The range in force on 6 October 2026 (11 August to 22 October): three departures from Hillarys and three from Rottnest each day. Later date ranges are loaded as dated variants from the operator's timetable page, valid through 25 April 2027.
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~45 min
Operator
Rottnest Fast Ferries
Map – Hillarys to Rottnest Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, same-day return (includes $21.50 island entry fee) | $95.00 |
| Concession, same-day return (includes $21.50 island entry fee) | $89.00 |
| Youth 13-16, same-day return (includes $11.00 island entry fee) | $78.50 |
| Child 4-12, same-day return (includes $11.00 island entry fee) | $57.00 |
| Infant 0-3, same-day return | Free |
| Family pass 2 adults + 2 children, same-day return | $250.00 |
| Family pass 2 adults + 2 youths, same-day return | $305.50 |
| Family pass 2 adults + 1 youth + 1 child, same-day return | $271.50 |
| Adult, extended-stay return (includes $28.50 island entry fee) | $102.00 |
| Concession, extended-stay return (includes $28.50 island entry fee) | $96.00 |
| Youth 13-16, extended-stay return (includes $14.50 island entry fee) | $82.00 |
| Child 4-12, extended-stay return (includes $14.50 island entry fee) | $60.50 |
| Infant 0-3, extended-stay return | Free |
| Family pass 2 adults + 2 children, extended-stay return | $268.00 |
| Family pass 2 adults + 2 youths, extended-stay return | $323.50 |
| Family pass 2 adults + 1 youth + 1 child, extended-stay return | $289.50 |
The operator publishes return fares only, valid 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, and every figure here is the total payable: a base fare plus the Rottnest Island admission fee, which the operator's fares page shows as a separate column. Same-day return adults pay $73.50 plus $21.50, which is $95.00. Extended stay means returning on a different day and adds a higher admission fee. The operator's home page also advertises kids-travel-free deals that are not listed as fares here. Tickets are sold online and can be bought at the Hillarys ticketing office. All fares in Australian dollars (AUD).
Rottnest Fast Ferries runs the northern route to Rottnest Island, leaving from Hillarys Boat Harbour on Perth's Sunset Coast rather than from Fremantle or the city. The operator says its catamarans take about 45 minutes, departing from the northern end of the harbour behind The Breakwater bar and restaurant, with the ticketing office at the south-west end facing Southside Drive. It is part of Pinnacle Travel Group, and its two boats are named Harbour Master and Ocean Master.
What sets this route apart from a fixed timetable is the date-range system. The operator lists a separate set of sailings for each period rather than one all-year schedule. The set in force on 6 October 2026 runs from 11 August to 22 October with departures from Hillarys at 7:30am, 10am and 3pm and returns from the island at 8:30am, 11:30am and 4:30pm. From 23 October a Friday evening run is added, then December brings extra afternoon sailings, and from 27 December to 10 January most days have six departures from Hillarys and seven from the island. New Year's Eve has a late return from Rottnest at 9:15pm and another at 12:30am. The published schedule stops on 25 April 2027.
Fares are quoted as return tickets only. A same-day adult return is $95.00, made up of a $73.50 base fare and a $21.50 island admission fee that the operator itemises. Staying on the island overnight, or returning on another day, moves the adult total to $102.00. Family passes, youth, child and concession fares are listed on the operator's fares page, which runs from 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.
For the mainland leg, the operator offers free parking at the harbour and free hotel transfers from Perth, and it asks passengers to arrive 60 minutes before departure. A barcode on the ticket means no check-in is needed; passengers staying overnight or hiring equipment must check in at the office. Own bikes and surfboards are carried for a freight charge, and wheelchairs can be taken with advance notice.
- Arrive at the terminal a few minutes before departure; vehicle boarding usually closes earlier.
- Check the operator's service alerts before travelling — weather, tides and river levels affect services.
- Confirm accepted payment methods and whether a booking is required for vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
For travel between 11 August and 22 October 2026, boats leave Hillarys at 7:30am, 10am and 3pm and leave Rottnest at 8:30am, 11:30am and 4:30pm. Friday evenings add a 5:45pm sailing from 23 October, and the operator publishes different times for December and January.
An adult same-day return is $95.00, which is $73.50 plus the $21.50 island admission fee. A child (4 to 12) is $57.00, a youth (13 to 16) $78.50 and a concession $89.00. Prices are valid from 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Yes. The operator's fares page shows the admission fee as its own column and included in the total. Adults pay $21.50 for a same-day trip and $28.50 for an extended stay; children pay $11.00 and $14.50.
About 45 minutes, according to the operator. Plan to be at the terminal 60 minutes before departure, since boarding opens 30 minutes before and closes 10 minutes before departure.
Yes. The operator says parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour is free for its passengers, and it also runs complimentary hotel transfers from Perth CBD, Northbridge and Scarborough. The ticketing office opens 6:45am to 5:30pm daily.
Yes, you can bring your own bike, surfboard, kayak or paddleboard, but freight charges apply. Bikes and snorkel sets can also be hired and added to the ticket, and collected at the Hillarys office before you board.
Yes, with a reduced timetable: 10am and 2:45pm from Hillarys, returning at 11:15am and 4pm from Rottnest on 25 December 2026.
The operator recommends booking as early as possible because ferries can sell out in summer, on weekends and in school holidays. Tickets with a barcode need no check-in at the office.