Rottnest Island ferry from Hillarys: Timetable, fare prices & parking

The Rottnest Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth leaves at least three times a day, with fares costing from $88.

The main ferry to Rottnest Island in Western Australia is the Rottnest Express, which leaves from B Shed in Fremantle. This is one of the most popular day trips in Australia.

However, there is another option. Rottnest Fast Ferries leaves from Hillarys Boat Harbour in northern Perth.

Book your Rottnest ferry from Hillarys now.

Parking costs at Hillarys Boat Harbour

This service is largely aimed at people living in northern Perth, but the other key demographic for the Rottnest Fast Ferry is drivers.

The Rottnest Express in Fremantle is very easy to reach by public transport. But it gets mildly awkward and expensive if coming by car, as free parking near B Shed is in very short supply. At Hillarys, parking is both plentiful and free. Even if you’re not driving, Rottnest Fast Ferries lays on free transfers from Perth hotels.

Rottnest Island ferry from Hillarys: Timetable

The Rottnest Island ferry from Hillarys operates to a different timetable depending on the time of year. There are more frequent services during the peak periods around Christmas and the school holidays.

However, most of the time, there are three daily departures from Hillarys to the 19 square kilometre island. These Rottnest Fast Ferries service leave at 07.30, 10.00 and 15.00, returning from Rottnest Island at 08.30, 11.15 and 16.30.

There’s also an extra service on Friday evenings, leaving at 18.00 and returning at 19.00. This extra service is usually replicated on Saturdays, too.

8 Rottnest Island experiences best booked in advance

Ferry plus bike hire package. Or add a snorkel kit, too.
Short Settlement Segway tour or longer Fortress tour.
Island tour including train ride and lunch.
Sunset catamaran sailing cruise with champagne.
Oliver Hill train and tunnel tour.
Lakes and bays guided hike.
Tandem skydive.
Three hour boat tour to the best snorkelling spots.

Rottnest Fast Ferry fare prices and journey time

Return tickets on the Rottnest Fast Ferry from Hillarys cost from $88. This price includes the Rottnest Island entry fee. For the lowest fares, book online.

Despite the name, the Fast Ferry takes longer than the Rottnest Express – the journey time from Hillarys is around 45 minutes.

Other things to do from Hillarys include whale-watching cruises, glass bottom boat tours with entry to the Aquarium of Western Australia thrown in and diving with sharks at the Aquarium.

Which Rottnest Island ferry?

When deciding which Rottnest Island ferry to book, remember that there are three departure points. The Sealink ferries depart earlier, the Rottnest Express ferries are the cheapest and the Rottnest Fast Ferries go from Perth’s northern suburbs where there’s free parking. For more information and booking, use the links below.

Quokka on Rottnest Island — A quokka on Rottnest Island. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.