The 11 Best Perth Ferry Trips to Rottnest & the Swan

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

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

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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2.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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3.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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4.Rottnest Island Ferry & Bus Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 394 reviews · 1 day · from $112

Take a 25-minute ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then join a 90-minute guided bus circuit with stops and views around Wadjemup Lighthouse, beaches, bays, and quokka country. Guides such as Ella, Eli, Jess, and Richard bring local stories to life, followed by free time to swim or explore.

“This company runs such a fantastic service. Damian the boat captain and bus tour operator really value adds to this experience with his insights and knowledge of the area. Very entertaining and informative. Highly recommend boarding at Perth instead of Freemantle so you don't miss out on the Margaret River guided tour and also so you can get better seats as the boat gets very crowded.”

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5.Rottnest Island Round-Trip Ferry from Perth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 346 reviews · from $90

Take a same-day ferry from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then spend the day choosing between beaches, quokka spotting, cycling, walking, swimming, history, and water sports. The Perth departure includes a scenic Swan River cruise, while Fremantle saves time on the ocean crossing.

“Simple round trip from Perth to Rottnest Island via Fremantle. I find the price a bit excessive, given the number of passengers and very limited number of seats on the deck. Couldn’t really observe the scenery along the Swan River to and from Fremantle. The price and experience on the journey don’t inspire a second trip.”

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6.Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 238 reviews · from $117

Travel from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then join a 90-minute high-speed wildlife cruise with local guides. Look for fur seals, dolphins, ospreys, stingrays, and seasonal whales before choosing your own afternoon activity, from cycling and snorkeling to quokka spotting.

“The whole trip. Informative and fun. Fur seals, osprey sea hawk, sting ray, dolphins. Great fast boat. Best way to see the whole island.”

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7.Perth to Rottnest Island Roundtrip Ferry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 191 reviews · from $91

Travel from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty to Rottnest Island on a same-day return ferry. The route follows the Swan River past Fremantle before crossing to Thomson Bay. Expect captain’s commentary, WiFi, restrooms, optional hotel pickup, and about six hours to find quokkas, beaches, and island walks.

“Ferry by Sealink to Rottnest island. Ferry service polite and safe. I did find all the different ferry options/times/locations to be very confusing. I think departure and arrival and transit times listed for each would be helpful.”

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8.Rottnest Island Roundtrip Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · from $65Best value

Take a 40-minute ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, then plan your own day among 63 beaches and bays. Hire a bike or e-bike, use the hop-on hop-off bus, visit Wadjemup Lighthouse, spot quokkas, or relax by the water. Return ferry departs at 4:30pm.

“The ferry was a great way to get to Rottnest. It was very quick and ran smoothly, and the ferry itself was very clean and spacious.”

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9.Rottnest Island Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour Including Bike Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · from $86

Take a fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to car-free Rottnest Island, with a standard bicycle and helmet ready for you on arrival. Spend the day choosing your own route between 63 bays and beaches, Wadjemup Lighthouse, and West End. Hotel pickup is available from selected Perth hotels.

“Excellent day! Did not need cash for bike deposit, card was ok. They also have snorkels to rent. Very easy”

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10.Rottnest Island Ferry & Bus Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 76 reviews · 1 day · from $135

Take the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island, then join a 90-minute guided coach tour with stops at Wadjemup Lighthouse and West End. Guides such as Eli and Holly have led informative tours, while your free afternoon is yours for beaches, quokkas, museums, or optional bike hire.

“I really enjoyed the day. the ferry had it's air con which was a bit cold but otherwise very pleasant. The tour was great, very informative and the overall time was good for a day trip. plenty of time after to go and explore. I didn't order a bike which, I think I would after the tour but you don't have too. As a solo traveller I think this was a great day out. I didn't feel the "odd one out" because I was alone so that was great.”

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11.Hillary’s Harbour: Rottnest Island Skydive and Ferry Package

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 63 reviews · 1 day · from $337Top rated

Take a tandem skydive over Rottnest Island with an English-speaking instructor, choosing 10,000 or 15,000 feet. Your package includes the ferry from Hillarys, island admission, and free time after landing. Instructors such as Vinny and Cowe have earned warm praise for making first-time jumpers feel safe and relaxed.

“It was the best thing ever! Thanks to all the crew and guides for this amazing experience. It is really the greatest place for skydiving. I felt very comfortable and safe.”

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