SeaLink Rottnest Island · Fremantle, Victoria Quay
A plain return ferry from Victoria Quay in Fremantle to Rottnest with SeaLink, about 30 minutes each way, with the island admission fee already inside the fare. Pick it for the timetable: the most sailings of any SeaLink route, a 7am first boat and late returns in the warmer months.
This is the ticket most day-trippers end up with. SeaLink sails from Victoria Quay, a five-minute walk from Fremantle train station, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. The listing states that the fare covers your return ferry and the Rottnest Island admission fee, the government charge every visitor pays. You choose a same-day return or an extended return if you are staying the night.
The timetable is the reason to book SeaLink from Fremantle. SeaLink's 2026-27 timetable has a 7:00am first sailing every day. From mid-October to the start of November there are five departures Monday to Thursday and nine from Friday to Sunday. From 2 November to 17 December the Thursday to Sunday schedule grows to ten, with a 9:00pm boat back from the island. Over the summer holidays (18 December to 31 January) it runs ten sailings a day and the last ferry home leaves at 7:00pm.
Two things to know. SeaLink's timetable calls the Fremantle berth O'Connor Landing, while its terminal page says B Shed Terminal, Victoria Quay, so read your boarding pass for the exact spot. And SeaLink's own tickets are non-refundable: on this listing, free cancellation up to 24 hours before is what protects you. Miss the check-in cut-off, 30 minutes before departure, and you can be refused boarding.
Show the boarding pass SeaLink emails you. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure and boarding closes 10 minutes before.
Sit outside for the view or inside in the air-conditioning. The bar sells drinks and snacks.
The ferry lands at the main jetty beside the settlement, shops, bike hire and the Island Explorer bus stop.
Bike, bus or walk. The listing does not include any island activities, so hire or book these yourself.
Be at the jetty in good time for your return sailing. On an extended return you travel back on a later day.
★★★★★Excellent! We saw a whale along the way.
★★★★★The ferry arrived very punctually. It is best to be there the recommended 30 minutes before departure
★★★★★Loved the ferry ride, especially on the return trip as we sat outside and the water was choppy
★★★★★Enjoyed the ferry ride. We departed at 9am an returned on the 4pm ferry. Great day trip.
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About 30 minutes, according to SeaLink. Weather and sea conditions can make it a little longer, and the outside deck can be lively on a windy afternoon.
Yes. The listing includes the Rottnest Island admission fee in the fare. Extended returns carry the higher overnight rate, which is also built in. Our guide to the 2026-27 admission fee explains how it works.
SeaLink can refuse boarding after the check-in or boarding cut-off, and its tickets are non-refundable under its terms. You may be able to reschedule up to 60 minutes before departure, subject to seats. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Not for the standard fare, which is the same on both. SeaLink's own site has extra deals, such as automatic advance-booking discounts and a Weekday Saver on the 7:00am Fremantle sailing, which are non-refundable. See how to find cheaper tickets.
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Return ferry from Fremantle with the island admission fee included, about 30 minutes each way and a choice of sailings.
Rottnest Express Return Ferry from FremantleRottnest Express from B Shed or Northport, about 30 minutes across, with free cancellation up to two days before.★ 4.5 · Same-day return · departs Fremantle
Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat HarbourAbout 45 minutes from Hillarys, out at 7:30 or 10:00 and back at 4:30pm. Free parking, island entry included.★ 4.8 · Same-day return · departs Hillarys
SeaLink Ferry & Bike Hire from FremantleSeaLink from Fremantle with an adult bike, helmet and lock on the island, and island entry. Ages 16 and up.★ 4.8 · Same-day return · departs Fremantle