Rottnest Fast Ferries · Hillarys Boat Harbour
A same-day return from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth's northern suburbs on Rottnest Fast Ferries, about 45 minutes each way, with the island admission fee included. Choose it if you are staying north of the city or want to drive: parking at Hillarys is free all day.
Rottnest Fast Ferries sails from Hillarys Boat Harbour, on the Sunset Coast in Perth's northern suburbs. Its two catamarans, Harbour Master and Ocean Master, have outdoor decks and air-conditioned seats inside, and the crossing takes about 45 minutes. The listing states two outbound times, 7:30am or 10:00am, and one return at 4:30pm, arriving back at Hillarys at 5:15pm.
The listing includes the Rottnest Island admission fee, and you can add a hotel pickup if you choose that option. The operator's transfer page covers hotels in the Perth CBD, Northbridge, Scarborough and along the Sunset Coast, and asks for bookings at least 24 hours ahead. Driving instead? Parking at Hillarys is free all day and overnight, though spaces get scarce on summer weekends.
The trade-off is the fixed day. With a 4:30pm boat home you get roughly six to eight hours on the island depending on your morning sailing, with no late option on this listing. Take the 7:30am if you want to ride the whole island. If you are staying in central Perth without a car, the SeaLink ferry from Fremantle has more sailings and a train to the door.
Pickup times depend on your hotel and sailing. Drivers park free at the harbour; allow extra time in summer.
A ticket with a barcode is your boarding pass, so go straight to the ferry, down the end of the service lane from the ticket office.
Watch the Sunset Coast slip away. Food and drink are sold on board.
Six to eight hours for bikes, beaches, the Island Explorer bus or a walk on the Wadjemup Bidi.
Back at Hillarys around 5:15pm, in time for dinner at the harbour.
★★★★★Fantastic visit to Rottnest Island - drivers were very pleasant and Laura gave us lots of useful information on the way.
★★★★★Fantastic great place to visit. The crossing was very smooth and comfortable. The crew was welcoming and helpful.
★★★★★Very organised, ferry was very clean, staff friendly. Would highly recommend.
★★★★★Trip was excellent and staff on Rottnest Fast Ferries were really good. Hillary's boat harbour is a fantastic place also
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About 45 minutes on Rottnest Fast Ferries. It runs daily all year, with extra sailings in summer, school holidays and long weekends according to the operator.
This listing gives 7:30am or 10:00am from Hillarys and 4:30pm back from Rottnest, arriving at Hillarys around 5:15pm. The operator says its timetable changes with the season, so confirm your times when you book.
Not usually. According to the operator's FAQ, a ticket with a barcode is your boarding pass. Overnight guests and anyone hiring equipment check in at the ticket office first.
If you are staying north of Perth or driving, yes: free parking and a short trip to the harbour. From the city centre or Fremantle, the Fremantle ferries are closer and run more often. Our departure point guide compares all three.
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A same-day return from Hillarys in about 45 minutes, island entry included and free parking at the harbour.
Hillarys Ferry & All-Day BikeHillarys fast ferry plus an all-day bike, helmet and lock, and island entry. Collect the bike before you board.★ 4.7 · Same-day return · departs Hillarys
SeaLink Ferry & Admission from FremantleThe simple way across: about 30 minutes from Fremantle, island entry included, same-day or extended return.★ 4.7 · Same day or longer · departs Fremantle
Grand Island Day Tour with Lunch from HillarysHillarys fast ferry, historic train to the Oliver Hill guns and tunnels, a bus tour of the island and a light lunch.★ 4.4 · Full day · departs Hillarys