Schools GroupGuide
T O R OT T N E ST I S L A N D

WHY ROTTNEST ISLAND?
Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle or Perth, Rottnest Island is a memorable andunique experience making it perfect for students, with plenty of history and wilderness
to cover a variety of subjects. With 63 gorgeous beaches, a fantastic range of guided
tours and packages and both budget and luxe accommodation it offers the ideal
set-up for large school groups. Your experience on Rottnest Island can be as energeticor relaxed as you need it to be, with activities that all ages can enjoy. Discover different
and unique ways of learning for science, geography, history and so much moreon Rottnest Island.

WHY CHOOSE ROTTNEST
EXPRESS?
With 60 years of reliable service, Rottnest Express is Perth’s most experienced ferry
operator – it’s true that no one knows Rotto like us! Our vessels are purpose built for theoceanic crossing to Rottnest Island, making the journey a safe, reliable, and comfortable
one for even the littlest of guests.
Our services depart from Northport and B Shed in Fremantle, with services departing
as early as 7:30am. For a Swan River cruise experience included in your day at Rottnest
Island, we offer a daily departure from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth, where students
can enjoy an informative cruise down the Swan River with guided commentary by theknowledgeable team throughout the hour-long journey.
We are more than just ferry service with bike hire, bus tours, adventure tours and otherthird-party products. Whether you are day-tripping to Rottnest Island or planning an
extended stay, we have a package to suit you. Take advantage of great value groupdeals, with mid-week or weekend fare options.
Choosing Rottnest Express for your next school excursion guarantees a stress freeand reliable experience with our trusted on-water and off-water teams.

2TERMINALS OF DEPARTURENORTHPORT FERRYTERMINAL - 1 EMMAPLACE ROUS HEAD,NORTH FREMANTLE
Convenient Northport is the locals’
departure point of choice, with 400plus easily accessible car parks fordaily and overnight parking. Plus,
drive-up luggage drop and a fully
licensed kiosk. If you will be arriving
under your own steam, Northport
is for you. This terminal is best suitedfor bus parking due to a larger
parking area.
How does it work? Parking can nolonger be pre-purchased so simply
turn up on the day to purchase yourparking ticket through the parking
machines in the carpark at theFremantle (Northport) terminal.
Carpark remains open until 15 minutes
after the last service arrives
at Northport each day.
Note that there is no public transport
to Northport and the Fremantle Port
Authority doesn’t permit cycling in theRous Head precinct (there’s no safe
cycle lane). Cyclists should ride and/or
catch the train to B Shed at Victoria
Quay instead.

3B SHED FERRY TERMINAL– 1 PETER HUGHESDRIVE, FREMANTLE*Please Note: That the B Shedterminal is currently underrenovations, and we are operating outof an office on the E Shed side of Peter
Hughes Drive. Due to the summer
period parking will be extremely busy
in and around our Fremantle terminal,
we encourage you to leave plentyof time to find appropriate parking
or alternatively travel out of our
Northport terminal in Rous Head for
ample parking options.
For day-trippers and passengers
coming from south of the Swan
River, B Shed is the most convenient
Rottnest Island departure point.
It is also close to Fremantle train
station, so if you are arriving via public
transport, you will be just a short walkfrom your ferry. Very limited longterm parking is available from $10
per day with Wilson Parking.

BARRACK STREET JETTYFERRY TERMINAL – PIER
4 ELIZABETH QUAY,PERTH CBD
Barrack Street Jetty is in a prime
position on the Perth riverfront, next
to the booming Elizabeth Quay tourist
precinct. Rottnest Express staff areon hand to help you make the mostof your visit to Perth and Rottnest,
as you sidestep Perth’s traffic andenjoy a picturesque Swan Rivercruise en route to the island. Parking
can be tight in downtown Perth, butpublic transport is nearby – both theElizabeth Quay train station and theBarrack Street Jetty stop on the freeBlue CAT bus line. A free city hotel
pickup service is also available fromselected hotels.
For our current terminal opening hours
please visit our website here.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Book one of our day packages and tour the highlights. Explore by boat, bus, bikeor snorkel under the waves. Rottnest Island can be as energetic or relaxed as youneed it to be. Rottnest’s rugged coastline, turquoise waters and witness the beautyof its abundant wildlife up close.

THRILL RIDE
Jump aboard the Rottnest Express Thrill Ride fora ride on the wild side, perfect for groups short ontime but wanting to catch a glimpse of the island fromthe water. Taking only 45-minutes onboard our highly
powered Eco Express boat, this tour is only available
in the summer season for a limited time. Explore
Rottnest’s rugged coastline, turquoise waters andwitness the beautyof its abundant wildlife up close.
45-minutes

Nov-April

Discounted Rate available on request.

