How to plan a Day Trip to Rottnest Island

Friday 25th September 2026

A day trip to Rottnest Island is one of Perth’s most iconic experiences and that blissful “Rotto pace” makes you slow down the moment you step off the ferry. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another sun‑soaked escape, planning your day well ensures you make the most of every hour.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: ferries, transport, food, activities, and insider tips to help you craft the perfect Rottnest day trip.

Choose Your Ferry Departure Point

Perth City (Barrack Street Jetty) — The scenic option. A longer cruise down the Swan River before reaching Fremantle and heading to Rottnest. This option takes approximately 90 minutes. Rottnest Express offers a Premium ferry service from Perth that departs at 9:30am. This is the only direct ferry service from Perth to Rottnest Island and is fully inclusive of a range of benefits including:

• Complimentary bus pickup from select CBD hotels
• Morning refreshments of coffee, tea and pastries
• Access to the bow for river viewing
• 4:15pm return ferry service direct to Barrack Street
• Wine tasting with cheese on return to Perth during Swan River Cruise

Fremantle (B Shed or Northport) — The fastest and most popular departure point.

B Shed: For day-trippers and passengers coming from south of the Swan River, B Shed is the most convenient Rottnest Island departure point. It’s also close to Fremantle train station, so if you’re arriving via public transport, you’ll be just a short walk from your ferry. Very limited long-term parking is available from $12 per day with Wilson Parking.

Northport: For locals and passengers looking for a convenient terminal for departure to Rottnest Island, Northport is the most accessible Rottnest Island departure point. It’s also got a private carpark with close to 400 bays, so if you’re arriving under your own steam, you will be able to park your car for both short and extended stays in an onsite carpark. Arrive early and relax at the Northport Cafe before a speedy journey to the island. Short & long-term parking is available at affordable rates per day onsite.

Tip: Book your ferry early, especially on weekends and in summer.

Decide How You’ll Get Around the Island

Hire a Bike

The classic Rotto experience. Bikes are available to hire through Rottnest Express.

Best for:

• Active travellers
• Exploring beaches at your own pace
• Reaching quieter bays like Little Parakeet or Salmon Bay

Hop on the Discover Bus Tour

This 90-minute tour by Rottnest Express visits the island’s most spectacular locations, with insightful commentary from your tour guide shining a light on Rotto’s unique flora, fauna, history and culture.

The bus tour makes one stop at Cape Vlamingh, also known as the West End – where passengers can hop off, take a short walk and soak up the views, you might even meet a quokka or two along the way. The tour continues along the northern coastline passing the famous salt lakes near the end of your journey to Discover Rottnest.

Walk Around the Settlement

There are no cars on Rottnest Island, so it is a very walkable and safe place to visit. The island covers about 19 square kilometres.

Plan Your Must‑See Spots

Rottnest has more than 60 beaches and bays — you won’t see them all in one day, so choose a few highlights.

Top beaches for a day trip

• The Basin — Shallow, calm, perfect for families and snorkelling.
• Parker Point — Turquoise water and coral gardens.
• Little Salmon Bay — One of the island’s most beautiful snorkelling spots.
• Geordie Bay — Great for a swim + coffee stop.

Wildlife highlights

• Quokkas — Everywhere, especially around the settlement.
• New Zealand fur seals — Cathedral Rocks viewing platform.
• Osprey nests — Look for tall wooden towers along the coast.

Book Activities

If you want to elevate your day trip, consider booking:

• Snorkel hire
• Adventure Boat Tour
• Discover Bus Tour

Know where to eat
Rottnest has plenty of food options:

• The Bakery — Famous for pies, jam doughnuts, and sausage rolls.
• Pinky’s Beach Club — Great for lunch with ocean views.
• The Lane Café — Coffee and quick bites.
• Hotel Rottnest — Drinks and pub-style meals overlooking Thomson Bay.

A day trip to Rottnest Island is easy to plan and unforgettable to experience. With a little preparation — ferry bookings, transport choices, and a few must‑see spots — you’ll enjoy that uniquely relaxed Rotto atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.