For families in Perth’s northern suburbs, Rottnest Fast Ferries makes a day trip or island getaway to Rotto incredibly easy. Departing from Hillarys Boat Harbour, the ferry terminal sits just behind The Breakwater, so you can arrive in good time, enjoy free all‑day parking, and grab a coffee or breakfast at the harbour before you set sail. The location alone takes a lot of stress out of travelling with kids, especially if you’re juggling bags, prams and beach gear.
Tickets can be booked online in advance or in person at the Hillarys ticket office. Because popular crossing times and school holiday services often sell out, it’s worth locking in your spots ahead of time rather than chancing it on the day. Rottnest Fast Ferries runs services daily, all year round, with multiple departures throughout the day depending on the season. You can choose a simple return ferry or bundle everything into a day tour package that includes options like island bus passes, bike hire or other experiences, which is handy if you want an organised, “all sorted” family day.
On board, the fleet includes modern, high‑speed catamarans with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, there’s air‑conditioned comfort and plenty of standard seating, making it easy to settle in with prams, bags and younger children. Outside, kids tend to gravitate to the open decks, where they can feel the sea breeze and watch the coastline slip by. The catamaran design offers a stable ride, which can really help if anyone in the family is prone to seasickness. The journey to Rottnest Island takes around 40–45 minutes from Hillarys, just long enough for a snack and a wander around the boat.
There is a licensed bar on board serving tea, coffee, cold drinks and light snacks, so you don’t have to worry if you’ve rushed out the door without morning tea. The crew are generally visible and approachable, ready to answer questions, help with boarding, and provide sea‑sickness bags if needed. During whale‑watching season the captain may slow the vessel if there are whales nearby, turning the commute into an impromptu wildlife cruise – a big bonus for kids and adults alike.
Rottnest Fast Ferries also caters well for families bringing gear. Standard luggage is included in your fare, and you can bring your own bikes for an additional fee if you prefer to ride your own. Alternatively, you can pre‑book bike hire, including children’s bikes, through Rottnest Fast Ferries and collect them at Hillarys before boarding, saving time once you arrive on the island. That can be a real sanity saver on busy days when hire queues on Rottnest itself are long. If you don’t drive, complimentary hotel transfers are available from selected locations around Perth, Northbridge, Scarborough and the Sunset Coast, which can make the whole outing possible without needing a car.
Once you arrive at Thompson Bay on Rottnest, it’s a short stroll from the jetty to the Visitor Centre, beaches, cafes and the Quokka-filled settlement – so you’re into holiday mode almost immediately. With flexible ticket options, modern ferries, family‑friendly facilities and a super convenient Hillarys departure point, Rottnest Fast Ferries is a very practical and enjoyable choice for getting the whole family across to Perth’s favourite island Playground.
Rottnest Fast Ferries, Hillarys
Address: Ferry Terminal – 56 Southside Drive, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Hillarys WA 6025
Opening hours: Ferries operate daily, 7 days a week, with multiple departures each day. Departure times vary seasonally – check the online timetable when planning your trip.
Website: https://www.rottnestfastferries.com.au
See our guide to things to do on Rottnest Island here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
