Day Trips

From Perth: Rottnest Island Return Ferry with Swan River Commentary

Group cycling towards Wadjemup Lighthouse on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

Red bicycle on rocky shore with ocean in the background.

Rottnest Express ferry approaching jetty in turquoise waters, Rottnest Island.

Lighthouse on coastal headland at sunset with ocean and pink sky.

Duration

9 hrs 30 mins

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

4.5/5(17)

Smitha T

Family

Verified booking

2 days ago

We had an absolutely fantastic experience! Everything was very well organised, with clear instructions and excellent communication throughout. The trip felt safe and enjoyable from start to finish. Meeting the quokkas was definitely a highlight, and Salmon Bay is an incredibly beautiful beach. The pedal bike and snorkel flipper hire made exploring the island even more enjoyable. The staff were very helpful, friendly, and approachable. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Rottnest Island!

Claudio D

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

We particularly enjoyed the rough boat ride, also continually being harassed by crows, also the painful bicycle seat, Also the group that kept singing "Che Sera" over and over on the boat ride, Also stepping in Quaker turds Also the steep hills we had to bike up Also the fact that we were too late to order lemon lime bitters from the pub and finally the sunburn on the back of my neck. But seriously we loved it and wouldn't change a thing 😜

Martin C

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

We both enjoyed the commentary given by the tour guide Malcolm, he was very informative & put things across in a fun light hearted manner, also both him & Cos our driver, were very helpful with my wife needing to use a wheelchair, they were very accommodating.

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)

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

17 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.
15
0
0
0
2
What our guests say
Smitha T
Family
Verified booking
2 days ago
We had an absolutely fantastic experience! Everything was very well organised, with clear instructions and excellent communication throughout. The trip felt safe and enjoyable from start to finish. Meeting the quokkas was definitely a highlight, and Salmon Bay is an incredibly beautiful beach. The pedal bike and snorkel flipper hire made exploring the island even more enjoyable. The staff were very helpful, friendly, and approachable. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Rottnest Island!
Manuela F
Group
Verified booking
Yesterday
Loved the swan river commentary, allowed us to learn a lot about the swan river. There was sufficient time for us to visit the popular places around Rottnest Island. The bus tour was great too, the guide, Mark, knew a lot about the island and had cute dad jokes.
Bronwyn A
Couple
Verified booking
Today
Everything was fantastic. The bus tour was educational and very entertaining!
Claudio D
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
We particularly enjoyed the rough boat ride, also continually being harassed by crows, also the painful bicycle seat, Also the group that kept singing "Che Sera" over and over on the boat ride, Also stepping in Quaker turds Also the steep hills we had to bike up Also the fact that we were too late to order lemon lime bitters from the pub and finally the sunburn on the back of my neck. But seriously we loved it and wouldn't change a thing 😜
Martin C
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
We both enjoyed the commentary given by the tour guide Malcolm, he was very informative & put things across in a fun light hearted manner, also both him & Cos our driver, were very helpful with my wife needing to use a wheelchair, they were very accommodating.

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.