By ferry
Travelling to Rottnest Island by ferry is the most popular way to get to the island. There are three ferry operators to choose from and multiple departure points.
Aerial view of ferry jetty in Thomson Bay
Set sail to the island
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as you experience the fun and freedom of a ferry — the most popular way to get to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.
With transfers across to the island available through three operators, you can choose your closest departure point from Perth City, North Fremantle, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Ferry travel time will depend on where you leave from, ranging from around 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour and up to 90 minutes from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty.
Main Jetty Upgrades in Progress
Due to enhancement works on the main jetty, boarding times for ferry departures may be reduced. Ensure you are aware of boarding times and your departure location. Contact your ferry operator for further details.
Departures from Victoria Quay
Due to works at the B Shed ferry terminal at Victoria Quay in Fremantle, ticketing booths are temporarily located on the east side of E Shed. Ferries are operating as normal.
Ferry arriving on Rottnest Island
Ferry leaving Thomson Bay
Planning your journey
Rottnest Island ferry timetables vary depending on the season and weather. Please contact your preferred ferry provider for current schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Rottnest Island ferries take approximately 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or 90 minutes from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty.
Booking is recommended particularly in the peak summer periods to guarantee a seat on your preferred departure. Ferry tickets can also be purchased on the day, subject to availability.
Ferries depart from Northport at Rous Head in North Fremantle, B Shed at Victoria Quay in Fremantle, Barrack Street Jetty in Perth’s city centre, and Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth's northern suburbs.
Ferries depart from Main Jetty on the island in Thomson Bay.
It’s recommended that all passengers arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to departure. This allows enough time to park vehicles, label and load luggage and equipment, and collect your ferry tickets. If you’re travelling with no luggage or freight and have an e-ticket or QR code, please make your way straight to the boarding gate.
Paid parking is available at Victoria Quay in Fremantle. Secure, undercover parking is available nearby on Henderson Street.
Secure parking is available at Rous Head in North Fremantle.
Free short term and overnight vehicle parking options are available at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Multiple paid parking options are available near Barrack Street Jetty in Perth’s city centre.
Victoria Quay, Hillarys Boat Harbour and Barrack Street Jetty in Perth City are all accessible by public transport.
- B Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle - bus and train stops nearby
- Hillarys Boat Harbour - bus stops nearby on West Coast Drive
- Barrack Street Jetty, Perth City - bus and train stops nearby
This fee is collected by ferry operators on behalf of the Rottnest Island Authority and contributes to the provision of island facilities.
All visitors are required to pay an admission fee. Visitors arriving by ferry pay this fee as part of their fare at the time of booking.
Yes, in most cases ferries can accommodate wheelchairs. Find more about accessibility at Rottnest Island here.
Ferries can also accommodate prams on board, however, depending on capacity, the pram may need to be stowed. Find out more about luggage & equipment here.
You will need to use luggage labels that can either be arranged in advance or organised on the day at the ferry terminal. Find out more about luggage and equipment here.
You are generally welcome to bring your own bike, SCUBA diving gear, surfboard, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and other equipment on the ferry. However, permitted items, freight charges and stowing requirements will depend on your ferry provider. Find out more about luggage and equipment here.
The friendly reservations team at your chosen accommodation will contact you to advise that all ferries have been cancelled for the day of your departure and offer an alternate solution. Please note, the conditions of booking vary for each operator.
