Rottnest Island Full-Day Trip With Island Tour from Hillarys
Description
Enjoy return transfers from selected Perth hotels (must be pre-booked) before embarking on a 40 minute high speed ferry to the island. Then take part in the most comprehensive tour of the island - the Grand Island tour. This 4-hour all-inclusive guided tour visits Rottnest's must-see locations, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification & Tunnels and the beautiful look-out point at Mabel Cove. The tour begins with a historic train ride up to Oliver Hill and later transfers onto an air-conditioned coach to access other areas of the island. All major habitats are covered in this amazing tour, including Rottnest's cultural and historical heritage ranging from Maritime and Military history right up to future developments. Enjoy an included light picnic lunch. Please note the Oliver Hill tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or for any children needing to be carried (except those in infant carriers which allow both hands to be free).
Tour Options
Itinerary
Take advantage of a courtesy coach pick-up from your Perth hotel and enjoy a relaxing drive along Perth's northern beaches (if required). Alternatively, you also have the option to drive yourself and take advantage of Hillarys Boat Harbour free parking. Your tour officially begins at 9am when you check in at the Rottnest Fast Ferries office, before departing Hillarys Boat Harbour at 10am for a 45-minute crossing to Rottnest Island.
Upon arrival at Rottnest Island, make your way to the Rottnest Island Settlement Railway Station(highlighted on a map provided to you at check in) to begin your Grand Island Tour with a historic train ride to Oliver HIll. on the historic Captain Hussey train. Sit back and relax on this unique railway experience while you enjoy the views.
On arrival at Oliver Hill, explore the WWII Guns and Tunnels with a guided tour (please note there are more than 240 steps over this one-hour tour and therefore not suitable for those with mobility issues. Children cannot be carried for safety reasons). Learn about the military history of Oliver Hill and how Rottnest Island played a part in the defence of the port of Fremantle during WWII. Then enjoy a light picnic lunch.
After lunch, board an air conditioned coach to explore the island further. Enjoy the running commentary of Rottnest's unique history, environment, heritage and wildlife whilst taking in the beauty of Rottnest Island by road. Make a stop at Wadjemup Lighthouse and admire the views from Jeannie's Lookout.
Travel out to the rugged West End of the island and enjoy the spectacular views. See the colony of long-nose fur seals at Cathedral Rocks.
After your tour you'll have some free time to explore Rottnest's main settlement area and visit the local shops, before catching the ferry back to Hillarys Boat Harbour and (if required) taking our courtesy coach back to your Perth accommodation.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Courtesy Coach transfers available from hotels in Perth CBD, Northbridge and Scarborough. You MUST notify us at the time of booking if you require this service so that we can book in a pick up from your closest hotel, this is subject to availability.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Please note - The Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels part of the Tour is a physically demanding 45-minute tour with approximately 700 metres walking and 240+ uneven steps (equivalent to a 8-storey climb). There are no rest stops and no backtracking once inside. No carrying of children is permitted except for small infants in baby carriers (which allow the accompanying adult to have both hands free for the railings in the tunnels). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour takes place in enclosed tunnels - please watch for low ceilings, uneven surfaces and other trip hazards - and follow guide instructions at all times.
- Those with mobility issues are not permitted, for safety reasons.
Reviews(129)
The experience was made better by our guides who were full of great personality and knowledge
I had the best time!! Greg that bus driver doing the transfers was great and on time. The island transfers were easy and hassle-free from Hillary's. Trevor our tour guide of Rottnest Island was fantastic and provided a great commentary of the island and it's history. Rottnest Island is absolutely stunning and I was so glad I made this a part of my Perth Trip.
So well organized. Ran like clockwork. From communication, pick up, ferry and tour on Rottnest it was a great day. All the guides were so knowledgeable and Fiona went above and beyond
Volunteers & staff had a wealth of knowledge, very friendly. Plenty of opportunities for photos. Lunch was fantastic. Great day.
This is a tour that is very good, but each section you need to be wary you are not with a group from start to finish of the day. The group tour starts on the island at the train station
Rodriguez was an excellent guide. He was very friendly, helpful and funny. He really took care of everybody. He made the trip so much fun and interesting.
Did day tour at rottnest with train and A/C. Female host was unreal and we saw plenty inc dolphins which was great. Informative and relaxing, great to do
Hi BrettH1273, thank you for your kind review! We are pleased to hear you had such a fantastic time and we thank you for choosing to support local and ride with us! See you next time. Regards, Rottnest Fast Ferries.
Our day started perfectly with whale sightings on the ferry across to Rottnest Island. The train ride up to Oliver’s Mount was a great experience, and the guided tour around the guns was both fascinating and informative — our volunteer guide really brought the history to life. Lunch was simple but tasty — a wrap, a couple of biscuits, and a bottle of water — before we continued our island coach tour. The scenery was absolutely stunning, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Back at the settlement, we met the famous quokkas, which was a real highlight, and even spotted more whales on the ferry ride back to Hillarys. Our guide Leah was outstanding — friendly, knowledgeable, and a great photographer too! Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Perth.
Wow thank you for your kind review! We are so pleased to hear about your experience and will be sure to pass the lovely feedback onto our team. Thank you for choosing Rottnest Fast Ferries!
This was an absolutely fantastic day we had the best time, the tour was informative the ferry ride was awesome and the quokka were cute, an around fabulous experience 😀
Hi, thank you for your 5-star review! Our team are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your Rottnest Island trip and hope to welcome you back again soon. Thanks for choosing Rottnest Fast Ferries!
Very good overview of Rottnest Island history, flora and fauna and land features. Well informed guide lunch was tasty. We were provided with water and given the opportunity to use restroom facilities.