ADVENTURE
ROTTNESTBOAT TOUR
If you’re after a more informative experience on thewater, then our Adventure Boat Tour is the one for you.
Aboard our Eco Express boat this tour circumnavigates
the island by water for a 90-minute adventure todiscover the islands wild side. Think New Zealand
fur seals, sea lion colonies, dolphins, osprey nests,
shipwrecks and so much more all complete withexpert commentary.
90-minutes

Sept-April

Discounted Rate available on request.

4OUR EXPERIENCESDISCOVER ROTTNEST
BUS TOURThis 90-minute, air-conditioned guided Discover Bus Tour takes
in some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations, including
Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End. Enjoy
panoramic views from the large onboard windows, shelteredfrom the heat or rain outside. Hear from ourvery own knowledgeable guides on the unique flora, fauna andhistory of the island as you spot quokkas out the window on theway. Take in the views for a short stop at the West End and snapa few memorable pics.
90-minutes

Year-round

Discounted Rate available on request.

BIKE HIRERottnest is a bike friendly island and is the preferred modeof transportation on the island. Explore at your own paceby adding adult and child bike hire to your ferry fare and yourbike will be ready and waiting for you when you arriveon the island. Helmets and locks are all provided with your hirebike, making the experience an easy one for large groups. Bike
Freight is also available to add to your ferry fares if you wish
to bring your own bikes.
Discounted Rate available on request.

SNORKEL HIRE
Discover the underwater world on Rottnest Island withsnorkel hire, add snorkel, mask and fin hire to your ferry
fares for the entire group. With warm Indian Ocean
currents, coral reefs, colourful fish and even a shipwreck
or two, the waters around Rottnest offer some of the bestsnorkelling in Australia. Large and small sets available forfeet sizes 1-15.
Discounted Rate available on request.

5OUR FLEETSTARFLYTE
Length Overall

Top Speed

Time to Rottnest

Max # of passengers

38.92 m26 knots

25 min485

Length Overall

Top Speed

Time to Rottnest

Max # of passengers

34.75 m32 knots

25 min319

EAGLE EXPRESS

6OUR FLEETECO EXPRESSSEA EAGLE
Length Overall

Time to Rottnest

30 m

25 minTop Speed

Max # of passengers

30 knots

220

Adventure Boat and Thrill
Ride tour vessel
Length Overall
12 m

Top Speed
35 knots

Max # of passengers
42 – Adventure Tour
42 – Thrill ride

VOYAGER
Length Overall

Time to Rottnest

22.30 m30 minTop Speed

Max # of passengers

29 knots

165

7

8

THINGS TO DO

Wadjemup Walking Trail
The Wadjemup Museum is a great way to learn about the historyof what Rottnest Island once was. Showcasing a range of exhibits,
ancient artefacts and sculptures, the museum encourages visitors
to reflect on everything that has come before. This is a great
activity to include to bring awareness, perspective, respect andto gain an understanding of the difficult circumstances thatonce took place. Located in the heart of the main settlement andaccessible to all public to view.

Snorkelling / Swimming
Experience the crystal-clear waters that Rottnest has to offer,with 63 different bays and beaches around the coastline, you will
not be short of choice. With warm Indian Ocean currents, coral
reefs, colourful fish and even a shipwreck or two, the waters
around Rottnest offer some of the best snorkelling in Australia.

Grand Island Tour (Oliver Hill Train andTunnel Tour)
Pinnacle Coachlines operate this tour that will take you to
Rottnest’s must-see locations. During this 4-hour tour, you willvisit the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun
Fortification, Tunnels and a lookout that overlooks Cathedral
Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage.

Rottnest Island | Rottnest Volunteer Guides
Walking Tours

For more information, please visit Rottnest Island Tours - Grand(Please note while every attempt is made to conduct

Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. This tour will provide you with

Island Tour - Rottnest Day Trip (australianpinnacletours.com.au)Wind Turbines / Solar Farm / Water
Desalination Plant
Rottnest Island is dedicated to operating off renewable energy
systems using wind, solar while combining with a local power
generation plant using low-load and standard diesel. As you makeyour way around the island, you will spot a 600 KW wind turbine
and a 600 KW solar farm located on Mt Herschel. Thanks to thewind turbines and solar farm, the island is relying on a lot lessdiesel that results in a significant reduction
in CO2 emissions.

Rottnest Guided Volunteer Tours
The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association Inc. (RVGA) increaseawareness and appreciation of the natural environment andhistorical significance of Rottnest Island. Guides conduct daily
tours covering the History of the Settlement, the Quokka, WorldWar II Guns & Tunnels and Wadjemup Lighthouse. The voluntary
guides offer a range of free tours available that focus on thewildlife, heritage, and sustainabilityof Wadjemup.

9tours and activities as scheduled, times may be varied
due to weather and volunteer guide availability).

