Rottnest Bayseeker Bus Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour

Planning a trip to Perth and want a hassle-free, enriching day on Australia’s most beloved island? Look no further than the Rottnest Bayseeker Bus Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour. For around $95 per person, you’ll enjoy a 7.5-hour adventure that includes a high-speed ferry cruise, a guided bus tour, and plenty of chances to see the island’s iconic quokkas and historic sites. With round-trip ferry tickets, hotel pickup, and a guided experience, this is a convenient way to explore Rottnest without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Two things really stand out about this tour. First, the ferry ride—a 40-minute cruise across the Indian Ocean with stunning views of Perth—sets the tone for a memorable day. Second, the guided bus tour is a highlight, offering rich commentary and stops at key sights like the Wadjemup Lighthouse. However, the tour’s group size is limited to 10 travelers, which keeps it intimate but might mean booking early is wise.

A potential consideration? The lack of lunch included might be a downside for some, though the island’s numerous cafes and eateries make grabbing a bite easy. Also, non-children travelers or those with mobility concerns should note the tour operates in a car-free environment, so walking or biking might be needed for some.

This tour best suits families, friends, and nature lovers eager for a well-organized, insightful experience. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides and want to see quokkas up close while soaking in scenic views, this could be your perfect day trip.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Price covers ferry, taxes, fees, and a guided bus tour, making it simple and straightforward.
• Scenic Cruise: The 40-minute high-speed ferry offers spectacular views of Perth and the Indian Ocean.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, enriching your understanding of the island’s history and wildlife.
• Family-Friendly: The tour suits families and groups, especially since it’s a fully guided experience with limited group size.
• Time Flexibility: Ample time for sightseeing, with opportunities to disembark, relax, or explore further on your own.
• Limited Food Options: Lacks included lunch, but the island’s cafes make dining easy at your own pace.

Starting Point: Hillarys Boat Harbour

Your adventure begins at Hillarys Boat Harbour, a lively precinct filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. We love how the tour includes free parking here, removing one more logistical worry. After a relaxed morning of browsing or coffee, you board the Rottnest Fast Ferries vessel. It’s the newest and most spacious ferry available, which makes the 45-minute cruise across the Indian Ocean much more comfortable than many other options.

As the boat slices through the water, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Perth’s skyline, the coast, and the open sea. Many reviews highlight how the boat ride itself is a highlight, with some passengers noting sightings of whales (if in season). The vessel’s speed ensures you reach Rottnest Island quickly, and the ride is often described as “fantastic,” with a few reviewers mentioning the crew’s professionalism and the smoothness of the trip.

Arrival at Rottnest Island: Wadjemup Lighthouse & Visitor Hub

Once on the island, your first stop is Wadjemup Lighthouse, a historic beacon built in the 19th century. The lighthouse is a visual icon and a perfect spot for photos, with its long history as Western Australia’s first lighthouse and later, Australia’s first rotating beam lighthouse since 1881. During your 15-minute stop here, you’ll learn about the area’s Noongar history and the lighthouse’s significance.

This stop also offers a quick chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Rottnest—bushland, rocky shores, and the chance to spot wildlife, including the famous quokkas. Many visitors comment on how friendly the quokkas are, often approaching close enough to get good photos, which is a rare and delightful experience.

The Guided Bus Tour: Covering the Island’s Highlights

The core of this experience is the 90-minute guided bus tour. The bus is a convenient way to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of cycling or walking long distances, especially considering the hilly terrain. Your guide, whose reviews praise for being “very knowledgeable” and “funny,” shares stories about the island’s history, ecology, and local legends.

Stops include scenic viewpoints, historic buildings, and nature spots. The bus makes enough stops for photos or short walks, giving you a chance to stretch and take in the scenery. Many reviews mention how the guide’s commentary adds value—telling stories that make the sights come alive. One reviewer noted that the bus tour “made it very special,” highlighting the opportunity to learn about the island’s past and its flora and fauna.

