Rottnest Island without a car
Visitors cannot bring a car to Rottnest Island. Leave a Perth hire car at a mainland ferry terminal and travel by passenger ferry; on the island, use a bicycle, bus or walking routes.
Updated
Key facts
- Car access
- Visitors cannot bring a car to Rottnest Island
- Island transport
- Bus, bicycle and walking are available
- Bike hire
- Available from ferry providers or Pedal and Flipper Hire
- Bike helmets
- Required by law and supplied with hire equipment
- Own bicycle
- Can be taken by ferry with bike freight added to the booking
- Mainland parking
- Hillarys Boat Harbour has free short-term and overnight vehicle parking
- Island admission
- Visitor admission is charged through ferry fares
Can you take a hire car to Rottnest Island?
No. Visitors cannot bring cars to the island. A hire car is useful for the mainland journey, but the ferry does not carry it.
How do you travel around Rottnest?
The island's transport choices include walking, bicycles and buses. Bikes can be arranged through three of the ferry operators or hired from Pedal and Flipper Hire.
Can you bring a bicycle on the ferry?
Yes, but add bike freight to the ferry booking. A bicycle helmet is required by law and is supplied with hired equipment, so account for that when deciding between your own bike and island hire.
Where do you leave a Perth rental car?
Choose a mainland terminal whose parking arrangements suit the rental period. Hillarys Boat Harbour has free short-term and overnight parking; check the current signs and the ferry time before driving there.
For Victoria Quay and Perth city departures, paid parking may change the cost of keeping a rental through an island stay.
Is island admission included in the ferry ticket?
All visitors pay a Rottnest Island admission fee. Ferry operators collect it as part of the fare, so compare the complete ticket price rather than treating admission as a separate payment on arrival. Ferry times depend on the mainland departure point; allow time to park and reach the terminal.
Which mainland ferry terminal should you use?
Ferries leave from Fremantle's Victoria Quay, North Fremantle, Perth's Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour. The crossing is roughly 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 from Hillarys and 90 from the Perth city jetty. Choose the terminal that fits where your hire car will be parked, not simply the shortest sailing time.
Victoria Quay has paid parking, Rous Head has secure parking, Hillarys has free short-term and overnight parking, and the Perth city jetty has nearby paid parking. Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to park, handle luggage and board.
Should you keep the rental during an island stay?
For a day visit, the car stays on the mainland for the whole crossing. For a longer island stay, compare the cost of keeping the rental parked with ending it before the ferry and collecting a separate car later; the decision depends on the booking's return depot and dates. The island is car-free and has walking, buses and bicycles, so most visitors do not need a car on the island.
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Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
Can you take a car to Rottnest Island?
No. Visitor cars are not allowed on the island.
Can you hire a car on Rottnest Island?
Visitors use bikes, buses and walking paths rather than a standard car hire.
Can I take my bicycle on the ferry?
Yes. Add bike freight to the ferry booking.
Is there parking at a mainland ferry terminal?
Yes. Hillarys Boat Harbour has free short-term and overnight parking. Check the terminal used by your ferry.
Do I pay Rottnest Island admission separately at the jetty?
For visitors arriving by ferry, the island admission fee is collected in the ferry fare when booking.
How early should I arrive for the Rottnest ferry?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for parking, luggage and boarding.
Which Rottnest ferry terminal has free overnight parking?
Hillarys Boat Harbour has free short-term and overnight parking. Confirm the current arrangement with your ferry operator.