OVERNIGHT STAYS

Staying on Rottnest Island will not only allow more time
to explore the beautiful island, but it will also be an
unforgettable experience. The Rottnest Island Authority
offer a wide range of accommodation options on theIsland, from campsites all the way to ocean view cabins
and hotels.
For availability, bookings and enquires please visit
https://www.rottnestisland.com/stay.
On behalf of the Rottnest Island Authority, all admission
fees have been waived for school groups for theremaining months of 2023 till the end of 2024.

BEST SUITED FOR SCHOOL GROUPS:LUGGAGE:Campground

Hand luggage can be taken aboard the ferry when travelling toThe Campground contains 43 non -powered campsites
available, each site can accommodate up to a 6 people
and two tents.
Governors Circle
Governors Circle are self-contained cottages near
Kingston Barracks that can fit up to 9-13 guests or 18 bed
configurations.
Caroline Thomson
Cabins located close to the main settlement, each cabin

and from the island and anything bigger can be placed in a pickup
crate or it delivered if tagged correctly. Depending on the size ofthe group, we are able to allocate crates for the groups journey
which do not require individual item tagging. Crates are best used
for food, drinks, luggage and extra items/activities for students.
Crates and loose items with our luggage labels are delivered toaccommodation by the island business Programmed. Collection
on the return journey is also provided, the time of collection will beadvised at check in at the Visitor Centre. - Rottnest Express.

fits up to 6 people and has a fully fitted-out kitchen.
Rottnest Hostel
50 beds with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge.

GROUP TRAVEL:

Kingston Barracks•Dedicated groups specialist to help create a schedulefor your day or overnight trip to the island•

Tailored options as a one-stop-shop: fully-guided or
self-guided options, lunch packages, on island touring•

Facilities on hand to assist with luggage delivery•

Charter services available

Historic WWII Barracks, less then 2km from thesettlement. Plenty of rooms, beds and communal areas.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:North / South Thomson
Geordie BayFays Bay / Longreach

HOW TO BOOK:

Discovery Rottnest Island
Discovery Rottnest Island - Glamping Accommodation Rottnest Express

Please visit our website www.rottnestexpress.com.au
for more information and our current schedule.

Samphire Rottnest
Samphire Resort on Rottnest Island - Rottnest Express

10For group enquires and quotations, please emailgroups@rottnestexpress.com.au.

11

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Railway Station

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Parakeet
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Lake
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Ricey Beach
Crayfish RockTHE BASIN

Pink Lake

STARK BAY

Pearse
Lakes

KINGSTOWNBARRACKSRAIL LINESalmon
Swamp

BickleyBay

RockyBayMarjorie
Bay

Cathedral
Rocks

Government
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Lake

Uribes, 1942

AIRPORT

OLIVER HILLLOOKOUTWADJEMUP
LIGHTHOUSE

THOMSON
BAY

HerschelLake

Lake
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Lake Serpentine

Miwok II, 1983
Shark, 1939

ROLAND SMITH
MEMORIAL

Mabel Cove

Transit, 1842

BATHURST
LIGHTHOUSE

Lake
Baghdad

City of York Bay
Hotel
Rottnest
Samphire
RottnestLongreachBay

GEORDIE
BAY

Fairbridge Bluff

Nancy CoveGreen Island

Eagle BaySTRICKLAND
BAY

Kitson Point

MaryCove

PORPOISE BAY

Dyer Island

SALMON BAY
Salmon Point

Kiryo Maru

Wilson Bay

CAPE
VLAMINGH

Fish Hook
Bay

PARKER POINT

RADAR REEF

LITTLE SALMON BAY

Rottnest Island is 11kms in length and 4.5kms at its widest point. Suggested bike rides:

RIDE 1: 4KM (0.5 HOURS)WHALE WATCHINGLOOKOUTBEST BEACHESBUS STOPSNORKELLINGRIDE 2: 10KM (1.5 - 3 HOURS)RIDE 3: 22KM (3 - 5 HOURS)SURF SPOTSFERRYLANDINGTOILETSSHIPWRECKSFISHING SPOTSBEST QUOKKA
LOCATIONSSHOWERSDRINKING FOUNTAINFERRY DEPARTURES FROM 3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:
2 Fremantle - B Shed, Victoria Quay

1 Perth - Pier 4, Barrack Street JettytB
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FREMANTLE

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PERTH
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Wellington St

Murray St

Barrack St

William St

Perth RailwayStation

3 Northport - 1 Emma Place, Rous Head, North Fremantle

Book with the rottnest express groups specialists

1300 467 688
12groups@rottnestexpress.com.au

rottnestexpress.com.au

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY PLEASE REFER TO ROTTNESTEXPRESS.COM.AU/TERMS

BBQ

60 minutes fromPerth to Fremantle