10 minutes
- The Basin – 15 minutes
- Longreach Bay – 25 minutes
- Parakeet Bay – 30 minutes
- Henrietta Rocks – 35 minutes
While walking, keep in mind that the weather can get quite hot, so make sure to apply sunscreen and carry enough water with you.
Guided Walks with Rottnest Volunteers
Every day, there are guided tours led by the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association (RVGA). These tours have different themes, such as quokka-centered walks or historical walks, and all of them start from outside the Salt Store. You can find the exact schedule for each tour here.
Indigenous Tours
The Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) Tour, operated by Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences, is a 60-minute guided walking tour that offers an indigenous perspective of Wadjemup (the Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island). The tour includes traditional Aboriginal sand ceremony, Noongar language, and traditional songs. Cost: $65 AUD.
Segway Tours
There are several Segway tours available on Rottnest Island, offering a fun way to explore more of the island without tiring yourself out with cycling. There are two options:
1-Hour Rottnest Island Settlement Tour
This tour includes Thompson Bay, the Heritage Common area, North Thomson Settlement, The Basin, Bathurst Lighthouse, and the Pilot Boathouse.
This tour runs twice daily: at 11 am and 2:30 pm.
1.5-Hour Forts Adventure Tour
This tour focuses on Rottnest Island’s military history, but you can also enjoy the island’s natural beauty and its stunning coastline.
This tour runs daily at 9 am and 12:30 pm.
Other Tours on Rottnest Island
In addition to the tours mentioned above, Rottnest Island offers a variety of other tours, including:
- Train tours
- Bus tours
- Snorkeling tours
- Waterpark tours
- Electric bike tours
- Scenic flights
You can find a full list of available tours on Rottnest Island here.
Watching Quokkas on Rottnest Island
When I booked my trip to Rottnest Island, I was worried about whether I would see quokkas, let alone take selfies with them. But as it turns out, my worries were unfounded. Within minutes of getting off the ferry, I spotted my first quokka! It turns out, I wasn’t alone. The best place to spot quokkas strolling around together is near the ferry terminal just north of the terminal, around The Basin and near the cottages and campgrounds at Bathurst Point.
But you can also spot quokkas elsewhere on the island. Keep an eye out for them in treed areas, where they often take shelter from the harsh sun.
There are approximately 10,000 quokkas on Rottnest Island in total. They are part of the marsupial family (relatives of kangaroos and wallabies) and are the only native mammals on Rottnest Island.
Interacting with Quokkas
I shouldn’t have to say this, but due to a popular yet cruel practice known as “quokka soccer” that existed until the early 2000s (where tourists used quokkas as soccer balls, kicking them and causing harm, or even killing them), it’s essential to remember that quokkas are living creatures and not there for your entertainment.
While such behavior is now illegal and can result in hefty fines of up to $50,000 and five years of imprisonment (tourists have been sent to jail for harming quokkas), unfortunately, incidents of violence against quokkas still occur.
When interacting with quokkas, please treat them with respect. Don’t attempt to pick them up or manipulate them into posing for photos, as it could harm or agitate them. Let them come to you rather than approaching them.
Do not feed quokkas human food (especially processed items like chips or biscuits!) or alcohol.
In short: respect quokkas, don’t be a jerk.
Bird Watching on Rottnest Island
If fluffy little quokkas don’t pique your interest, but you’re into bird-watching, you’ll be able to experience a “bird lover’s paradise” on Rottnest Island. There are over 50 species of shorebirds, including red-capped plovers, New Holland honeyeaters, western reef herons, waders, Australian ravens, fairy terns, spotted pardalotes, and rock parrots. Pick up a handy “Bird Watching Map” at the visitor center.
How Much Time to Spend on Rottnest Island
Most people seem to visit Rottnest Island for a day trip, which is particularly popular during the summer for those residing in the Perth area.
The first ferry to Rottnest departs around 7:30 am, and the last return ferry departs around 6:30 pm (with some later departures during holidays and peak season). If you book the first ferry and the last return ferry, there should be plenty of time to explore the island.
Tip: If you want to make the most of your time on the island, consider booking the last return ferry in advance—this ferry often sells out!
If it’s a bit of a trek for you to get there, like it was for me, I’d recommend staying overnight. Staying overnight on the island can be pricey (unless you’re lucky enough to secure a bed at the hostels or have camping gear), but it’s such a unique and remote place that, for me, it’s well worth spending more time there. I’d love to spend more time on some of the beaches I stopped at, more time with quokkas, and maybe even do some morning hikes.
Best Time to Visit Rottnest Island
December to March are the hottest months, making it the best time for beach and snorkeling enthusiasts. However, if you’re just here to see quokkas or for a leisurely bike ride around the island, you’re not limited to the summer season.
If you want to avoid crowds, steer clear of school holidays and weekends.
Tip: If you’re looking to save money, consider going from Monday to Thursday. Not only are the ferries cheaper on weekdays, but also accommodation on Rottnest Island is more affordable.
Tips for Visiting Rottnest Island and What to Bring
Bring Cash: There is one ATM on the island (right next to the ferry terminal), but I’d recommend bringing some cash in case the ATM goes out of service.
Pack Food and Drinks: There are only a few small supermarkets on the island (IGA Xpress near the ferry terminal and the Geordie Bay General Store on the island’s north side).
Water Refill Stations: Ensure you have enough water, especially when cycling around the island. Most shops and restaurants are located near the
ferry terminal, so once you’re farther away, there aren’t many places to stock up. There are several water refill stations on the island at Thomson Bay Settlement, The Basin, Army Jetty, Kingston Barracks, Geordie Bay, and Vlamingh Lookout. Tip: Since the stations are mainly around the settlement, if you plan to venture to more remote beaches and the southwestern part of the island, carry enough water for the day.
Sun Protection: Most areas on the island lack significant shade, so be sure to bring adequate sunscreen. From high SPF sunscreen (and lip balm—learned this the hard way!) to sun hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing, especially for children. The UV radiation there is strong.
First Aid Kit: There are no pharmacies on Rottnest Island, so make sure to have basic medications like band-aids, ibuprofen, and insect repellent (especially if staying overnight).
Check the Weather: Visiting this island on a sunny day makes a significant difference, especially if you want to take great photos. Cloudy days might make the water appear less clear and blue, and if it’s raining, it might not be worth the trip. Check the weather before booking your ferry and tour.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or a history buff, Rottnest Island has something to offer. Enjoy your visit and the opportunity to meet those adorable quokkas!
