FerryConnect

Australia

Perth → Rottnest Island

Rottnest Express sails from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty down the Swan River and out to Rottnest Island, home of the quokka, a car-free island of bays and bike trails off Fremantle.

⏱ About 1h 15m🚢 1 operator📅 Daily except Wednesdays (premium direct service)
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Perth to Rottnest Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island takes About 1h 15m across the Swan River and Indian Ocean, operated by Rottnest Express. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: daily except Wednesdays (premium direct service).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: rottnestexpress.com.au · rottnestexpress.com.au · rottnestexpress.com.au · How we verify

Return crossing: Rottnest Island to Perth

Rottnest Express also sails Rottnest Island to Perth, taking About 1h 15m. The 4:15pm return runs direct to Barrack Street with a Swan River cruise.

Perth to Rottnest Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Perth Premium Ferry Service departs 9:30am daily except Wednesdays

The premium service does not operate 27 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027; peak-season sailings are published separately.

Published departure times

  • 9:30am

Return: The 4:15pm return runs direct to Barrack Street with a Swan River cruise.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Rottnest Express timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Rottnest Express Perth Premium Ferry Service page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Perth and Rottnest Island

📐 22 Nautical Miles
Perth⇄Rottnest Island
⏱ About 1h 15m · 📐 22 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Rottnest ExpressAbout 1h 15mPassenger catamaran

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

22 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Barrack Street terminal is at Pier 4, near Elizabeth Quay train station and the free Blue CAT bus.
  • Parking is tight in central Perth; Rottnest Express offers a complimentary city hotel pickup.

Related Ferry Crossings

Onward from Rottnest IslandFremantle → Rottnest Island25m – 30m · Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest IslandMore ferries in AustraliaGeelong → Devonport (Tasmania)10h – 11h (day or overnight) · Spirit of TasmaniaMore ferries in AustraliaSydney (Circular Quay) → Manly18m – 30m · Sydney Ferries, Manly Fast FerryMore ferries in AustraliaCape Jervis → Kangaroo Island (Penneshaw)45m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaKettering → Bruny Island15m – 20m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaTriabunna → Maria IslandAbout 30m · Encounter Maria Island
📘 Sydney Ferries: Manly, Taronga Zoo & Watsons Bay⛴ All ferries from Rottnest Island🗺 All ferries in Australia🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island?
The crossing typically takes About 1h 15m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Perth to Rottnest Island ferry sail?
Perth Premium Ferry Service departs 9:30am daily except Wednesdays. The premium service does not operate 27 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027; peak-season sailings are published separately. This is the pattern published in the Rottnest Express Perth Premium Ferry Service page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Perth to Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Express operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Perth to Rottnest Island ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Perth to Rottnest Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Perth to Rottnest Island ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Perth from Rottnest Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 22 nautical miles (roughly 41 km).