Journey from Hillarys to Rottnest—quokkas, beaches & lighthouse via a faster, less crowded ferry.
- Starting point: Check in at Hillarys Boat Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure and board your ferry to Rottnest Island. Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Indian Ocean before arriving at the island.
- Everything you get: Round-trip ferry transfers from Hillarys, entry to Rottnest Island, and ample time to explore at your own pace.
- Sights covered: Spot the friendly quokkas at Thomson Bay, visit The Basin to swim or relax in its iconic natural pool with calm turquoise waters, and climb Wadjemup Lighthouse for views of the island and surrounding ocean.
- Why choose this: This Rottnest Island day trip from Hillarys combines a scenic ferry ride with plenty of self-guided exploration. Departing from Hillarys means a shorter ferry than Perth, fewer crowds than Fremantle, and easy parking—perfect for travelers seeking flexibility, adventure, and close encounters with the island’s wildlife and natural beauty.
- Upgrades: Choose a bike hire option to pedal along scenic paths and explore Rottnest Island at your own pace. Alternatively, join a 1-hour 45-minute guided bus tour to enjoy a narrated exploration of the island’s key highlights.
Inclusions
- Entry to Rottnest Island
- Self-guided tour of Rottnest Island
- Round-trip ferry transfers from Hillarys
- Bike hire with helmet & security lock (as per option selected)
- 1-hour 45-minute guided AC bus tour on Rottnest Island (as per option selected)
- Live commentary (as per option selected)
What to bring
- Bring along your swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and water bottle.
What's not allowed
- Single pieces of luggage up to 22kg and no larger than 800mm x 500mm x 400mm can be stowed in the vessels’ luggage crates.
- Single carry-on items must be no larger than 600mm x 400mm x 300mm.
- Alcohol, weapons, drugs, drones, pets, smoking and furniture are not allowed onboard the ferry.
Accessibility
- The ferry is wheelchair accessible.
- Rottnest Island is an A-Class reserve. So, it’s best to check directly with the island rangers for the most up-to-date advice on service dog access and allowances.
Additional information
- Practical tip: Bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen as some stops like The Basin and Wadjemup Lighthouse have limited shade and kiosks, so staying hydrated and protected keeps your day comfortable.
- Guests are required to pay an admission fee for Rottnest Island, which is included in your ferry fare at the time of booking. This helps support island conservation and facilities.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 6 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.