Crossings · AUSTRALIA FERRY TRIPS

The 15 Best Ferry Trips in Australia

44 ferry trips  ·  from $23 a ticket

Rottnest, Moreton, Fitzroy, Kangaroo Island: the good Australian day out usually starts at a jetty. The 15 below compare the sailings on crossing time, what waits at the other end, and whether the bike or the bus is worth adding.

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry - Meeting at Circular Quay and heading west
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All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

1.All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,832 reviews · from $204Our pick

Spend about 10 hours exploring the Three Sisters, Scenic World, rainforest lookouts, and either Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo. Your guide, possibly Kat, Axel, Grant, Rin, or another local expert, handles the driving, commentary, lunch, and ferry return to Circular Quay.

“We had an amazing day with Jay, our tour guide doing the blue mountain tour. Even tho it was raining for most of it. We still made the best out of it and enjoyed every minute! You really get to do and see so much during this tour. Definitely recommend 100%”

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Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry - Echo Point and the Three Sisters
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Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

2.Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,709 reviews · from $161

Start early with a small group of up to 20, visit Echo Point and Scenic World, ride the railway, Skyway, and Cableway, then see Australian wildlife at Sydney Zoo. Guides such as Phil, Scott, Rod, and Leonard are known for lively storytelling. Finish with a ferry ride to Circular Quay.

“We had a wonderful time with Scotty being our driver and guide. He made sure that with an early departure, we beat the crowd and have the best experience. We all had a good time as a family with this tour!”

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From Perth: Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip - The 45-Minute Ferry Crossing
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From Perth: Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip

3.Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,548 reviews · 1 day · from $84

Take a 45-minute ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, collect your included bike, helmet, and lock, then explore at your own pace. Ride to Wadjemup Lighthouse, West End, quiet bays, and quokka hangouts before returning on the 4:30 pm ferry.

“Well organised, prompt. The bus driver was great at the start and end, as was everything in between.”

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From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo, & Ferry Ride - Early pickup and the ride west from Sydney
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From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo, & Ferry Ride

4.Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo, & Ferry Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,484 reviews · 10 hours · from $139

Spend 10 hours exploring the Blue Mountains in a minivan group of up to 20. Ride Scenic World’s railway, Skyway, and cableway, visit Sydney Zoo, and finish with a Parramatta River ferry to Circular Quay. Guides such as Scotty, Phil, Lloyd, and Rod are known for lively commentary.

“Our Drive and tour guide Brian was very informative and keep the tour safe and lively great Job would do it again”

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From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour - Getting there from Perth or Fremantle
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From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour

5.From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,246 reviews · 7 hours - 1 day · from $99

Take a return SeaLink ferry from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then join a 1-hour 45-minute air-conditioned bus tour. Guides such as Leah, Barney, and Jason bring the island’s wildlife, beaches, salt lakes, and colonial past to life, with free time left for lunch, quokkas, or a swim.

“We loved this tour to Rottnest Island from Perth. The Island bus tour was well worth including. Our guide was Barney, he was amazing! We loved seeing the Quokkas”

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Kangaroo Island Full Day Experience by Ferry Including Lunch - From Adelaide to Cape Jervis by coach
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Kangaroo Island Full Day Experience by Ferry Including Lunch

6.Kangaroo Island Full Day Experience by Ferry Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,202 reviews · 16 hours · from $267

Spend 16 hours reaching Kangaroo Island from Adelaide by coach and ferry, then explore Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and a wildlife park. Local guides such as Hamish, Jo, Scott, and Richard add strong commentary. Lunch, park fees, and hotel transfers are included.

“The trip was very well-organized. It's a lot of stops and starts with the transportation and sites, but the tour guides communicate the plans so well and they're able to herd the sightseers to so many beautiful places. The bus driver relayed lots of local history, and the spots we visited, particularly Remarkable Rocks and the animal park to pet the koalas and feed the kangaroos, were wonderful. The Australian sea lions were adorable, too. It's a long day and the sea was rough, but that's just the nature of the beast!”

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Brisbane: Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass - The early ferry from Brisbane
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Brisbane: Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass

7.Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,195 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $98

Take an early ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. Your pass includes kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling equipment, beach games, pools, and resort facilities. The day is largely self-guided, giving you freedom to explore the shipwrecks at your own pace.

“if you are allowed to fly a drone, don't forget to pack it!”

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Sydney: Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry - Arriving at Taronga Zoo and choosing your route
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Sydney: Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry

8.Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,142 reviews · 1 day · from $55

Take a self-guided day trip to Taronga Zoo, reached by ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Your ticket covers zoo entry and return boat travel, with time for kangaroos, tigers, elephants, birds, keeper talks, and Opera House views. Check the ferry timetable before you go.

