Day Trips

From Perth: Rottnest Island Return Ferry with Swan River Commentary

4.7/5(53)

Geoffrey S

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

Great day out, well worth the visit to see the Quokka's and enjoy a relaxing day on the island. Plenty of options for food & drink, beautiful beaches and relaxing vibes.

Michael J

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Very happy with the Ferry trip and the tour. We had visitors from Victoria who were first time visitors to Rottnest Island and all four of us enjoyed the very informative land tour and the jocular presentation by the guide and driver. Will recommend to our friends.

Cynthia L

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The boat ride is a great way to see Perth from the water and the bus tour with commentary is the best way to see the most of the island in comfort. We saw a Dugite on the road from the bus, humpback whales and incredible views. I highly recommend the tour.

John W

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Very good customer service. All staff super helpful. The ferry was full both ways so wise to book ahead. Island was very interesting but sad that so many people cannot follow instructions and seem to be unable to grasp what rubbish bins are for.

Rocky H

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Great customer service, easy to do business with. But more importantly a wonderful day of touring the island with easy transportation and good bikes for exploring and riding up and down the hills of rottnest island

Paul C

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Difficult to hear guide. Did get to see whale pod breaching in waters between Freemantle and Rottnest. It's a bit annoying to have such high speed limits in Swan River. Staff efficient and friendly. Island away from main jetty area and crowds was great.

Explore Rottnest Island with round-trip ferry transfers from Fremantle, island entry, and up to 7 hours of self-guided exploration.

Enjoy up-close quokka encounters at Thomson Bay and cool off in The Basin before crowds arrive.

Take in Rottnest Island from Wadjemup Lighthouse, then learn history at Oliver Hill Battery with its tunnels and fortifications.

Upgrade your experience with bike hire to explore Rottnest at your own pace, or join the guided bus tour for wildlife and history.

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)

Timeline
Map
Start point
Perth
Get direction
1 hr 30 min
1. Rottnest Island
Tickets included
7 hr 30 min
6 attractions
Photo stop & Sightseeing
Go at your own pace and explore this beautiful island. There is a lot to do on the Island - Swim in the basin (most popular beach), Explore the historic shipwreck at Henrietta Rocks which is a perfect snorkeling spot, Checkout the iconic Bathhurst lighthouse and so much more.
Highlights
Ricey Beach
Quokka Spotting
Shipwrecks at Henrietta Rocks
Salmon Bay
Strickland Bay
Wadjemup Lighthouse
End point
Perth
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

53 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
45
5
0
1
2
Guests from Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Michael J
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Very happy with the Ferry trip and the tour. We had visitors from Victoria who were first time visitors to Rottnest Island and all four of us enjoyed the very informative land tour and the jocular presentation by the guide and driver. Will recommend to our friends.
Cynthia L
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The boat ride is a great way to see Perth from the water and the bus tour with commentary is the best way to see the most of the island in comfort. We saw a Dugite on the road from the bus, humpback whales and incredible views. I highly recommend the tour.
Paul C
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Difficult to hear guide. Did get to see whale pod breaching in waters between Freemantle and Rottnest. It's a bit annoying to have such high speed limits in Swan River. Staff efficient and friendly. Island away from main jetty area and crowds was great.
John W
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Very good customer service. All staff super helpful. The ferry was full both ways so wise to book ahead. Island was very interesting but sad that so many people cannot follow instructions and seem to be unable to grasp what rubbish bins are for.
Rocky H
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Great customer service, easy to do business with. But more importantly a wonderful day of touring the island with easy transportation and good bikes for exploring and riding up and down the hills of rottnest island

Kick off your Rottnest adventure from Perth with a ferry ride along the Swan River, then spend the day exploring at your own pace with optional bike hire or on a guided bus tour, spotting wildlife and historic sites.

Getting started

Your ticket includes round-trip ferry transfers from Perth, featuring a scenic Swan River cruise with commentary, and entry to Rottnest Island. Arrive 30 minutes early at Barrack Street Jetty to check in and prepare for a day of adventure, whether on a self-guided tour with cycling or a guided bus tour.

What to expect

Quokka encounters: Stroll through Thomson Bay and meet the island’s famously friendly quokkas, perfect for photos and up-close wildlife experiences.

The Basin: Swim or unwind at this natural pool, known for its clear, calm waters, best in the morning.

Wadjemup Lighthouse: Climb to the top for sweeping views of the island and surrounding ocean.

Historic sites: Visit Oliver Hill Battery with its WWII tunnels, stroll past Pinky Beach, and see Bathurst Lighthouse for breathtaking views.

Other must-see spots: See quiet coves like Parakeet Bay, explore Strickland Bay’s rock formations, or enjoy elevated views from Radar Hill and Geordie Bay.

Cycling adventures: If selected, guests can explore the island at their own pace along scenic coastal and inland routes, with helmets and locks included.

Guided option: Opt for a 1-hour 45-minute air-conditioned bus tour with live commentary, highlighting hidden corners, wildlife, and the island’s history.

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.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.