Free Time and Optional Activities

After the bus tour, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Many travelers choose to walk around the Main Settlement, visit the local bakery, or relax on the beaches. Some reviews suggest renting bikes (preferably e-bikes, due to hills) to cover more ground, though bikes are sold out quickly. Others enjoy lingering to see more quokkas or taking a swim.

Dining options are plentiful in the settlement, but note that lunch isn’t included. This isn’t necessarily a drawback—there are cafes and picnic spots—but it’s good to plan ahead if you’re hungry. Some travelers, like the one quoting, found the buffet options to cater mainly to travelers from Asia, so bringing snacks might be wise if you have specific preferences.

Returning to Perth

When your day on Rottnest winds down, you simply head back to the jetty for your return ferry. The same spacious boat departs in the late afternoon, giving you a chance to chat with fellow travelers about the day’s highlights or simply enjoy the ocean views one last time.

Authentic Experiences: The tour’s true charm lies in the chance to see quokkas up close—a rare treat—and to learn from guides who offer stories and insights. Many reviewers mention how the guide’s commentary made the experience memorable, with some describing them as “amazing” and “very funny.”

Value for Money: For just over $95, you get ferry tickets, a guided tour, taxes, and fees, which makes this a good deal considering the logistics involved. It’s especially valuable if you want a stress-free day—no need to worry about transportation, schedules, or navigation.

Comfort and Convenience: The hotel pickup and free parking make it accessible, while the small group size (max 10 travelers) keeps things intimate, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Just be aware that the tour operates in a car-free environment, so comfortable shoes and some walking are expected.

Potential Drawbacks: The absence of included lunch might be inconvenient for some, but with many eateries available on the island, it’s easy to find a satisfying meal. Also, some reviews mention the boat ride back can be a bit rough, especially in windy weather, so packing a light jacket or sea-sickness remedies might be wise.

This tour is perfect for families with kids, as the guided bus provides an easy and engaging way to see the island. It’s also well-suited for groups of friends who want a straightforward, organized day with plenty of wildlife encounters and scenic stops. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see quokkas and enjoy the coastal views, while history buffs will find the lighthouse and historic sites fascinating.

If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive experience, this tour packs in a lot into one day without feeling rushed. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a guided, all-in-one package that minimizes hassle but maximizes scenic and authentic encounters.

• What is included in the tour price? The price covers all taxes, fuel surcharges, service fees, ferry tickets, hotel pickup, and the guided bus tour.

• How long does the entire tour last? Expect about 7.5 hours, including ferry rides, guided tour, and free time on the island.

• Is lunch included? No, lunch isn’t included, but there are many cafes and eateries on Rottnest where you can buy food.

• What is the ferry ride like? The ferry is described as spacious and comfortable, with stunning views of Perth and the Indian Ocean. Some reviews mention whale sightings in season.

• How big are the tour groups? The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

• Can I rent bikes on the island? Yes, but they tend to sell out quickly. Many recommend renting e-bikes for hills.

• Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and the tour is generally family-friendly.

• What are the main sights on the bus tour? Key stops include Wadjemup Lighthouse, scenic viewpoints, and historic sites, with engaging commentary from your guide.

• What should I bring? Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and perhaps a snack or two. Remember, lunch is on your own.

• What happens if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re seeking an easy, well-organized day trip that combines scenic ocean vistas, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, this Rottnest Bayseeker Bus Tour ticks all the boxes. The inclusion of ferry transport, a guided bus tour, and the chance to see quokkas up close makes it a smart choice for many travelers.

The small-group size and knowledgeable guides promise a personable experience, while the flexible free time allows for spontaneous adventures on your own. It’s an excellent way to get a taste of Rottnest without the stress of navigating on your own or dealing with complicated logistics.

It’s particularly suited for those who want a comprehensive, guided introduction to Rottnest’s history, wildlife, and scenery, making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable day out in Western Australia.

Happy exploring, and don’t forget your camera—the quokkas and coastal views are photo-worthy!