From Perth: Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip is run by Rottnest Fast Ferries and fills a full day on the island. It rates 4.7 across 2,937 reviews, from A$124 per person in AUD, with free cancellation included. The fare covers the return ferry crossing, a bike for the day with helmet and lock, and island admission, leaving you free to pedal from Thomson Bay out to the quieter bays and back.
Overview
This is the straightforward version of a Rottnest day: a high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour, a hire bike collected at the harbour before boarding, and a whole car-free island to pedal around at whatever pace you like. The ferry crossing takes 45 minutes, and the operator suggests arriving early enough to grab a coffee at the harbour before boarding. Bikes, helmets and locks are all part of the package.
Once ashore, the day is yours. The listing points riders toward Wadjemup Lighthouse and the West End, with plenty of bays and beaches in between, and of course the quokkas that the island is famous for. A snorkel set can be added at checkout if the marine life appeals. The return ferry leaves Rottnest at 4:30 pm, getting back to Hillarys at 5:15 pm.
It suits travellers who want independence rather than a guided circuit. Reviewers repeatedly describe the logistics as smooth and punctual, from hotel pickup through bike collection to the crossing itself, so the organisational side is handled. What you do with the island is up to you.
What's Included
Included
- Same-day return ferry transfers
- All-day bike, helmet, and lock rental
- Rottnest Island admission fee
- Return courtesy hotel pick up/drop off from selected Perth and Scarborough hotels on request
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupCourtesy pickup is available from selected Perth and Scarborough hotels on request. Free parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour is an alternative for anyone driving themselves.
- Arrive at Hillarys Boat HarbourCollect tickets and hire bikes before boarding. There is time for a coffee at the harbour first.
- Ferry to RottnestA high-speed crossing from Hillarys Boat Harbour to the island. One reviewer noted the passage can feel a little rough for some passengers.
- Cycle the islandA full day to explore by bike at your own pace. Common targets include Wadjemup Lighthouse, the West End and the island's many bays and beaches, plus a quokka selfie.
- Optional snorkellingSnorkel and flipper hire can be added at checkout for an extra fee, subject to availability, for anyone wanting to explore the marine life.
- Return ferryThe ferry departs Rottnest at 4:30 pm and arrives back at Hillarys Boat Harbour at 5:15 pm.
- Hotel drop-offCourtesy drop-off back to selected hotels applies to those who requested pickup.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points will shape the day, from the state of the hire bikes to the island heat.
- The bikes. One traveller summed the hire bikes up as functional rather than grand, and the review summary notes some travellers find them worn. Anyone sensitive to a hard seat might appreciate padded shorts.
- Fitness and pace. The day is self-guided, so the pace is entirely your own. One reviewer saw the highlights by bike but suspected there were sights they missed. Riders can aim for the lighthouse, the West End, or just the nearest bays.
- Sun and heat. One reviewer's blunt advice was that Rottnest is really hot and to bring sunblock.
- Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included in the price, so budget for them separately. The day is long and the cycling uses energy, so plan accordingly.
- Getting there. Reviewers praise the organisation, from punctual hotel pickup through easy ticket and bike collection to the crossing itself. The ferry seats were comfortable and the toilet clean, according to one recent traveller.
- Security deposit. A cash security deposit is required at check-in for each bike hired, so bring some cash. Child seats are not available on the bike hire.
Common issues. The honest gripes centre on the bikes: several reviewers say they feel worn and would like better maintenance, and one reported aches in unfamiliar places the day after. There are also small extras to budget for, including food and drinks, a cash security deposit per bike at check-in, and optional snorkel hire at checkout. Child seats are not available, and the listing states that some services are wheelchair accessible for items up to 88 centimeters wide, with travellers asked to notify when booking.
Planning Your Day
What is included in the price?
The package covers same-day return ferry transfers, an all-day bike, helmet and lock rental, and the Rottnest Island admission fee. Courtesy hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Perth and Scarborough hotels is included on request. Food and drinks are not included.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, a complimentary pickup and drop-off service runs from selected Perth and Scarborough hotels on request. Travellers staying elsewhere can drive and use the free parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour, where the ferry departs.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
The listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It pays to decide early if the schedule is uncertain.
Is it suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
Child seats are not available on the bike hire, which rules out riding with infants. Some services are wheelchair accessible for items up to 88 centimeters wide, and the listing asks travellers to notify when booking so this can be arranged. The cycling itself is self-paced, so riders choose their own distance.
Do I need to bring cash?
Yes. A cash security deposit is required at check-in for each bike hired. Beyond that, bring money for food and drinks, which are not included, and consider adding snorkel and flipper hire at checkout if wanted.
How long is the ferry crossing?
The high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour takes 45 minutes each way. The return leg leaves Rottnest at 4:30 pm and arrives back at Hillarys at 5:15 pm.