Rottnest Express
Rottnest Express
4
Scuba & SnorkellingBike ToursBoat ToursDolphin & Whale Watching
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Rottnest Express has been serving the Island for 50 years now and knows it better than most. If you’re a visitor to Perth, Rottnest is the must see destination and we’d love to take you there. If you’re a local and haven’t been to Rotto for a while — it’s time to rediscover Rotto — it’s easier than you think.
Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Rottnest Express
Water Transfers
7–8 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
₱4,693
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,491 reviews
Excellent
1,322
Very good
715
Average
262
Poor
79
Terrible
114
LesMicks
Weston, UK14 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Day trip whilst visiting Perth from UK. Prompt pick up, time for a coffee whilst waiting for the boat, clear itinerary and boat on time. Staff welcoming and boat in great order. Points of interest highlighted on journey by Leo who passed the time in an entertaining way. We hired bikes into the price and would highly recommend it - seeing the whole island was fantastic. If cycling’s not for you there’s a bus tour and there’s also snorkeling and plenty of other activities. Boat trip is 90 mins to island and there are refreshments on board. Really good day out and would highly recommend Rottnest Express.
Written December 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for your glowing 5-star review and for choosing to travel with Rottnest Express. It sounds like you managed to fit lots in during your time on the island!
Kind Regards,
The Rottnest Express Sales Team
Written January 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IntrovertLikesTravel
Hobart, Australia275 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
On October 19, I was incorrectly informed by the young guy at Barrack Street Jetty standing on the pier, that the 8:45 ferry departing there (via Fremantle) would arrive at Rottnest Island by 10:30. Wrong! (Come to Hobart you idiot, and I will give it to you.) It arrived at 10:50, 5 to 10 minutes after the island bus tour I had booked with Pinnacle Tours left the main settlement bus stop. So I was late for that and resorted to cancelling it which I didn't get a refund for. Though I managed to get a same day booking to go on Rottnest Express' Discovery bus tour. The Discovery bus tour was alright. But it's hard to take photos at stops along the way, when you want to clear shot at taking photos through the windows without other passengers heads and cameras appearing.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
We appreciate you reaching out with your feedback and apologise that you were less than satisfied with our experience. For ferry departures we always encourage you to check our timetable for accurate arrival times on the island and to plan all other bookings for your day accordingly. We appologise that this confusion impacted your day, however, are glad you managed to make it onto our Discover Bus Tour.
Kind regards,
The Rottnest Express Sales Team
Written December 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vineet N
Perth, Australia127 contributions
Mar 2021
These guys are excellent when it comes to booking for a roundtrip that includes the Rottnest Island landing fee. We were a group of 4 and booked the Round trip from Fremantle North Port and 60minute Segway tour. The rates are reasonable and the parking for all day is $9.00 if you take the ferry from North Port. There are plenty of spots for parking.
These guys are always on time and leave very promptly. So please do not be late for your ferry's departure. The ride to Rottnest is sweet and short and I would recommend a jacket even in summer as at times the wind can be a little chilly if sitting outside and not inside the cabin.
I would highly recommend these guys!
These guys are always on time and leave very promptly. So please do not be late for your ferry's departure. The ride to Rottnest is sweet and short and I would recommend a jacket even in summer as at times the wind can be a little chilly if sitting outside and not inside the cabin.
I would highly recommend these guys!
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your detailed review, and for the recommendation.
Written April 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Appalled
9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Grossly NEGLIGENT and extremely dangerous cowboy behaviour. My partner and I genuinely feared for our safety on this cruise from Fremantle to Rottnest departing at 10am on June 17. The captain was reckless and travelling unacceptably fast through a very heavy swell. The boat became airborne wave after wave throughout the crossing and we repeatedly lifted high out of our seats, landing very heavily and sending pain through our spines. All the passengers were bracing for dear life and so many passengers had their heads buried in and filling their vomit bags. At one point a large panel fell from the ceiling narrowly avoiding passengers. The ferry felt and sounded like it would break apart on the water as it careered over the huge waves and fell far and hard into the trough beyond. This experience was not acceptable and can only be described as grossly negligent. Going slowly under such conditions is boating 101. As is avoiding hitting approaching waves square on so as not to become airborne. These swells were forecast and widely reported. This cruise should’ve either been cancelled or allocated more time. The Rottnest Express appeared more preoccupied with arriving on time than ensuring the welfare and safety of their passengers. I’d be surprised if there weren’t multiple injuries sustained, especially amongst elderly passengers. I’m amazed I wasn’t injured myself. I never complain online, but I couldn’t in good conscience let this recklessness go unreported. Appalling.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your comment. We do take issues like this very seriously with one of our key mission statement commitments being ‘Always Safe – Responsible, secure and caring’.
