SeaLink Rottnest Island · Perth, Barrack Street Jetty (Pier 3)
SeaLink's daily 8:30am sailing from Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty, cruises down the Swan River past Fremantle and on to Rottnest in about 90 minutes, admission fee included. Pick it if you are staying in the city centre and want the river cruise as part of the day.
From Perth, SeaLink runs one departure a day: 8:30am from Pier 3 at Barrack Street Jetty, next to Elizabeth Quay. The first part is a cruise down the Swan River with the crew pointing out the sights, then the boat passes Fremantle and heads out to sea. SeaLink gives the whole trip as about 90 minutes. The listing includes the return ferry and the Rottnest Island admission fee.
The way home matters. SeaLink's timetable marks the 4:30pm sailing from Rottnest as the return to Perth CBD, which gives you about six and a half hours on the island. That is enough for a bike loop or a bus tour and a swim, but not for sunset. Guests mention that the time on the island can feel short.
Perth fares cost more than Fremantle fares because of the river leg. If you just want the island, the train to Fremantle takes about half an hour and opens up many more sailings with SeaLink from Fremantle. SeaLink also warns in its terms that weather or high tides on the river can see the Perth leg replaced by a coach to Fremantle.
Barrack Street Jetty, a nine-minute walk from Elizabeth Quay station. Show the boarding pass SeaLink emails you.
Down the Swan River from the city, with commentary from the crew.
The boat leaves the river mouth and crosses to Thomson Bay, arriving around 10:00am.
Bike, bus, beaches or quokkas. Nothing on the island is included.
The Perth CBD sailing leaves Rottnest at 4:30pm and runs back up the river.
★★★★★The staff on the boat were great and pointed out areas of interest on the journey.
★★★★★The ferry service adhered to its schedule, the customer service provided was of the highest standard.
★★★★★The ferry was perfect and the guide had a great sense of humor, just our style.
★★★★★the time spent on the island is too short. But it's worth it; it's paradise.
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About 90 minutes with SeaLink, including the Swan River leg. Rottnest Express quotes about 75 minutes from its Perth pier.
SeaLink sails from Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty at 8:30am daily on its 2026-27 timetable. The Perth CBD return leaves the island at 4:30pm.
Take the train to Fremantle and sail from there. Fremantle fares are lower than Perth fares with both operators, and Transperth trains are free on Sundays with a SmartRider or contactless card. See our ferry cost guide.
Yes. SeaLink may replace the river leg with a coach to Fremantle because of weather or high tides. If a ferry is cancelled for safety or weather, SeaLink offers a full refund or a credit.
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The morning ferry from Barrack Street with a Swan River cruise on the way, island entry included.
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