Swan River Cruise from Perth: Why this scenic cruise wins

Explore Rottnest your way from Fremantle—quokkas, The Basin, beaches & lighthouse.

• Starting point: Check in at B Shed Terminal, Fremantle, 30 min before departure and board your ferry to Rottnest Island
• Everything you get: Enjoy round-trip ferry transfers from Fremantle and entry to Rottnest Island, where you can embark on a self-guided tour of the island, exploring at your own pace.
• Sights covered: Spot the friendly quokkas at Thomson Bay, swim in the natural pool at The Basin, climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse for panoramic views, and explore Oliver Hill Battery and its historic tunnels.
• Why choose this: This Rottnest Island day trip from Fremantle combines self-guided freedom with optional guided experiences. Spot friendly quokkas, climb Wadjemup Lighthouse, and explore hidden beaches—all in one seamless, hassle-free day.
• Upgrades: Choose a bike hire option to explore at your own pace, a snorkel hire to discover underwater reefs, or a guided bus tour for a 1-hour 45-minute narrated exploration of the island’s highlights.

Inclusions

• Entry to Rottnest Island
• Self-guided tour of Rottnest Island
• Round-trip ferry transfers from Fremantle
• Bike hire with helmet & security lock (as per option selected)
• Snorkel hire with flippers & a mask with an adjustable strap (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

• Carry-on items are allowed if they fit on your seat without taking extra space. For safety, luggage cannot block aisles, wheelchair spaces, or exits.
• 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: Try mango macadamia or vanilla berry swirl ice cream at Simmo’s Ice Creamery near the main settlement for a refreshing break between adventures.
• 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.
• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when snorkeling.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Start in Perth, enjoy a Swan River journey, & arrive ready to explore Rottnest’s quokkas & beaches.

• Starting point: Check in at Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, 30 min before departure and board your ferry to Rottnest Island.
• Everything you get: Round-trip ferry transfers from Perth with a scenic Swan River cruise, entry to Rottnest Island, and the freedom to go on a self-guided adventure.
• Sights covered: Meet the friendly quokkas at Thomson Bay, swim in the crystal-clear waters at The Basin, climb Wadjemup Lighthouse for panoramic island views, and visit Oliver Hill Battery with its historic tunnels.
• Why choose this: This Perth to Rottnest day trip combines the convenience of a scenic ferry with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. From wildlife spotting to heritage sites and pristine beaches, enjoy a hassle-free island escape packed with iconic highlights.
• Upgrades: Add a bike hire to cycle around the island or join a 1-hour 45-minute guided bus tour for narrated insights into Rottnest’s best sights.

Inclusions

• Entry to Rottnest Island
• Self-guided tour of Rottnest Island
• Round-trip ferry transfers from Perth, including a scenic Swan River cruise with commentary
• 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 sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and water bottle.

What's not allowed

• Carry-on items are allowed if they fit on your seat without taking extra space. For safety, luggage cannot block aisles, wheelchair spaces, or exits.
• 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: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore Rottnest Island’s calm bays and crystal-clear waters from Thomson Bay, making it a fun and active way to see marine life and hidden beaches.
• 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.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Active and fun—a scenic Perth ferry with a self-guided bike tour of Rottnest’s quokkas & trails.

• Starting point: Check in at Barrack Street Jetty at least 30 minutes before departure. Enjoy a scenic Swan River ferry ride to Rottnest Island, arriving ready for a full-day cycling adventure across its stunning landscapes.
• Everything you get: Round-trip ferry transfers from Perth, entry to Rottnest Island, a self-paced bike hire with helmet and security lock, and the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
• Sights covered: Cycle along coastal trails and secluded beaches, snap selfies with the friendly quokkas at Thomson Bay, visit The Basin for a swim, explore Pinky Beach, and climb Bathurst Lighthouse for panoramic views. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales.
• Why choose this: Combine a scenic Swan River ferry from Perth with a self-guided cycling adventure, letting you explore hidden beaches, trails, lighthouses, and quokkas at your own pace. Fun, active, and eco-friendly, it’s perfect for travelers seeking flexibility and wildlife encounters.

Inclusions

• Entry to Rottnest Island
• Self-guided tour of Rottnest Island
• Round-trip ferry transfers from Perth, including a scenic Swan River cruise with commentary
• Bike hire with helmet & security lock

Bike routes you can take

The Rotto Mini Loop

• Distance: 4 km
• Time taken: 30 minutes
• Sights seen: The Basin, Longreach Bay, Geordie Bay, salt lakes, and Vlamingh Lookout.
• See route map here.

Beaches, Lighthouses, and Lakes

• Distance: 10 km
• Time taken: 1.5-3 hours
• Sights seen: Henrietta Rocks, Porpoise Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, Wadjemup Lighthouse, and salt lakes.
• See route map here.

The Island Ride

• Distance: 22 km
• Time taken: 3-5 hours
• Sights seen: West End, Cathedral Rocks, Cape Vlamingh, Geordie Bay, Longreach Bay, Stark Bay, Parakeet Bay, and salt lakes.
• See route map here.

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.
• 1 piece of luggage is permitted per person. Additional luggage will incur an excess luggage charge.
• Alcohol, weapons, drugs, drones, pets, smoking and furniture are not allowed onboard the ferry.