When inclement weather is predicted, Rottnest Express follows a rigorous protocol of continually monitoring and assessing the sea state conditions to ensure a safe voyage and compliance to our safe operating parameters before any voyage can commence. The protocol has been reviewed and assessed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to be appropriate for our area and type of operations. The protocol considers, amongst other things, live wind and wave data from sea state monitoring buoys located within the area we operate. Once all factors of the protocol have been assessed, the Fleet Master, Duty Manager and the Master of the Vessel decide whether a voyage should proceed. Safety measures are put in place during rough crossings to ensure that at no stage there is an increased risk of danger to any passengers travelling on-board the ferry or crew members working on-board the ferry and this is the information that should have been conveyed to you by all members of the crew so this will be addressed with the crew again as a reminder to them all. The voyages on Friday 17 June were within our safe operating parameters.
I sincerely apologise for this experience when travelling across with Rottnest Express on what should have been a happy start to your day on Rottnest Island and again thank you for bringing it to our attention.
Kind Regards,
The Rottnest Express Sales Team
Written June 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deb C
Darwin, Australia26 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
We took the express for NYE
Left on the 9.30 ferry and returned on the 10.15pm. Both departures went very smoothly and were professionally organized with the huge amount of people traveling. I would suggest taking a chair if you are going all day and are of an older age for the island. Had the most enjoyable day. Only criticism would be the amount of visitors handling the quokkas and there being no rangers around to monitor this situation. I seriously felt for the quokkas welfare .
The islands prices are expensive. So don’t expect to do anything without it costing a lot of money. However it is worth participating in the actives.
I had a very enjoyable day. And hope to go again soon
Left on the 9.30 ferry and returned on the 10.15pm. Both departures went very smoothly and were professionally organized with the huge amount of people traveling. I would suggest taking a chair if you are going all day and are of an older age for the island. Had the most enjoyable day. Only criticism would be the amount of visitors handling the quokkas and there being no rangers around to monitor this situation. I seriously felt for the quokkas welfare .
The islands prices are expensive. So don’t expect to do anything without it costing a lot of money. However it is worth participating in the actives.
I had a very enjoyable day. And hope to go again soon
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Deb,
Thank you for your glowing 5-star review on your experience with us on New Years Eve, we are so glad it was a positive one! Thanks again for choosing Rottnest Express and we hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards,
The Rottnest Express Sales Team
Written January 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy
Durham, UK17 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I booked a child’s bike through the visitor centre, with correct measurements for my son, who is an avid cyclist. The bike we were given on the island however was way too large so we had to hire another on the day from an alternative company. The guy working in the ferry even commented “we keep telling them [the ferry company], they are too big”! We were told we would get a refund but never did, despite me leaving all my details as instructed.
We were only in the island for one day so the time wasted getting a new bike (the queue was very long), completely ruined our trip as it totally changed where we were able to get to, not to mention the stress of it all
We were only in the island for one day so the time wasted getting a new bike (the queue was very long), completely ruined our trip as it totally changed where we were able to get to, not to mention the stress of it all
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Amy,
Thank you for your valuable feedback. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by your issue with the bikes and are disappointed to hear that it impacted your experience with us. Unfortunately, we are only able to offer 2 sized bikes, one for children and one for adults and for guests between these 2 sizes the specs of each bike are clearly outlined on our website for guests to measure prior to booking. This should have been clearly outlined with you upon booking with the visitor centre so we do apologise for this. If you would like to get in touch with any further feedback or concerns please contact feedback@rottnestexpress.com.au.
Kind Regards,
The Rottnest Express Sales Team
Written January 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dazzling63
Solihull, UK1,080 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
I pre booked the return tickets online a couple of months in advance and was able to get one of the promotional prices. We didn’t pre book anything else such as bikes or trips or food.
The online ticket is easy to save and show at the gate, we boarded at Fremantle Shed B and arriving about 30 mins before departure and joining the queue to board. Plenty of room on board and a pretty smooth ride of about 40 mins I think to Rottnest.
It was full both ways as we had unknowingly booked a bank holiday Monday to visit but this didn’t spoil the day and it wasn’t overcrowded.
The online ticket is easy to save and show at the gate, we boarded at Fremantle Shed B and arriving about 30 mins before departure and joining the queue to board. Plenty of room on board and a pretty smooth ride of about 40 mins I think to Rottnest.
It was full both ways as we had unknowingly booked a bank holiday Monday to visit but this didn’t spoil the day and it wasn’t overcrowded.
Written April 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Corinne H,
Thank you for your review.
Its great to hear that you found our online booking system seamless and easy to use. We certainly aim for our passenger's to have a pleasant experience, from start to finish.
