Getting Here and Around
A number of operators run light plane and helicopter flights to Rottnest Island. Check the Rottnest Island Visitor Information Centre website for other options.
There are no taxis on Rottnest Island. Almost everyone rides bikes, which can either be rented when booking your ferry ticket, or once you arrive, at Rottnest Bike Hire.
Charter1 catamaran. Cuddle up on board a 41-foot, island-circling catamaran for snorkeling and seal- and dolphin-spotting adventures to Rottnest Island’s isolated bays by day, and gently rocking accommodation complete with stargazing by night. The day tours head to a small rocky island where Australian fur seals like to loll about, but once they see you splash into the ocean, they're keen to swim around you and play in the water. From September to November, spot dolphins and humpback whales frolicking in the ocean. All-day snorkel tours depart from Fremantle and head to Rottnest September–March (A$129); half-day tours sail to Carnac Island (A$79) and twilight sails along the coast (A$98) make for another relaxing option. Bookings are recommended. Snorkelling gear is provided. Rottnest Island, Western Australia. 0428/604–794; www.charter1.com.au.
Rottnest Air Taxi. This speedy air service to Rottnest Island flies from Perth's Jandakot airport. Round-trip fare is from around A$127 per person for a fully occupied aircraft, and it includes Rottnest entry fees (fewer passengers means prices rise; there's a four-seater and a six-seater aircraft). The service operates on demand, anytime during the day, weather permitting. Flight time is around 12 minutes. Telephone for flight times. Joy flights provide 30-minute scenic spins over Perth and its surrounding beaches. 0411/264–547; 1800/500006; www.rottnestairtaxi.com.au.
Rottnest Express. Rottnest Express is the main operator running ferries to Rottnest Island from two locations in Fremantle (one outside Fremantle train station) and from central Perth (this includes a scenic cruise of the Swan River). Rottnest Express also runs a number of tours, from whale watching and snorkeling to adventure boat cruises along the rugged coastline. You can rent bikes and snorkel gear as part of your ticket. TIP: Ferry tickets are reduced on Tuesdays and it's cheaper to buy online, in advance. 1300/467688; www.rottnestexpress.com.au.
Rottnest Fast Ferries. Rottnest Fast Ferries runs boats from Hillarys Boat Harbour. The ferries take approximately 45 minutes from Hillarys to Rottnest, with hotel pick-ups from Perth available. Round-trip prices, including entry to Rottnest are from A$85.50. Add bike rentals to the trip for a total fare of A$105, snorkel sets are A$15 extra. Whale watching tours, which are cheapest on weekdays and start from A$65 (early-September to early December), are also available. 08/9246–1039; rottnestfastferries.com.au. Closed June, July (except school holidays), and Aug..