“We had a great experience visiting Taronga Zoo. The ferry ride over was very nice and made the day even more special. The only disappointment was that the Sky Safari lift to the top, as advertised, was closed for a extended period of time. Instead, we were offered a bus at an additional charge, which felt unfair. Overall, still a memorable visit, but this detail could be improved.”

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From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour - Starting at Fremantle’s B Shed terminal
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From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour

9.Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 805 reviews · 9 hours · from $87

Take the fast Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle, collect your included bike and helmet on arrival, then explore Rottnest Island at your own pace. Ride to beaches, bays, quokka areas, and snorkeling spots, or keep the day gentle with shorter coastal rides and plenty of stops.

“Ticket collection and the boat ride was simple and fast. We collected the bikes on arrival on the island and they were pretty good, a lot better than expected. I liked that they we were belt-drive. That way the dry and sandy air wouldn't wear the drive down so fast. The island is beatiful and there were Quokkas everywhere, were there were trees next to the cycle-way.”

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Cairns: Fitzroy Island Ferry with Optional Lunch & Activity - Checking in at Cairns Marlin Marina
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Cairns: Fitzroy Island Ferry with Optional Lunch & Activity

10.Fitzroy Island Ferry with Optional Lunch & Activity

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 796 reviews · 8 hours · from $59

Take Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for about four hours of free time. Swim from the beach, walk to Nudey Beach, or follow rainforest trails. Depending on your package, add a picnic lunch, snorkel hire, or glass-bottom boat ride. Guides Hannah, Georgina, and Carmen have earned praise for clear, friendly service.

“I enjoyed snorkeling at Fitzroy Island. Definitely recommend it and worth the money”

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Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour - Wadjemup Lighthouse and the island’s interior
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Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour

11.Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 743 reviews · from $102

Take the ferry from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then join a 90-minute coach tour with local commentary. You’ll visit Wadjemup Lighthouse and West End, look for quokkas, seals and whales, and have free afternoon time for beaches, museums or bike hire. Guides may include Jessica, Eli or Malcolm.

“Very easy boarding and transfer to the island. Decided to do the bus trip around the island and the guide Malcolm was a very knowledgeable about everything on and about the island.”

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Hobart: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond Trip - Starting early in Hobart and following the Derwent Valley
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Hobart: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond Trip

12.Hobart: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 722 reviews · 9 hours · from $126

Spend nine hours with an English-speaking guide visiting Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond, and Mt Wellington. Walk through fern forest to Russell Falls, hand-feed kangaroos, meet Tasmanian devils, and hear local stories from guides such as Brett, Gary, Jarrod, and Scott.

“We were picked up right in front of our hotel first thing and dropped back right outside our hotel when the day had ended. The trip is very interesting and action packed. You’ll see some beautiful landscapes and the wildlife sanctuary is such a good place. Our tour guide, Brett, was very passionate about where and what he was taking us to see, which really made our day. He was very knowledgable, enthusiastic and approachable in regards to any questions you may have. Highly recommend this tour.”

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Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry - Sydney Harbour - Exploring 2,900 animals across 10 themed areas
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Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

13.Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 722 reviews · from $56

Take Captain Cook Cruises from Circular Quay Wharf 6 to Taronga Zoo, with Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge views along the way. Your ticket includes zoo entry, keeper talks, animal feedings, and a return ferry. Plan on four to eight hours, and start early for the best day.

“An amazing zoo. It had been over 40 years since my last visit and still a great day out for young and old, families. Didn’t disappoint and we really enjoyed our visit. A must to do when in Sydney.”

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From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bike Trip - Collecting your bike at Rottnest Island
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From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bike Trip

14.Rottnest Island Ferry & Bike Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 627 reviews · 9 hours · from $118

Take the Rottnest Express from Perth to Rottnest Island, cruise along the Swan River with live commentary, then collect a hire bike and explore independently. You have time for beaches, quokkas, swimming, and island views, but a full loop takes up to five hours and includes hills.

“Great experience to see the Quokkas and enjoyed the ride around the island, even with the built in workout navigating the hills 😂”

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Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire - Getting off the ferry and onto the island
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Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire

15.Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 461 reviews · from $86

Take a same-day ferry to Rottnest Island from Perth or Fremantle, collect a bike and helmet, then set your own route past beaches, salt lakes, lighthouses, and quokka habitats. Add snorkel hire or lunch if useful. Expect about eight hours, moderate cycling, and no guide.

“Efficient check in and ferry left promptly. Bikes and gear were given to us upon arrival. All good, no complaints”

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