Australia
Rottnest Express
Ferries to quokka-famous Rottnest Island
Fremantle, Western Australia
Photo: Steelkamp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)- 4
- Routes
- 3
- Ports
- 1h
- Avg crossing
Rottnest Express is a ferry operator and based in Fremantle, Western Australia. It operates 4 ferry routes serving 3 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 1h.
Timetables
Which routes does Rottnest Express operate?
4 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fremantle → Rottnest Island | 30m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Rottnest Island → Fremantle | 30m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Perth (Barrack Street) → Rottnest Island | 1h 30m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Rottnest Island → Perth (Barrack Street) | 1h 30m | — | 1 | Australia |
Rottnest Island2 routes
Fremantle1 route
Perth (Barrack Street)1 route
Network
Where does Rottnest Express sail?
Rottnest Express sails to 3 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- High-speed catamarans
- Bike & snorkel hire
- Guided tours
- Day packages
- A main ferry operator to Rottnest Island off Perth
- Part of the Journey Beyond tourism group
- Fast crossings from Fremantle (~25–30 min)
- Premium Swan River service from central Perth
- Fares usually include the Rottnest Island admission fee
About
About Rottnest Express
Rottnest Express is one of the main ferry operators to Rottnest Island off Perth, Western Australia — the car-free island famous for its quokkas. Part of the Journey Beyond tourism group, it carries day-trippers and holidaymakers across to the island year-round.
From Fremantle and Perth
Ferries depart from Fremantle (B Shed, Victoria Quay) on a quick 25–30 minute crossing, and a premium service runs up the Swan River from central Perth with commentary. The island, known to the Whadjuk Noongar as Wadjemup, lies about 19 km offshore.
Fleet and fares
The fleet is made up of high-speed catamarans. Fares are in Australian dollars and generally include the Rottnest Island admission fee; the operator also sells bike hire, snorkel gear, guided tours and accommodation packages, since around 70% of visitors come for the day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where does Rottnest Express sail?
Rottnest Express operates 4 ferry routes and serves 3 ports in Australia, including Fremantle, Perth (Barrack Street), Rottnest Island.
What facilities are available on Rottnest Express ferries?
Rottnest Express ferries typically offer High-speed catamarans, Bike & snorkel hire, Guided tours, Day packages. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Rottnest Express ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Rottnest Express departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Rottnest Express.
How do I find Rottnest Express ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Rottnest Express route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Rottnest Express before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
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