From Perth: Rottnest Island Grand Island Day Tour with Lunch
Who This Trip Suits
The fully planned day: the ferry from Hillarys, a three-and-a-half-hour guided tour by historic train and air-conditioned bus, the Oliver Hill gun and tunnels, the West End and a light picnic lunch. Rottnest Fast Ferries runs it, and it is rated 4.4 from 678 reviews.
The day starts at Hillarys Boat Harbour (the listing suggests arriving at 9 am for the 10 am ferry). On the island the historic Captain Hussey train takes you up to Oliver Hill for a guided tour of the Second World War gun and its tunnels, run by volunteers; then the bus goes on to Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Jeannie’s Lookout and the West End, where long-nosed fur seals live at Cathedral Rocks. Guests praise the volunteers at Oliver Hill and the bus drivers, and one said “you miss nothing”. One guest noted that Hillarys is a longer trip than Fremantle; another wanted clearer information about which operator runs which part of the day.
Practical points from the listing: the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the tunnels involve steep, uneven steps. Hotel pickup from selected Perth and Scarborough hotels is available on request and must be pre-booked.
The price is from US$140 a person (checked October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For the bus tours without the tunnels, see the Rottnest Island bus tour page.
About This Experience
See the best of Rottnest Island on this full-day, all-inclusive tour of Western Australia's most beautiful island, just 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth.
Highlights
- Explore the best of Rottnest Island on a full-day all-inclusive tour
- Discover the island on a 3.5-hour fully guided tour by bus and train
- Ride the Captain Hussey historic train for a unique perspective of the island
- See all of Rottnest Island’s best attractions, both natural and man-made
- View the fur seal colony at Cathedral Rocks and enjoy the breathtaking views
What's Included
- ✓ Ferry tickets (same-day return)
- ✓ Rottnest Island Admission Fee
- ✓ 3.5-hour fully guided island tour by bus and historic train
- ✓ Light picnic lunch
- ✓ Return courtesy hotel pick up/drop off from selected Perth and Scarborough hotels on request (must be pre-booked)
Good to Know
- Please note - The Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels part of the Grand Island Tour is a physically demanding 45-minute tour with approximately 700 metres walking and 240+ uneven steps (equivalent to a 8-storey climb). There are no rest stops and no backtracking once inside.
- No carrying of children is permitted except for small infants in baby carriers (which allow the accompanying adult to have both hands free for the railings in the tunnels). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The tour takes place in enclosed tunnels - please watch for low ceilings, uneven surfaces and other trip hazards - and follow guide instructions at all times.
- Public Transport is available to and from Hillary's Boat Harbor, check Transperth Journey Planner for timetable information
- Hotel or accommodation pick-up can be arranged from locations in Perth, Northbridge and Scarborough
- Pickup location and time will be confirmed by the local operator after booking
