The Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnels Tour offers families a fascinating glimpse into Rottnest Island’s military history while enjoying a scenic journey on the Captain Hussey historic train.
The Train Journey
The Captain Hussey train departs from the Settlement Railway Station, which is only a short 5-minute walk from the Visitor Centre. Helpful train symbols are painted on the footpath to guide you in the right direction.
The 64-seat historic train provides a unique way to travel to Oliver Hill, using the same railway infrastructure that was originally built to transport equipment, building materials and ammunition to the guns during wartime. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes at a leisurely pace of around 20km/hr, allowing you to admire the stunning scenery of the island’s south side. Children particularly enjoy this slow-paced ride as you pass the airport and old railway cars, offering a different perspective of the island.
The Oliver Hill Battery Tour
Upon arrival at Oliver Hill, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views across the island. The tour begins at the crew shelter where knowledgeable volunteer guides explain the military presence on Rottnest during wartime and its strategic importance.
The highlight of the tour is the 9.2-inch naval gun – the only intact emplacement of its type left in Australia. Kids are always impressed by its massive size! Your guide will explain how this historic gun was operated, showing you both the lower gun pit and the upper gun platform.
The tour then takes you underground through a maze of tunnels leading to the ammunition stores and engine room. Strategically located in Hell’s Gully, the engine room was hidden deep underground for concealment and security. A new addition to the tour is the impressive Ghost Engine – a replica model of the original machine that powered the mighty guns. Make sure to turn the crank on the model to hear the roar the engines would have made when in use!
Throughout the tour, there are various pictures and information boards providing further details about life on the island during wartime. The whole experience keeps moving at a good pace, making it engaging for children without them getting bored.
At the end of the tour, you exit at the bottom of a sand dune and walk back up through the bush to where the train awaits to take you back to the main settlement. The entire tour lasts about an hour, which is a perfect length for families with young children.
Important Notes for Families
Accessibility: The tour descends several steep stairways through the tunnels, with a bushwalk ascent back to base. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access beyond the landing area where you can view the above-ground gun. If you have anyone who struggles with stairs or if you have a pushchair, you would not be able to go into the tunnels.
Safety: You’ll need to keep a careful eye on toddlers as some of the steps in the tunnels are quite steep.
Facilities: There are toilet facilities at Oliver Hill and bins on site, but be sure to pack food and water. Alternatively, Kalli’s at Rotto is nearby at Wadjemup Lighthouse for food and drink options.
Tour Information
Tour Times: Tours of the site are conducted daily between 10am and 2pm.
Booking: You can purchase tickets at the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre, through Quokka Coaches as part of their bus or train packages, or on arrival at Oliver Hill.
Contact: Phone: 9372 9730 – Email: enquiries@rottnestisland.com
The Oliver Hill Train Ride and Guns & Tunnels Tour is definitely worth doing with children, especially with the added excitement of the train ride. It’s educational yet entertaining, and the perfect activity to include in your Rottnest Island adventure!
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
