
Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour worth booking?
Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour is a 7.5-hour experience in Perth, Australia, from $93 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (25)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $93 per person
Do you want to learn about Rottnest's involvement in World War II? Hop on a high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, then enjoy a train ride up to Oliver Hill and a guided tour of the tunnel system and 9.2 inch diameter guns that form an integral part of Rottnest's military history. Please note that this is a physically demanding 45-minute tour with approximately 700 metres walking and 240+ uneven steps (equivalent to a 8-storey climb). There are no rest stops and no backtracking once inside. No carrying of children is permitted except for small infants in baby carriers (which allow the accompanying adult to have both hands free for the railings in the tunnels). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour takes place in enclosed tunnels - please watch for low ceilings, uneven surfaces and other trip hazards - and follow guide instructions at all times.
What you get
About this experience
Do you want to learn about Rottnest's involvement in World War II? Hop on a high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, then enjoy a train ride up to Oliver Hill and a guided tour of the tunnel system and 9.2 inch diameter guns that form an integral part of Rottnest's military history. Please note that this is a physically demanding 45-minute tour with approximately 700 metres walking and 240+ uneven steps (equivalent to a 8-storey climb). There are no rest stops and no backtracking once inside. No carrying of children is permitted except for small infants in baby carriers (which allow the accompanying adult to have both hands free for the railings in the tunnels). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour takes place in enclosed tunnels - please watch for low ceilings, uneven surfaces and other trip hazards - and follow guide instructions at all times.
What's included
Included
- Train to Oliver Hill
- Local guide
- Guided Tour
- All taxes, fees and handling charges, including Government Landing Fees
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys Boat Harbour is a tourist precinct, offering high end shopping, cafes, restaurants and bars. Enjoy time at the Harbour after your day on Rottnest Island.
30 minutes here
Rottnest Fast Ferries - Day Tours
Depart on your journey with Rottnest Fast Ferries, we have the newest and most spacious ferry travelling to Rottnest Island. Arrive at Hillarys Boat Harbour to commence your exciting day.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Make your way to the Rottnest Island Settlement Train Station to board the historic Captain Hussey train and begin your tour. Enjoy the views from the train as you make your way up to Oliver Hill.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Oliver Hill Battery
This attraction is a significant icon representing the defence of Australia during World War II. Over the years it has been highlighted as a significant heritage site and features the defence facilities and mechanisms that were in place to defend major Australian ports overwhelmed by warships during the war. Whilst in this tour you will have the opportunity to discover the hidden secrets of this attraction through a guided tour. Please note this tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues and children needing to be carried (except those in infant carriers). There are over 240 steps involved in the tour.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
After your tour, take the train back down the hill to the Rottnest Island Settlement and enjoy your free time on the island. The Visitor Centre is a great resource hub! Then take the fast ferry back to Hillarys. Make your way back to Perth on our return hotel transfer service from selected Perth hotels, if selected (must be prebooked) or via your own transport (free parking available).
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Perth
Shop 56 Southside Drive. Free parking is available if self-driving. From Perth CBD head north on Mitchell Freeway then exit left when you reach Hepburn Avenue. Continue to the end and enter through the main roundabout. Turn left onto Southside Drive and follow the signs to 'ferry terminal'.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Shop 56 Southside Drive. Free parking is available if self-driving. From Perth CBD head north on Mitchell Freeway then exit left when you reach Hepburn Avenue. Continue to the end and enter through the main roundabout. Turn left onto Southside Drive and follow the signs to 'ferry terminal'.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rottnest Fast Ferries
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please note that this is a physically demanding 45-minute tour with approximately 700 metres walking and 240+ uneven steps (equivalent to a 8-storey climb). There are no rest stops and no backtracking once inside. No carrying of children is permitted except for small infants in baby carriers (which allow the accompanying adult to have both hands free for the railings in the tunnels). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour takes place in enclosed tunnels - please watch for low ceilings, uneven surfaces and other trip hazards - and follow guide instructions at all times.
- Not permitted for travelers with mobility issues and children needing to be carried due to the large number of steps (approximately 240) to be climbed and descended as well as uneven surfaces.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A great day out
A great day out, well worth going on the tour around the island
via Tripadvisor
Quoka heaven
Get to the island to make the most of what's on offer, and maybe stay overnight. The quokas are pretty common I. The settlement
via Viator
Value Pack!
This experience is amazing! Free Perth Pick up to the Jetty is a bonus point! We had a wonderful day on the island!
via Viator
Fast Ferries Grand Island Tour - Rottnest Island
The tour was called the Grand Island Tour - Full Day but the system will not let me name it . My small family group of four had two elderly family members whose mobility situation was limited to walking sticks and very slow pace. The only point to consider with this tour to not consider for elderly people who walk very slowly. The person at the ticket collection office at Hilarys advised that our elderly family members would cope and stated at the Rottnest Island information desk we could arrange a golf cart/buggy to assist with getting our family members to the train stop tour pick up. We were advised that there would be a fee. The information desk, looked at us weird and declared there is no such service. So if you have elderly members with walking frame or sticks, this may not be a suitable tour. So some misinformation about that. We were worried we would not make the tour on time. As you only have 15 minutes from the Ferry to the pick up area. There is bunker tour which a lso stops elderly members completing, but we knew about this, due to the information and our tour guide - Fiona. Besides this early situation, the tour was great, which is mainly due to Fiona who was very mindful of our limited mobile family members and advising what we need to be prepared at the different stops. What also made it interesting, Fiona was very informative about the different areas of the island and where the best photo shots. Thank you for an amazing day tour. The Ferry travel to and back from Rottnest Island was good. The train part was funny and great. The only other feedback, the small lunch is eaten on the bus while they are driving around the island. It is a shame there is not a rest area we could stop to eat the meal properly . Nice small light lunch. Thanks again Fiona for the quality and amazing service you provided.
via Tripadvisor
Rottnest Island day trip including train and tunnel.
Study the map before arriving to the island. Got lost trying to find where the train was from the jetty. Get the train and do the tunnel tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and train driver very funny. Great experience with the quokkas around you while having lunch. Ferry ride was great.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $93 to $135
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rottnest Fast Ferries, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.1.
See everything Rottnest Fast Ferries runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Perth.
How much does Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour cost?
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Prices start at $93 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Perth usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour take?
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Plan for about 7.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Perth is not rushed.
Is Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Perth, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Perth can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Perth and add a light layer if any part of the 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Perth within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Perth?
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On Outty we rank every Perth experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Optus Stadium Tour, Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Local Insights + More!, Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Perth?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Perth?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour?
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Included: Train to Oliver Hill; Local guide; Guided Tour; and All taxes, fees and handling charges, including Government Landing Fees. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 15 listed pickup locations in and around Perth. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Please note that this is a physically demanding 45-minute tour with approximately 700 metr; and Not permitted for travelers with mobility issues and children needing to be carried due to. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Perth. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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