Tour

Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnels Tour

Explore the rich military history of Rottnest Island on a guided tour of the Oliver Hill gun battery and tunnels.

Overview
Timetable & Booking Information

Oliver Hill is a legacy of wartime defence systems in Western Australia, with a bounty of historical artefacts and stories waiting to be explored.

Join the Rottnest Island volunteer guides for an unforgettable tour of the site, starting with the 9.2-inch naval gun – the only intact emplacement of its type left in Australia.

As your knowledgeable guide regales the history of the battery, marvel at the panoramic views across the island. Discover how the historic gun was operated, from both the lower gun pit and the upper gun platform.

Then journey below ground and through the tunnels leading to the gun’s ammunition supply and engine room. Strategically located in Hell’s Gully, the engine room was hidden deep underground for concealment and security. You’ll also have an opportunity to witness the immense power of the newly installed Ghost Engine, a replica model of the original machine that powered the mighty guns above. Make sure you turn the crank on the model to hear the roar the engines would have made when in use!

Please note: this tour takes visitors through small spaces and steep staircases.

Tours of the site are conducted daily between 10 am and 2 pm.

You can purchase a ticket for your tour at the Visitor Centre, through Quokka Coaches as part of one of their bus or train packages, or on arrival at Oliver Hill.

Look out for

Ghost engine replica

Military history

Mysterious tunnels

Panoramic island views

Where to find Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnel Tour

The Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnel tour departs from the battery at Oliver Hill itself, which is located in the centre of the island.

It’s a 4 km, 15-minute cycle from the main settlement or you can opt for the Captain Hussey historic train which provides a unique way to get there. Using infrastructure originally built to transport equipment, building materials and ammunition to the guns, the train runs from Thomson Bay, passing Bickley Point and on to Oliver Hill.

Alternatively, keen hikers can make a stop at Oliver Hill on their way along the Wardan Nara Bidi and Ngank Yira Bidi. This can be a challenging trail in parts, so it’s recommended for experienced hikers only.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are toilet facilities at Oliver Hill and bins on site, but be sure to pack food and water to fuel your adventure. Alternatively, Kalli’s at Rotto is nearby at Wadjemup Lighthouse, providing food and drink options for those exploring the centre of the island.

The tour descends several steep stairways through the tunnels, with a bushwalk ascent back to base.

Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access beyond the landing area where you can view the above-ground gun.

$15 per adult, $12 for concession, $7 per child, and $34 for a family (two adults, two children).