From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Return Ferry (Ferry Transfers + Bike Hire)

Your experience

Boarding points and facilities on board

Step aboard a high-speed ferry for an unforgettable day trip to Rottnest Island! These are same-day return ferry tickets departing from Fremantle. Enjoy the 25-minute ride to Rottnest Island. Make the best use of the flexibility of the daily schedule and the luggage storage available on the ferry.

What to do at Rottnest Island?

The best way to explore Rottnest Island is by bike -- go at your own pace as there's lots to visit. Kingstown Barracks, Oliver Hill Battery, and the Henrietta Rocks shipwreck locations should be on your itinerary, and keep an eye out for quokkas and other wildlife. Be sure to discover the many different bays and beaches. Just pick up the map for the island once you disembark and you're ready for your adventure!

Know before you go

Accessibility

• Luggage storage facilities are available on the boat.
• This experience is pram/stroller and wheelchair accessible.

What's not allowed

• Single pieces of luggage up to 22kg and no larger than 800mm x 500mm x 400mm can be stowed in the vessels’ luggage crates.
• Single carry-on items must be no larger than 600mm x 400mm x 300mm.
• 1 piece of luggage is permitted per person. Additional luggage will incur an excess luggage charge.

Additional information

• Guide dogs are allowed onboard. However, as Rottnest Island is an A-Class reserve you should contact the rangers there for further advice on service dog allowance.
• All passengers must arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are traveling with no luggage or freight and have e-tickets or QR codes, please make your way straight to the boarding gate. Final Boarding is 5 minutes before departure after which the vessel gangways are removed to ensure that the vessel departs by the stated time.

Fremantle Prison, built between 1851 and 1859, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Western Australia's most iconic historic landmarks. Originally designed to house convicts, it functioned as a maximum-security prison until its closure in 1991. The prison's architecture reflects convict-era construction, with massive stone walls, guard towers, and stark cell blocks. Today, it serves as a museum and tourist attraction offering guided tours, underground tunnels, and detailed exhibits that reveal the history of incarceration in Australia. Visitors can explore the cells, exercise yards, and even participate in heritage tours that unlock stories of inmates, escape attempts, and penal reform.

Booking your Fremantle Prison tickets online guarantees quick entry, allowing you to skip long lines. It offers secure reservations, flexible scheduling, and access to exclusive tours, making your visit smooth and well-planned. Comparing different ticket options online helps you find the best deal for your interests and schedule.

Constructed between 1851 and 1859, Fremantle Prison was built by convicts under the supervision of British architects. Originally designed to house prisoners from the United Kingdom, it operated as a maximum-security facility for over 140 years. The prison witnessed numerous escape attempts, riots, and significant reform movements, reflecting broader social changes. Its closure in 1991 led to its preservation as a site of cultural heritage, and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Today, the prison's history is preserved through exhibits, guided tours, and restoration efforts, offering insight into Australia's colonial past, penal history, and convict legacy.

The prison generally operates from morning until late afternoon. Specific hours can vary seasonally, with some special evening tours available. It is recommended to arrive early to maximize your visit and ensure entry to guided experiences.

Plan your visit during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, enhancing your experience.

Inside Fremantle Prison, visitors can explore the Main Cell Block, where countless inmates were confined, and learn about their lives through guided tours. The Tailor's Workshop, Underground Tunnels, and the Grand Parade are notable highlights. Exhibits detail the prison's construction, operation, and stories of escape and resilience. Special experiences, like night tours and ghost hunts, reveal the darker, more mysterious side of the site. The prison also features a visitor center with interactive displays, making the experience both educational and engaging for all ages.

Wear comfortable shoes as the site involves walking through uneven surfaces and historic structures. Photography is generally permitted, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas. Tours can be physically demanding; check if alternative options are available for mobility concerns. Children are welcome but should be supervised at all times due to the site’s historic security features.

Please follow all safety instructions and stay within designated areas. No smoking, vandalism, or trespassing is permitted. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the site and other guests. Food and drink are not allowed inside the buildings.

A visit to Fremantle Prison is a powerful journey into Australia's colonial history. Its well-preserved architecture, compelling stories, and immersive experiences offer a unique opportunity to understand justice, punishment, and resilience over centuries. Whether you're a history buff or curious traveler, the prison delivers a profound and engaging experience that’s both educational and memorable.

Fremantle Prison is accessible via public transport from Perth, with regular train and bus services to Fremantle. It is within walking distance from central Fremantle, making it easy to reach on foot.