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Getting Here

Located just 19 km from the coast of Fremantle, 33 km from Perth’s city centre and 22 km from Hillarys, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is easy to get to by ferry, by boat and by air.
Thomson Bay
Thomson Bay

Wander beyond

Just 19 km from Fremantle, 33 km from Perth’s city centre and 22 km from Hillarys, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island offers an unforgettable experience, whether you visit for a day or enjoy an extended stay.

Easily accessible by ferry, plane or your own boat, getting to Western Australia's favourite holiday island couldn’t be easier. 

Explore the quick and convenient ways to get here. 

Ferry

A popular choice for most visitors, quick and easy transfers across to the island can be booked through one of the three ferry operators. 

Ferries leave from Perth City, North Fremantle (Rous Head), Fremantle (Victoria Quay) and Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth's north with trips ranging from 25 minutes to 90 minutes.

Getting here by ferry
Flying above

Air

When you travel by air you experience Wadjemup / Rottnest Island from a whole different perspective. 

Whether it’s by plane, helicopter or seaplane, you’ll enjoy stunning views and visibility of the southern beaches and the breathtaking island itself. 

Getting here by air

Boat

Boasting some of Western Australia’s most pristine marine environments and diverse marine life, Wadjemup is a popular destination for WA boat owners.

Perfect for those wanting to travel at their own pace, it’s the ideal opportunity to experience the island’s abundant coastal activities.

Getting here by boat

Accessibility

Rottnest Island provides an accessible and facility-friendly holiday destination for all visitors. 

Accessible services are available with all ferry operators for those travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter. When booking, please inform your preferred ferry operator of your requirements so they can accommodate you.

More about accessibility on the island

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach Rottnest Island by ferry. It takes approximately 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. There are 3 ferry companies which provide this service:

Rottnest Express

Sealink

Fast Ferries 

The cost of a ferry to Rottnest Island varies in price depending on your departure point, date of travel, and your chosen ferry operator. Special offers are also available from time to time. For the latest deals, see what’s on offer here.

The amount of luggage items you can bring varies by operator and we recommend that you contact your ferry operator for guidance.

Please also be mindful that luggage size and weight limits apply for delivery between the ferry and your accommodation on the island. Charges may apply for overweight items. You’ll find all the essential information you need for luggage and equipment in  our guide here.

No, you can’t bring your car to Rottnest Island. The island is predominantly car-free, but visitors can take a bus, ride bicycles, or simply walk around. This kind of unique, car-free experience is rare in the modern world and is one of the many reasons why so many people are drawn to Rottnest Island year after year.

No, there are no restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks to Rottnest Island. Just ensure you are within your weight limit if you are catching the ferry or travelling by air. As with the rest of Western Australia, street drinking is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is also not permitted within the Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms accommodation or the grounds of Kingstown Barracks.