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A memorable family day trip to the beautiful Rottnest Island begins even before setting foot on the island. The Rottnest Island ferry ride is just a sneak peek of the exploration that lies ahead. As you glide across the waves and gaze at the endless horizon hinting at the wonders awaiting, you know this adventure is about the journey as much as the destination.
The real fun begins when you finally arrive on Rottnest Island. From pedalling along the scenic trails with your little ones to meeting the friendly and photogenic quokka, every moment on this island is a mix of excitement and discovery.
But first, let’s rewind a bit. Your day begins with choosing the right ferry, and perhaps hiring bikes or booking a tour that resonates with your family’s pace and itineraries for the day.
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In this post, we’ll guide you through the essentials of planning your day trip to Rottnest Island, including ferry options, bike hires, and choosing tours that fit into your schedule.
We’ll share our recommendations and family-friendly tips on exploring this island with kids in tow. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, we aim to help make your travel planning a little smoother.
So pack a picnic, slap on some sunscreen and let’s start planning this unforgettable day trip to Rottnest Island.
Table of Contents
Rottnest Island Ferry Options
Rottnest Island is a ferry ride away from the mainland and most people choose to get there by boat. For a luxury experience, you can also reach the island by plane.
There are 3 departure points: Perth City, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Depending on your point of departure and the operator you choose, the ferry ride takes around 25-90 minutes to get to Rottnest Island.
Booking your ferry tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as they tend to sell out fast. You can find various ferry packages online where you also have the option to hire bicycles for your island exploration.
- 20% OFF Same-Day Return Ferry: Departing from Fremantle » (We opted for this option)
- 20% OFF Same-Day Return Ferry: Departing from Perth City »
- Same-Day or Extended Return Fast Ferry »
- Roundtrip Ferry from Perth City »
- Roundtrip Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour »
Rottnest Island Ferry & Bike Hire
If you decide to explore the island by bike, which we highly recommend, there are multiple bike hire companies to choose from on Rottnest Island.
This Day Trip Ferry & Bike Hire Package takes you on a fast ferry to Rottnest Island. You can choose to depart from Perth City or Fremantle and pick up your bike on arrival.
Kids under 4 travel for free and kids trailers and infant seats are available upon request.
*Accurate at the time of writing.
Pedal & Flipper Bike Hire
As we were travelling with a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old, we were on the lookout for bike hire companies that offered kids’ trailers and tag-along bikes. Although most bike companies on Rottnest Island provide options for kids, we decided to go with Pedal & Flipper.
Prior to our trip to Perth, we called up and were advised to book the e-bikes in advance as they tend to sell out first. While there usually are kids’ tag-along bikes and trailers available on the day, it’s a good idea to give them a call to check for your dates.
If you’re also in search of tag-along bikes and trailers to attach to the bike, we highly recommend hiring an e-bike. You’ll appreciate the extra power when towing the trailers on the windy roads around the island, especially if you plan to visit Wadjemup Lighthouse.
There might be a bit of a wait during the busy season at Pedal & Flipper on the weekend, but the staff are very friendly and helpful. You can store your stroller at the shop, and they will give you a demonstration of how to use the bikes.
They also offer a breakdown service that’ll attend to you wherever you may be on the island. We experienced error messages flashing on the e-bike due to the rain, and they swapped it with a new bike at Little Salmon Bay within 15 minutes. Top-notch service.
While we can’t comment on other bike hire companies, we really enjoyed our pedals around Rottnest Island with Pedal & Flipper.
Ferry, Bike & Snorkel Hire
If you happen to visit Rottnest Island on a beautiful sunny day, we highly recommend snorkelling or at least taking a dip in the refreshing turquoise water.
Rottnest Island Guided Tours
If you prefer to take the hassle out of planning and opt for a curated tour to explore the best of Rottnest Island, this 4-hour Grand Island Bus Tour that includes ferry and lunch may be a good option.
Alternatively, this Highspeed Wildlife Boat Tour will take you on a thrilling ride in search of dolphins and seals before returning to the island for free exploration.
If that’s not your thing, this full-day family-friendly guided tour will cover the highlights of Rottnest Island with hotel pick-ups and lunch.
Our Recommendations for Families
As mentioned in our post on the top things to do in Perth, we highly recommend families stay overnight on Rottnest Island to allow ample time to explore this piece of paradise at your own pace.
This island is one of the most beautiful islands we’ve been to in Australia, and with the addition of the adorable, smiley quokkas, it’s very hard to say goodbye after only a few hours on the island.
This is especially poignant if the weather on the day of your visit turns out to be overcast or rainy. Booking an extra night will give you the opportunity to see Rottnest Island in its full glory. You’ll also be able to relax and let the children enjoy what this island has to offer without rushing.
We were very bummed that we didn’t get to snorkel on Rottnest Island during our time on the island due to the weather. Our children begged us to return to see the quokkas again but unfortunately, we only planned a one-day itinerary to Rottnest Island as one of the many day trips from Perth.
When it comes to getting around the island, we highly recommend exploring Rottnest Island by bike. This allows you to stop and say hello to the quokkas that are found all around the island. It’s also the most flexible and fun way to travel with kids, as you can pull up any time for snacks, lunch, naps or when you spot a hidden gem.
There are only a handful of accommodation choices on Rottnest Island. For families, we highly recommend this resort on Rottnest Island for a unique glamping experience. Due to the limited accommodation options on Rottnest Island, be sure to book early to secure your dates!
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When you book or purchase through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you, our small commission will go toward helping other families like yours.
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Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to Rottnest Island ferry transfers, bike hires and guided tours. Whether it’s cruising on the ferry, pedalling through the scenic trails, or opting for a guided tour, each experience is unique and will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on your memory.
Remember to book your Rottnest Island ferry transfers, bike hires and accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons.
With a little planning, a day trip to Rottnest Island can turn into an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery and countless smiles from both the quokkas and your family.
Lastly, we hope you have an amazing trip to Rottnest Island and enjoy your stay in Perth. As always, we aim to provide valuable content to help other families like yours live life to the fullest. If you resonate with us, subscribe to stay in touch and we hope to see you in another chapter.
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