Rottnest Island Day Trip from Perth: A Budget Guide

Rottnest Island, or Wadjemup, sits just off the coast from Fremantle. It's one of the easiest island day trips in Australia. Wadjemup is the land of the Traditional Owners, the Whadjuk Noongar people.

Getting there

Three ferry companies run to the island: SeaLink, Rottnest Express and Rottnest Fast Ferries. You can leave from:

• Fremantle (Victoria Quay B Shed, or Rous Head in North Fremantle). This is the quickest trip, about 25 minutes.

• Hillarys Boat Harbour, about 45 minutes.

• Barrack Street Jetty in Perth city, up to about 90 minutes.

The Island Admission Fee is included in your ferry fare. As an example, SeaLink's same-day adult return from Fremantle was $90 including the admission fee for 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. Prices are dynamic, so check when you book.

Getting around

Few cars are allowed on the island, so most visitors cycle. Pedal & Flipper Hire offers bikes and e-bikes, and ferry companies also hire bikes. Helmets are required by law and come with every hire. Prefer not to ride? The hop-on hop-off Island Explorer bus has 19 stops, and free shuttles link Thomson Bay, Geordie Bay and Kingstown.

What to see

• The Basin. About a 15-minute walk from the settlement, with calm, protected water for swimming and snorkelling.

• Pinky Beach. A long, wide beach below Bathurst Lighthouse, close to the settlement.

• Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail. An approximately 700 m loop with 10 buoys marking underwater plaques. It's in a marine sanctuary, so no fishing or collecting, and there are no facilities at the bay. It's about a 25-minute ride, or Island Explorer stop 6.

• Wadjemup Lighthouse. The 1896 tower was Australia's first rotating-beam lighthouse.

The quokka rules

Quokkas are protected. Touching, petting and feeding them is not allowed. Deliberately interfering with wildlife can lead to on-the-spot fines, and prosecution under the Biodiversity Conservation Act can mean fines of up to $10,000. A selfie is fine, but keep your distance and keep your snacks to yourself.

Stay safe in the sun

Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, or 3 litres on hot days, because refill points are limited away from the settlement. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

More day trips

Based in Sydney? Try our Blue Mountains day trip guide.

Sources

• rottnestisland.com: Getting here by ferry, Getting around, By bike, Protect our wildlife, Practical tips, Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail, Seven things you never knew about Rottnest Island

• SeaLink Rottnest ferry fares (valid 1 Jul 2026 to 31 Mar 2027) and SeaLink beach guide

Prices, timetables and rules can change. Check the official sites before you go.

Questions?

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