Rottnest Island Ferries

The port of Rottnest Island plays a key role in the ferry network of Australia, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Rottnest Island serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Rottnest Island, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Hillarys - Rottnest Island connecting Rottnest Island with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Rottnest Island, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Rottnest Island offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Ferries to Rottnest Island depart regularly from three locations around Perth: Fremantle, Hillary's Boat Harbour, and Perth's Barrack Street Jetty. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillary's, or 90 minutes from Perth city. Visitors can easily reach these departure points via public transport, with trains running to Fremantle and buses connecting to the ferry terminals. If driving, secure parking facilities are available at all departure locations, though booking ahead during peak periods is recommended. For those coming from further afield, Perth Airport is well-connected to major Australian cities and international destinations, with shuttle services linking to the ferry terminals.

Just off the coast of Western Australia lies Rottnest Island, a car-free paradise of pristine beaches, crystal-clear bays, and unique wildlife. This sun-drenched island, known affectionately as 'Rotto' by locals, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back charm. With its stunning coral reefs, historic sites, and the famous quokkas, the smiling marsupials that call the island home, Rottnest provides an unforgettable island escape accessible only by ferry from mainland Western Australia.

Rottnest Island enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The most popular time to visit is between September and April when temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F), perfect for swimming and water activities. March to May offers particularly pleasant conditions with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Winter (June-August) brings cooler weather and occasional rainfall but rewards visitors with wildflower displays and excellent whale watching opportunities as humpbacks migrate along the coast. Ferry services operate year-round, with increased frequency during summer and school holidays when advance bookings are essential.

Rottnest Island serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Western Australia's coastal highlights. From Perth, additional ferry services connect travelers to Penguin Island, just a 5-minute journey from Rockingham, where you can observe the smallest penguin species in the world in their natural habitat. The Abrolhos Islands, though requiring a longer journey with connections, offer world-class diving among coral reefs and historic shipwrecks. Carnac Island, a nature reserve about 30 minutes by boat from Fremantle, provides opportunities for sea lion watching and snorkeling in secluded bays. These destinations showcase the diverse marine ecosystems and island landscapes that make Western Australia's coastline so remarkable.

Rottnest Island packs an impressive array of activities into its 19 square kilometers. Cycling is the premier way to explore, with rental bikes available and a 22km loop road connecting 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays, Basin, Pinky Beach, and Little Salmon Bay offer exceptional snorkeling among limestone reefs teeming with colorful fish. History enthusiasts can tour the Oliver Hill Gun Battery and tunnels, remnants of the island's WWII defenses, or visit Wadjemup Lighthouse for panoramic views. The island's culinary scene centers around the Settlement, where seaside restaurants serve fresh seafood paired with Western Australian wines. Don't miss the chance to spot quokkas in their natural habitat, especially around dusk when they're most active.

Rottnest Island got its name from Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who mistook the island's quokkas for giant rats, dubbing it 'Rotte nest' (rat's nest) in 1696. The island served as an Aboriginal prison from 1838 to 1931, with over 3,700 indigenous men and boys imprisoned there, a somber history now acknowledged through the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground. Remarkably, Rottnest is home to the most northerly temperate limestone reef system in the world, supporting over 400 species of fish. Perhaps most intriguing is the island's complete absence of natural predators, which has allowed quokkas to thrive here while becoming endangered on the mainland.