Accessibility

• 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: Rent e-bikes or electric scooters to explore the island easily, reducing effort on longer routes. Helmets are included, and marked paths ensure safe, sustainable travel.
• 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.
• Bikes with baby seats can be requested and are subject to availability.
• Children's bikes are suitable for children between the ages of 4 to 7. Children aged 7 or older can usually use adult-sized bikes.
• Bicycles must be collected on the island by an adult over 18 years and must be returned by closing time on the same day.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Perth’s only dinner cruise offering a vibrant buffet, live entertainment, and city lights

• Starting point: Departs from Perth city pier on the iconic Swan River
• Everything you get: 2.5-hour scenic evening cruise, delicious buffet dinner and dessert, live entertainment or DJ, reserved seating, access to a dance floor, and the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar. Full bar, toilet, and EFTPOS facilities available.
• Sights covered: Perth city skyline, Elizabeth Quay, illuminated riverside landmarks, and the tranquil Swan River at night
• Why choose this: The only dinner cruise in Perth with live entertainment, a buffet, and stunning city views—perfect for celebrations or a unique night out

Inclusions

• 2.5-hour dinner cruise on Swan River, Perth
• Buffet dinner and dessert (menu here)
• Complimentary tea and filter coffee
• Live entertainment or DJ
• Choice of drinks to purchase from the onboard bar (drinks list here)
• Reserved seating
• Access to dance floor

• Elizabeth Quay – A vibrant waterfront hub that sparkles with city lights, marking the exciting departure point.
• The Bell Tower – An iconic glass-clad structure glowing brilliantly against the night sky.
• Kings Park & Botanic Garden – Lush greenery and panoramic vistas of the city skyline, beautifully framed by river views.
• The Old Swan Brewery – A charming historic building with a weathered façade, softly lit by the river’s glow.
• Mounts Bay Road & Millionaire's Row – Grand, elegant mansions that shine along the river’s edge in the evening light.
• Royal Perth Yacht Club – A prestigious, timeless landmark exuding nautical elegance on the water.
• Crawley Edge Blue Boatshed – The famous blue boathouse, its vibrant hue contrasting strikingly with the dark night.
• Matilda Bay Reserve – A serene parkland illuminated by ambient lighting, offering peaceful river views.
• Point Walter Sandbar – A mystical natural sandbar, bathed in reflections from the city’s lights.
• Blackwall Reach Cliffs – Dramatic limestone cliffs standing as silent sentinels along the river.
• East Fremantle – A charming suburb with historic homes and yacht clubs aglow in the soft evening light.
• Fremantle’s Inner Harbour – A bustling port area with shimmering reflections and lively nocturnal activity.

• Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome and service animals are allowed but please contact the cruise provider before the tour, as accessibility can vary by boat.
• This cruise is not recommended for people with serious mobility issues.
• Infant seats are available if needed.
• Pets are not allowed on this experience.
• Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests aged under 17 years and under.
• If you have any dietary needs or food allergies, make a note when booking. While they do their best to cater to dietary requirements, please note that meals are prepared in shared kitchens and cross-contamination may occur.
• A maximum of 50 travelers are allowed on this cruise.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

A 4.5-hour lunch cruise on the Murray River with a chef-prepared buffet, a guided stop at boat-access-only Cooper's Mill, and dolphin spotting.

• Starting point: Board at Mandurah Cruises Jetty, Mandjar Square. No road transfer included.
• Everything you get: 2-course Australian buffet lunch (menu attached). Complimentary tea and coffee. Live expert commentary. Twin-level catamaran.
• Sights covered: Peel Inlet, RAMSAR-listed Creery Wetlands, the Murray River, Cooper's Mill heritage island, and Port Mandurah's canal-lined waterways.
• Why choose this: The only cruise in the catalogue that ventures up the Murray River, including a land stop at a heritage island reachable only by boat.

Inclusions

• 4.5-hour lunch cruise on the Murray River, Peel Inlet, and Port Mandurah waterways
• 2-course Australian buffet lunch with morning tea and charcuterie board (menu here)
• Complimentary tea and coffee on board (BYO keep-cup)
• Guided walking tour of Cooper's Mill heritage island on Cooleenup Island, reachable by boat only
• Live commentary from a local expert guide throughout the cruise
• Twin-level catamaran with climate-controlled indoor deck and open-air upper viewing deck
• Blankets for cooler months, board games, and books available on board
• Bingo with prizes on the return journey
• 10% discount at the onboard souvenir and artisan gift shop

What to bring

• Present a printed or digital booking confirmation to board the cruise.
• Bring a keep-cup to access complimentary tea and coffee on board.
• A warm top is recommended, as temperatures on the water can drop, especially on the upper deck.

What's not allowed

• Outside alcohol is not permitted on board; the vessel operates a fully licensed bar.

Accessibility

• The vessel is wheelchair and walking frame accessible; select the relevant option when booking online or call the booking office.
• The walking tour at Cooper's Mill is not wheelchair or walking frame accessible; guests may remain on board during this stop.
• All guests must be able to board the vessel, move around independently, and remain seated during small waves without crew assistance.

Additional information

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure; boarding does not begin until all members of your group have arrived.
• Seating is allocated on the day on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive 30 minutes early if a preferred location matters.
• Online bookings close 24 hours before departure.
• This cruise requires minimum passenger numbers to operate; if numbers are not met, an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
• The menu varies by season; check the attached menu PDF for current offerings.
• GF, vegetarian, and halal dietary requirements can be accommodated; note your needs when booking.
• Severe allergies cannot be catered for due to limited galley space.
• Guests claiming senior or student pricing must present a valid concession card on the day.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.