Rottnest Island: Ferry Day Trip & High-Speed Wildlife Cruise

4.52

(234 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the rail as the boat picked up speed — that’s how I first saw Rottnest Island, wind tangling my hair and the Indian Ocean spraying my face. Our guide, Mel (who actually grew up in Fremantle), was already pointing out little shapes darting in the water — dolphins, she said, but honestly I was too busy squinting at the sunlight dancing on Swan River to catch them all. The ferry ride itself felt like a mini adventure; there’s something about leaving the city behind and watching it shrink that makes you feel lighter.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a “high-speed wildlife cruise” but there we were, bouncing over waves while Mel shouted facts about New Zealand fur seals through her microphone. When we got close to their rocky hangout, you could actually smell that salty-seaweed mix and hear them barking — one seal flopped into the water with such drama I nearly dropped my camera. The whole boat just watched for a minute; even the kids went quiet. That silence stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

Afterwards we had a few hours to do our own thing — some folks rented bikes (you do have to wear a helmet or risk a fine, which feels very Australian), but I just wandered near The Basin. The water was so clear you could see your toes even knee-deep, and there was this faint eucalyptus scent drifting down from somewhere inland. Lunch was whatever you grabbed (I went for fish and chips because… well, when in Australia), then more lazy exploring before heading back. It’s not polished or fancy — just real island life for a day.