Rottnest Island – known as Wadjemup to Traditional Owners – is home to white sand bays, turquoise water and the world-famous “smiling” quokkas.
- Getting there – Best Rottnest ferry operators
- Flying to Rottnest Island – Air Taxi & Scenic Flight Options
- Other Flying Options – Fly/Boat Packages & Premium Scenic Flights
- Premium Scenic Flights – Air Charter Operators (King Leopold Air, Swan River Seaplanes, etc.)
- Why Choose to Fly to Rottnest?
- On-island experiences – Quokkas, walks and tours
- How to choose the right Rottnest quokka experience
Most visitors arrive on a day trip from Perth or Fremantle, combining a ferry ride with cycling, bus tours or guided walks. To make the most of your time (and your chance for that perfect quokka selfie, done respectfully), it’s worth choosing good, locally based operators.
Getting there – Best Rottnest ferry operators
Rottnest Express – Long-Running WA Operator
Why they stand out
- One of the original Perth/Fremantle–Rottnest ferry companies, operating multiple departures daily and a wide range of packages (ferry + bike, snorkel hire, bus tour, adventure boat).
- Guest feedback on their own site and review platforms frequently mentions friendly staff, on-time departures and easy luggage handling, especially from B-Shed and Northport terminals.
Best for:
Travellers who want lots of departure times, package flexibility and the option to add on bus tours or the Rottnest Express eco-adventure boat.
Visit their website:
SeaLink Rottnest Island – Premium Alternative
Although SeaLink is a national brand rather than WA-only, it’s worth mentioning as an alternative:
- Modern ferries, often praised for comfort and smooth rides; reviews highlight reliable service and well-organised bike & ferry packages.
Best for:
Travellers seeking a premium ferry feel with strong customer service and simple package options.
Visit their website:
Flying to Rottnest Island – Air Taxi & Scenic Flight Options
While most travellers reach Rottnest by ferry, flying is one of the most memorable ways to arrive on the island. For travellers short on time, seeking a premium experience or wanting unbeatable views of Perth’s coastline, Rottnest Island air taxi and scenic flight operators offer fast, flexible and uniquely Western Australian options.
Below are the main WA-based operators providing direct flights, air taxi transfers and scenic experiences to Wadjemup.
Rottnest Air-Taxi – Fast, Flexible & WA-Owned
Why they stand out
- A long-established WA-owned and operated service specialising in personalised transfers to Rottnest.
- Operate small aircraft (typically 3–7 seats) from Jandakot Airport, offering quick departures and custom itineraries.
- Flights deliver spectacular low-level views over Fremantle, the coast and the turquoise waters of the island.
- Ideal for travellers wanting a private charter feel without charter-plane pricing.
Best for:
Couples, small groups and photographers wanting fast, direct access to the island with amazing aerial views.
Visit their website:
Rottnest Air Taxi Scenic Flights (Separate Option)
In addition to transfers, they also offer scenic flights around the island:
- 20–30 minute loops showcasing Pinky Beach, The Basin, West End, the salt lakes and the lighthouse.
- Pilots are known for friendly commentary and customisable flight paths.
- A great choice for travellers wanting aerial whale spotting, coastline photography or a unique WA bucket-list experience.
Other Flying Options – Fly/Boat Packages & Premium Scenic Flights
Fly/Ferry Packages (Various Operators)
Some operators offer a fly one way, ferry the other option, perfect for maximising time on the island while still enjoying the scenic thrill of a low-altitude flight.
These packages often combine:
- A direct flight from Jandakot
- Time on the island for cycling, quokkas or beaches
- A return ferry to Fremantle or Perth
This option is ideal for day-trippers who want convenience without a full return flight cost.
Premium Scenic Flights – Air Charter Operators (King Leopold Air, Swan River Seaplanes, etc.)
Several premium aviation operators run scenic flights over Perth and Rottnest, sometimes bundled with:
- Island lunch packages
- Snorkelling gear
- Guided quokka walks
- Return flights or seaplane transfers
These experiences focus heavily on photography, comfort and premium service, and are popular for anniversaries, proposals and special occasions.
Why Choose to Fly to Rottnest?
Flying offers several benefits:
- Speed: 12–20 minutes from Jandakot Airport to Rottnest.
- Aerial Views: A perspective you simply can’t get from land or ferry.
- Convenience: Avoid ferry schedules and seasickness.
- Flexibility: Small-plane operators can customise departure times and itineraries.
- Photography: Brilliant opportunities for capturing WA’s coastline from the air.
For many travellers, flying to Rottnest feels like a once-in-a-lifetime upgrade, without needing a full luxury budget.
On-island experiences – Quokkas, walks and tours
Once you’re on Rottnest, you’ve got three main ways to explore: walking, cycling or bus tours. For a deeper, more sustainable quokka experience, guided options stand out.
The Hike Collective – Guided Walks & Quokka-Friendly Experiences
Why they stand out
- WA-based walking tour company offering guided hikes and eco walks on Rottnest, including quokka-focused experiences, coastal trails and visits to inland lakes and lookouts.
- Their quokka content emphasises respectful wildlife encounters – learning about behaviour, habitat and how to take photos without stressing the animals.
Best for:
Travellers who want to go beyond the settlement, see hidden bays and learn about the island’s environment and history while still meeting lots of quokkas along the way.
Visit their website:
Rottnest Volunteer Guides & Quokka Coaches – Easy Access Touring
If walking isn’t your thing, or you’re travelling with kids or grandparents:
- Rottnest Volunteer Guides walking tours focus on history, culture and key landmarks in and around the settlement – a great low-cost way to learn about Wadjemup.
- Quokka Coaches bus tours circle the island, stopping at major viewpoints and photo spots; you’ll still have chances to see quokkas near the settlement before or after your tour.
Best for:
Visitors who want a comfortable, structured overview of the island with minimal walking.
Learn more on their website:
How to choose the right Rottnest quokka experience
- Time on island – Day trippers should book an early ferry over and late ferry back to avoid feeling rushed.
- Fitness level – Confident cyclists and hikers will love exploring independently; everyone else will appreciate a guided walk or bus tour.
- Depth of experience – If quokkas are the main goal, combine free roaming around the settlement with a guided hike so you also see quieter parts of the island and learn about culture and ecology.
Ethical quokka encounters – do it right
- Never feed quokkas – human food can make them seriously ill.
- Let them approach you; don’t pick them up or chase them.
- Crouch down to their level for photos and stay still so they can choose how close to come.
- Stick to paths where possible to protect dune systems and fragile vegetation.
Quick planning tips
- Book ferries ahead for weekends, school holidays and summer.
- Consider staying overnight on Rottnest if you want sunset and sunrise photography without rushing for the last ferry.
- Pack light layers – sea breezes can be cool even in summer.