We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Find out more in our Privacy Policy. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Family at a Rockpool at Rottnest Island

Got a question about travel to Rottnest Island? Check the following categories for answers to some of our most frequently asked customer questions.

If you can't find what you are looking for, get in touch with our friendly reservations team on 1300 786 552 or email [email protected]

Travelling with SeaLink Rottnest Island

  • We recommend booking ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot. Popular departure times can sell out, especially over summer, weekends and holidays. You can reschedule your ferry up to 60 minutes before you travel via our online portal or by contacting reservations (subject to availability).

  • SeaLink Rottnest Island ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth and Victoria Quay, Fremantle. Both locations are accessible via public transport and have parking facilities available. Find out more information about getting to the terminals.

  • Yes, we offer a complimentary hotel pick up service for our 8:30 am Perth departure from Barrack Street Jetty. Sorry, this service is not available for our Fremantle departures. Read more information about our hotel pick up location service, including a list of pick-up locations.

    If you have booked a Perth accommodation transfer, please call our reservations office on 1300 786 552 at least 24 hours prior to travel to reconfirm the time and location.

  • SeaLink WA endeavours to offer accessible services onboard our ferry operations to Rottnest Island. For further information please use view our accessibility page, or call our friendly reservations team on (08) 9325 9352.

  • SeaLink offers discounted fares for children and travellers with valid concession cards. Eligibility for a discounted fare is as follows:

    Infant: 0 - 3 years old

    Child: 4 - 12 years old

    Youth: 13 - 16 years old

    Student: Full time students (14 - 25 years)

    Concession: Australian and international seniors and concession card, YHA, VIP & Nomad card holders

    Family: 2 Adults and 2 Children travelling together are classed as a family ticket. The children must be between the ages of 4 and 12 years.

    Relevant ID must be provided at time of check-in. If valid ID is not able to be presented at the time of check-in the full fare will have to be paid.

Bringing luggage and extra items

  • Yes! SeaLink transports additional items and sporting equipment such as prams, bikes, kayaks, beach trolleys and surfboards. Freight of these items may incur a fee.

    As we have limited storage capacity on the vessels, these items must be pre-booked. Size restrictions apply. Luggage and miscellaneous items will be taken and stowed on a first in, first served basis.

    Please view our Luggage & freight for information on prices, size restrictions and conditions of transport.

  • Due to the limitations of loading bicycles, size restrictions apply to carrying bikes. Bikes that exceed these restrictions cannot be carried on board our SeaLink vessels.

    Maximum height1.3 metres
    Maximum length1.8 metres
    Maximum width45 centimetres
    Maximum weight22 kilograms

    Electric bikes within these specifications are permitted with batteries removed and packed in hand luggage.

    Bike trailers must be empty for loading onto the vessel.

    Sorry, we cannot carry tandem bikes.

    Please view our Luggage & freight for more information.

  • Passengers are welcome to bring carry-on items onboard, provided they fit in the seat with you and do not take up any additional seats.

    No luggage or other items are allowed in the aisles, wheelchair spaces or any other areas that may hinder an evacuation.

  • If you are staying on the island, you can have your luggage (bags and eskies) delivered to your accommodation on your behalf. Please view our Luggage & freight for information on prices, size restrictions and conditions of transport.

Visiting Wadjemup / Rottnest Island

  • All visitors to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island are required to pay a government admission fee, or 'landing fee'. This is collected from island visitors by the ferry companies on behalf of the Rottnest Island Authority. This fee contributes to the conservation of the island and the provision and upkeep of facilities. This fee will be included in the total price of your ferry fare and is payable at the time of booking.

    Individual Admission Fees - 1 July 2024 - 31 March 2025

    FareDay visitorExtended stay (overnight)
    Adult / student / concession$20.50$27.50
    Youth (13 - 16 years)$10$13.50
    Child (4 - 12 years)$10$13.50
    Family (2 adults + 2 children)$53.50$72
  • Perth’s temperate weather makes Rottnest Island great to visit all year round. December – March is usually hot and dry and is the best time to visit to spend all day at the beach. Spring and autumn (April, May and September – November) usually experience mild weather which is excellent for exploring the island’s cycle and walking trails. On sunny days, it’s often still hot enough to swim during these months. The offseason during June – August is quieter, but still offers plenty of things to do including wildlife spotting, hiking and surfing.

