Hillarys Return Ferry, Admission

Rottnest Fast Ferries departs Hillarys Boat Harbour for the return crossing to the island, with the fare covering island admission. The full-day ticket starts at A$95 per person. It rates 4.8 from 457 reviews and allows free cancellation.

Overview

This is a same-day return ferry ticket from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, run by Rottnest Fast Ferries. You pick either the 7:30 AM or 10 AM departure, make your own way to the terminal at Hillarys, or add a complimentary coach transfer from your hotel if that option is available when you book. Boarding is straightforward: turn up roughly half an hour to 45 minutes early, collect your tickets and any bike hire at shop 56, and grab a coffee around the harbour before the boat leaves.

Once you land, the day is entirely yours. The listing suggests the island's 63 beaches and 20 bays as the main draw, with optional extras such as bike or snorkel hire, a guided tour covering the island's history and WWII involvement, or a climb up Wadjemup Lighthouse. The listing also suggests meeting a quokka and snapping a selfie.

The return ferry leaves Rottnest at 4:30 PM and gets back to Hillarys at 5:15 PM. One traveller even reported whales breaching on the way home, though that is luck rather than a schedule item. The trip suits independent travellers who want transport sorted but plan their own day, and it works for families, with infants aged 0 to 3 carried free. Free parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour makes self-drive an easy option too.

What's Included

Included

Same-day round-trip fast ferry transfers between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island entry fee
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected, subject to availability)

Not Included

Food and drink

Itinerary

Arrive at HillarysMake your own way to Hillarys Boat Harbour, or use a complimentary coach transfer if that option was selected and is available. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure to collect tickets and any bike hire at shop 56.
Board the ferryChoose the 7:30 AM or 10 AM departure. There is time for a coffee at the harbour before boarding.
Cross to RottnestThe high-speed ferry crossing takes 45 minutes.
Free time on the islandExplore the island's 63 beaches and 20 bays at your leisure. Bike and snorkel hire, a guided history tour and the Wadjemup Lighthouse climb are optional extras, and the listing suggests meeting a quokka and taking a selfie.
Return ferryThe ferry departs Rottnest Island at 4:30 PM and arrives back at Hillarys Boat Harbour at 5:15 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from how the pickup option works to what to bring for a full day outdoors.

Getting there. The base ticket departs from Hillarys Boat Harbour, so you make your own way to the terminal. If you want the complimentary coach transfer, select that option when booking, since it is subject to availability. Free parking is available at the harbour if you drive.
Timing and pace. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure to collect tickets and bikes. Reviewers often describe the operation as well organised, with easy booking, boarding and disembarkation. The day on the island is unstructured, so set your own pace and keep the 4:30 PM return ferry in mind.
The crossing. The ferry run takes 45 minutes. Several travellers mentioned roomy, comfortable seating and clean vessels, and one described the boat as spotless. The crew are frequently praised as friendly and helpful.
Food and drink. Food and drink are not included, so plan and budget for lunch and snacks on the island. You can have a coffee at Hillarys Boat Harbour before boarding in the morning.
Bring your own bike. If you prefer your own bike over hiring one on the island, one reviewer reported taking their own was easy. Collect hire bikes at shop 56 before boarding, during the 30 to 45 minute early arrival window.
Who it suits. Infants aged 0 to 3 travel free, and one older reviewer said the whole trip was very easy for them. Some services are wheelchair accessible for items up to 88 centimeters wide, but you must notify the operator when booking to arrange this.

Common issues. Food and drink are excluded. The coach transfer option is subject to availability rather than guaranteed, and one reviewer initially found no shuttle available for their booking until they asked, at which point one was arranged. Accessibility is limited, with only some services wheelchair accessible for items up to 88 centimeters wide, and this must be flagged at the time of booking.

How To Choose

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket covers same-day round-trip fast ferry transfers between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Rottnest Island, plus the Rottnest Island entry fee. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if that option is selected and is available. Food and drink are not included.

Do I have to pay the Rottnest Island entry fee separately?

No. The island admission, listed at A$21.50 per adult, senior or student and A$11 per child, is already folded into the ferry fare.

Where does the ferry leave from and is pickup available?

Departure is from Hillarys Boat Harbour, so the standard arrangement is to make your own way to the terminal, meeting at shop 56. Complimentary coach transfers are available if you select that option when booking, subject to availability. Free parking is available at the harbour.

How long is the ferry crossing and what are the departure times?

The high-speed crossing takes 45 minutes. Outbound ferries leave Hillarys at 7:30 AM or 10 AM, and you should arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to collect tickets and any bike hire. The return ferry leaves the island at 4:30 PM and reaches Hillarys at 5:15 PM.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it suitable for children and wheelchair users?

Infants aged 0 to 3 are carried free of charge. Some services are wheelchair accessible for items up to 88 centimeters wide, and you need to notify the operator when booking so this can be arranged. Travellers with other mobility questions should check with the operator before booking.