Rottnest Island: Day Trips and Tours from Perth

Offering over 60 picturesque beaches and a plethora of things to do, Rottnest Island is the ideal destination for a day trip from Perth.

Rottnest Island is famously home to the quokka— a small, rare marsupial that appears to be wearing a permanent smile. In addition to the quokka, Rottnest Island is home to several species of marine animals, birds and reptiles.

Dive into the island’s fascinating aboriginal and military history and take the time to explore its diverse flora and fauna with a Rottnest Island day trip from Perth.

You will find below all you need to know about Rottnest Island, one of the most popular destination for day trips from Perth.

How to get to Rottnest Island from Perth?

Rottnest Island is a small island, roughly 11 kilometers by 5 kilometers, and is situated just 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth.

From Perth to Rottnest Island by air travel

Enjoy incredible views of the island and the coast of Western Australia when you travel to Rottnest Island via plane or helicopter. There are numerous air travel options available, with the most popular being Rottnest Air Taxi, which offers numerous daily departures.

The air travel time from Perth to Rottnest Island should not take more than 10 minutes but many air travel providers take the scenic route for your enjoyment— resulting in 30-minute flight times.

From Perth to Rottnest Island by ferry

The most affordable and popular way to get to Rottnest Island is by ferry. Ferries leave from Perth’s Barrack Street jetty on a daily basis. Ferries departing from Perth can be booked through SeaLink, and the ferry ride is roughly 90 minutes.

Guided tour to Rottnest Island from Perth

Guided tours to Rottnest Island from Perth offer you the opportunity to explore the island with a professional guide. Some tours may make use of the ferry service, while other tours take you to the island on a boat. Spend a few hours exploring the island with your guide before heading back to Perth.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Rottnest Island from Perth?

As there are a few different types of Rottnest day tours available, the itineraries of these tours are all slightly different. However, the majority of day tours follow a fairly similar itinerary.

Meet your guide at Perth’s harbor where you’ll board either a ferry or a boat and make your way to Rottnest Island.

The guide will show you all the most picturesque spots on the island and allow time for swimming and taking photos. You may explore the island on foot, on a bicycle or even on a Segway.

In addition to seeing the best of what the island has to offer, your guide will also provide you with information regarding the island’s rich history. You’ll also be given an introduction to the island’s unique flora and fauna, and see the famous quokkas.

At the end of the day, you’ll make your way back to Perth by boat.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Rottnest Island?

There are a few different types of Rottnest Island day tours available. There is something to suit everyone including ferry transfers, guided tours and even skydiving tours.

Guided tours to Rottnest Island from Perth

Make the most of exploring Rottnest Island with a professional guide at your side. Join a group tour and meet other tour participants as you make your way to the island via ferry or boat. Learn about Rottnest Island’s fascinating history as you partake in fun activities.

Skydiving tour to Rottnest Island from Perth

See Rottnest Island from a different perspective with a skydiving tour. Once you’ve arrived on the island by ferry you’ll make your way to Rottnest Airfield, which is just a short walk from the jetty. Experience the rush of tandem skydiving with an experienced instructor.

This unforgettable experience will provide you with stunning views of the island, as well as a good dose of adrenalin.

Ferry transfers to Rottnest Island from Perth

Book a ferry transfer ahead of time to secure your spot. The ferry will take you from Perth to Rottnest Island, and back again, with various departure times to choose from. Explore the island on your own terms without a guide.

There are also ferry transfers available that include bike hire, so that you can cycle around the island at your own pace.

How much does a tour to Rottnest Island from Perth cost?

Guided tours of Rottnest Island vary quite significantly in price as there are many different itineraries available. Standard guided tours cost around US$100 per person, while all-inclusive day tours with lunch cost around US$120 per person.

Round trip ferry transfers, without a guide, should cost you between US$50 and US$70 per person, depending on which ferry operator you book with. Ferry transfers that include bike hire usually cost US$80 per person.

Skydiving tours cost roughly US$300 per person, and this price includes a ferry transfer from Perth, in addition to your skydiving session.

What will you see and do on a Rottnest Island day trip from Perth?

While Rottnest Island may be small in size, there is a multitude of things that you can look forward to seeing and doing during your day trip.

Beaches and bays in Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is made up of 20 bays and 63 beaches. The island is home to some of the finest beaches in the world including Little Salmon Bay and Little Parakeet Bay. These beaches are ideal for swimming or just relaxing.

Wildlife in Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is famous for its large population of quokkas, which are a rare marsupial species. In addition to the quokkas, you may spot whales and a variety of birds and lizards. The island is a fantastic destination for nature lovers.

Wadjemup Museum

The newly renovated Wadjemup Museum provides in-depth information about the island’s heritage and Aboriginal links. The museum hosts a range of interesting exhibits, as well as ancient artifacts.

Island activities

While not all tours may partake in the activities on offer, Rottnest island provides you with the opportunity to surf, skydive, go adventure boating and so much more. Many tours make use of the bicycle hire service on the island.

When is the best time to visit Rottnest Island?

Like most of Western Australia, the best time to visit Rottnest Island is during one of the shoulder seasons that boast mild temperatures and very little rain.

Shoulder seasons are between March and May, and between September and November.

Travel tips

• Book your Rottnest Island day trip in advance to guarantee your spot.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for walking around the island.
• Bring sunscreen and your swimming gear.
• Do not feed or touch the wildlife. If you do, you may have to pay a hefty fine.