  • Definitely! From nature-lovers to foodies, there is something for everyone on Rottnest Island. Check out some of our favourite things to do on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island to plan your trip.

  • With 63 pristine beaches, shipwrecks to snorkel, 22 kilometres of bike trail, 45 kilometres of walking trails and stacks of yummy places to eat, you can always find something new to do on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. It’s great to be able to spend 3 - 5 days on Rottnest Island for a relaxing break. However, you can see and do a lot on the island in one day if you are short of time! Check out our tips for how to spend a day on Rottnest Island.

    • Sun protection (including sunscreen, hat, umbrella)
    • Refillable water bottle (there are water fountains located around the settlement)
    • Swimwear
    • Beach towel
    • Wind jacket
  • Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is a Class A Reserve. That means no domestic animals, including dogs, are permitted on the island. Guide or assistant dogs are permitted with prior approval from the ranger. Please contact the rangers prior to arrival on (08) 9372 9788.

  • The best way to get to Rottnest Island is with the SeaLink ferry from Perth or Fremantle. Flights are available from Perth with Swan River Seaplanes or Rottnest Air Taxi. Or if you’re lucky enough to have your own boat, you can tie up to one of the moorings around the island.

  • Cars are restricted on Rottnest Island, so the most popular way to get around is by bike. You can hire a bike or bring your own for a transfer fee. There are 22 kilometres of bike paths that will take you all around the island. Several top beaches and attractions are within walking distance of the settlement if you prefer to get around on foot.

    Bus tours around Rottnest Island will take you to many of the island’s attractions and include commentary. Or jump on the hop on hop off Island Explorer bus for more freedom in your itinerary. Private transfers around Thomson Bay, Geordie Bay and Kingston Barracks are available with the Quokka Hopper for a maximum of 7 travellers.

    Read more about getting around Rottnest Island.

  • The ferry to Rottnest Island takes about 30 minutes from Fremantle and about 90 minutes from Perth.

  • There are plenty of ways to spend a day on Rottnest Island! Outdoor and nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Rottnest Island’s 63 beaches, 22 kilometres of cycle paths and 45 kilometres of walking paths. Not to mention the shipwrecks, reefs and protected bays for their amazing snorkelling opportunities.

    For history buffs, museums, tours and lighthouses offer fascinating insight into the history and culture of Rottnest Island. Foodie travellers can taste their way around the numerous restaurants, cafes and food experiences on the island. For more ideas on what to do, check out this one day itinerary on Rottnest Island.

  • With over 10,000 quokkas calling Rottnest Island home, finding one is usually pretty easy! However, quokkas are nocturnal so the best time to spot them is in the early morning or evening. They often spend the day resting in the shade, particularly during the hot summer months. Read more tips about how to spot a quokka and get the best selfie here.

  • Whether you’re hungry for a long sit-down meal or a quick bite on the go, you’ll find several dining options on Rottnest Island. From the classic Rottnest Bakery to the newer Isola e Cibo, there are food options catering to all budgets on Rottnest Island. Read about the best places to eat and drink on Rottnest Island here.

  • You can book accommodation at Discovery Rottnest Island with us when you book your ferry. Simply submit an enquiry form with your travel plans and we will provide a quote.

    The Rottnest Island Authority offers affordable self-contained units that can be booked via their website. These become available 8 months in advance and usually sell out. Other accommodation options, such as Samphire, can be booked directly with the provider.

    Read our tips for booking accommodation on Rottnest Island.

  • Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to Rottnest Island. As with the rest of WA, street drinking is not permitted. Alcohol can only be consumed at licenced venues. If you’re staying overnight, you may be allowed to bring drinks with you to consume in your accommodation. Please check with your accommodation provider about BYO alcohol.