The ferry from Fremantle takes 30 mins, including the time it takes for the ferry to depart and berth on the island. Disembarking will only take 5-10 minutes, depending on the amount of passengers on board. If you have hired your bike through Rottnest Express, they are stored on the ferry deck, and will be unloaded for you by the crew. This way you can take your bike directly from the ferry and be off on your adventure as quick as possible.
Thank you for travelling with Rottnest Express, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for another great day exploring the island.
Kind Regards,
Lydia
Written April 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lisa m
Roseville, Australia290 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
I am a frequent visitor to my home state (travelling in from Sydney) and always take Rottnest Express when I want to get away to Rotto.
The vessel is always immaculate, always on time and has 2 convenient locations to travel from ( both in Freo and both offering loads of car parking spots). My favourite is B shed as it's not far from the train line and is the last stop on the way over and the first on the way back so no unnecessary waiting around ( however Northport is really only around the corner).The coffee is better than Northport as is the cafe.
The staff always do an amazing job getting all the luggage and bikes in and off and are very friendly and professional.
Try to get a Telethon special fare ( $15 each way plus $20 island fees, parking is $9/ day )
tip: you can organise bikes with the ferry too but I always get mine with Pedal and Flipper on the island as I can choose my own to suit me)
The vessel is always immaculate, always on time and has 2 convenient locations to travel from ( both in Freo and both offering loads of car parking spots). My favourite is B shed as it's not far from the train line and is the last stop on the way over and the first on the way back so no unnecessary waiting around ( however Northport is really only around the corner).The coffee is better than Northport as is the cafe.
The staff always do an amazing job getting all the luggage and bikes in and off and are very friendly and professional.
Try to get a Telethon special fare ( $15 each way plus $20 island fees, parking is $9/ day )
tip: you can organise bikes with the ferry too but I always get mine with Pedal and Flipper on the island as I can choose my own to suit me)
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you so much for your positive review, we really appreciate your feedback. Now that the borders are open we hope to see you traveling with us again soon.
Written March 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TwoScaredyPack
Singapore, Singapore19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Ordered the ferry tickets online and collected the tickets at the counter 15mins before boarding. All is good and the process is smooth. Recommend to rent the bikes when checking out online as well as their bikes cost the same as those on the island and you can start straight off the Jetty without the need to look for the bike rental store which is a 5 mins walk away and save the hassle of queuing up to choose n find a bike.
Pro tip: it's slightly cheaper to go on a weekday than on a weekend. Plan your trip well!
The boat ride was comfortable and smooth. Not overcrowded as they manage the numbers well. They also have a mini bar in case you would wanna grab a drink or a snack on board. The boat ride takes about 30mins so you will reach the island in no time!
Pro tip: it's slightly cheaper to go on a weekday than on a weekend. Plan your trip well!
The boat ride was comfortable and smooth. Not overcrowded as they manage the numbers well. They also have a mini bar in case you would wanna grab a drink or a snack on board. The boat ride takes about 30mins so you will reach the island in no time!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi TwoScaredyPack,
Thank you for your review.
It's great to hear you enjoyed your crossing over to the island. We certainly do our best to make our guest's visit as seamless and pleasant as possible. All bikes hired from Rottnest Express can be collected from the crew once you disembark on the island, so you are off on your adventure as quick as possible!
Our snack bar on board is open from departure to arrival on the island, and has plenty of nibbles and drinks for all ages to enjoy. Why not start off your weekend away with a refreshing cold beverage?
We do have weekday specials, most commonly known as the 'Telethon Saver', which is valid for travel Monday to Friday, for a same day return, and must be booked a full calendar day in advance (eg book Monday for Wednesday travel) travelling from Fremantle.
Thank you for booking with Rottnest Express, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Kind Regards,
Lydia
Written February 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravelFYI
Singapore237 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
In short: this is how everything should be easy, efficient, highly organised and safe with everyone from the Rottnest Express Crew working together ensuring great customer service is delivered, and doing it all with a smile!
Booking online was easy breezy ... few clicks and you are done!
Boarding the ferry was managed seamlessly by the team even as there was a huge crowd of people going out to the island.
The ride to the island was smooth and quick 30 ish minutes we were ready to disembark.
Getting our bikes and snorkel gear was also just as quick and easy we barely queued for 2 min before we were all set.
Bikes were in good condition... the only thing that would make them even better would be if they rented Electric Bikes!! :)
On the return we decided to get back on an earlier ferry that what we had booked and with a smile we were asked to wait until the customers for that ferry would come on board! It didn’t take long until they confirmed there were seats for us to going also!!!
I did however find the return journey super choppy but that’s sea journey for you!
Booking online was easy breezy ... few clicks and you are done!
Boarding the ferry was managed seamlessly by the team even as there was a huge crowd of people going out to the island.
The ride to the island was smooth and quick 30 ish minutes we were ready to disembark.
Getting our bikes and snorkel gear was also just as quick and easy we barely queued for 2 min before we were all set.
Bikes were in good condition... the only thing that would make them even better would be if they rented Electric Bikes!! :)
On the return we decided to get back on an earlier ferry that what we had booked and with a smile we were asked to wait until the customers for that ferry would come on board! It didn’t take long until they confirmed there were seats for us to going also!!!
I did however find the return journey super choppy but that’s sea journey for you!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi ioana_TravelFYI,
Thank you for your review.
It's great to hear our staff and crew were able to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable experience to and from the island. The safety and comfort of both our passengers and crew is our highest priority, and we love hearing of our guest's experiences where we have been able to exceed expectations.
The summer season is the busiest time of year on the island, so the boarding and bike hire lines can take a moment or two to get through. Thank you for your patience, though good to hear that our crew were efficient and were able to get you o your way without too much fuss.
Unfortunately, due to the hire bikes being stored on the deck of our ferry's, which make multiple trips across the ocean daily, we do not offer e-bikes for hire. The company on the island, Pedal and Flipper, do however offer e-bikes for daily rental.
Thank you for travelling with Rottnest Express, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic day exploring our beloved island.
Kind Regards,
Lydia
Written January 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As there are only 1 or 2 ferrys a day leaving and returning (late in the afternoon) to Perth, can we depart on the ferry from Perth in the morning and on the return trip catch an earlier ferry to get off at Shed B in Freemantle? Or will we have to return to our port of origin? TY.
Written July 7, 2024
hi, i was wondering, im going to rottnest, but the weather is a chance of raining, the temperature will be around 18 degress celsius, and the wind speed is around 10km/h - 21km/h. will the ferry still run if the weather is unsafe? and do you think the weather conditions i stated are safe? thank you.
Written September 24, 2021
Hello. We are looking to do Rottnest Island on 20 December. I would like to ask if food is included are there vegetarian options available? Thanks
Written December 3, 2019
Hello. We are looking to do Rottnest Island on 20 December. I would like to ask if food is included are there vegetarian options available? Thanks
Written December 3, 2019
The lunch that was included as part of our daytrip was a fairly basic buffet lunch. I think there was one hot vegetarian option and also breads, salads, fruits and desserts, and you could have as much as you wanted. There are also other food outlets on the island, including a Subway and a supermarket if the buffet isn't to your liking. Hope this helps.
Written December 5, 2019
Hi , we are coming from Malaysia, total 3 persons. Can we book for the family telethon package?
Written November 17, 2019
Sorry, not sure. Suggest looking on the Rottnest Express website.
Written December 2, 2019
If it is a rough crossing (i.e. windy) will my checked-in luggage get wet?
Written November 8, 2019
No. All the luggage was well wrapped up in a good quality tarpaulin
Written November 10, 2019
When the web stated "Service travels from Northport via B Shed to Rottnest", where should we board the ferry? at Northpoint or at B Shed? noted the carpark only open at Northport at 8.30am but the ferry to be booked operates at 8.30am.
Written October 10, 2019
Hi Hsiao Teing L,
The ferry starts it's journey from Northport at 8am then travels around to B Shed for the 8:30am service before travelling over to Rottnest Island. If you book to depart from B Shed at 8:30am, then you should board the ferry at B Shed.
Thanks,
Michelle
Written October 12, 2019
erikatanlm
Puchong, Malaysia
How much is the hop-on-hop-off ticket? Can we buy it there? Is it unlimited stops for the day?
Written August 16, 2019
Hi there,
The hop on hop off bus tickets can be purchased either online, or from the Visitor's Centre on the island. Fares are approximately $20 per adult, for an all day pass.
More information can be found on the Rottnest Island website.
Written August 20, 2019
Rachel L
Singapore River, Singapore
I will be in Perth tomorrow, I've 2 children age 13 and 10, am I entitle for the family rate? or my 13yrs old need to get an adult ticket? As for bike hire, can an adult rent a child bike instead? Would prefer to ride on 20" . Please advise. Thank you.
Written June 5, 2019
Hi Rachel,
A family pass covers 2 adults and 2 children, who are 12 years old or under. A 13 year old would be classed as an adult.
An adult is certainly welcome to rent a 20 inch bike however the bike is usually suited for children between 4 - 7 years of age as it is quite small.
We hope to see you soon.
Written June 7, 2019
Hi joonp43, The Telethon Saver is available for anyone to book as long as they book it more than one calendar day in advance.
We hope to see you soon.
Thanks,
Michelle
Written May 9, 2019
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