Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
4.5
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Rottnest Island Visitor Centre is located in Thomson Bay near the main jetty. Ask the helpful and friendly staff for maps and information about attractions, tours, bus services, bike hire and mooring rentals. If you are staying in Rottnest Island Authority accommodation you can check in at the Visitor Centre from 2pm daily. Please phone for opening hours and other helpful information.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
814 reviews
Excellent
467
Very good
209
Average
61
Poor
38
Terrible
39
ClairStanley
City Beach, Australia61 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
You have to book 18 months in advance over a two month period to get accommodations for the long weekend. When you check in they try to tell you you have to check out and then check in again, even though you bookings are linked and you have the same unit! So they try and evict you for 5 hours even though your still in the same unit! The unit is simple, dirty, very small and the plumbing doesn’t work all for $350 per night, paid in full 18months ago. The wifi is too weak to stream and the digital tv is pixilated.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Clair. I am very sorry that it was suggested that you needed to check out and in again and I hope that it was quickly resolved when you explained that the two bookings were for the same person. We will make sure that this does not happen next year and that your bookings are properly linked.
We expect to carry out some refurbishment work at South Thomson over winter 2020 and I very much hope that you will see improvements by the time of your next visit. Thank you for your feedback.
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K B
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Friends
Our day trip to Rottnest was 6 hours in total and we spent 3 of these hours waiting in the hot sun due to the limited bus service. This started on our arrival where we queued for 30 mins just to buy our tickets and then another 30 mins for the bus itself, at salmon bay we waited 30 minutes then a bus arrived but the driver said he had limited service without being clear what this meant. He said the next bus was only 5 mins away. We actually waited another 30 mins then squeezed into an overcrowded bus with limited room even to stand up. At the end of the day we missed our return ferry due to the bus times being irregular and one hour between services rather than the advertised times. At $25 person this is a very poor level of service. I note a lot of similar experiences are recorded here and hope that some remedial action will be taken soon.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your feedback and I am sorry that your experience with the Island Explorer bus service on Rottnest was not more satisfactory. Your comments are of great concern, and I have passed them on to the operator of the bus service for their review.
Written 13 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mikeely H
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
Seems the company running the island explorer hop on hop off care more about making money than servicing their customers. Perhaps a capped or better cap on tickets sold each day needs to be implemented. Over 1hour and 20mins of our day wasted waiting for the next bus because the bus was too full to pick up any passengers. Would not recommend unless you enjoy waiting for 20+ mins in the sun while waiting for the “next bus”.
Written 7 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback regarding the Island Explorer on Rottnest which I will pass on to the operator of the service. Ticket sales are capped to ensure that there is space but clearly on the day of your visit this did not achieve the desired objective and I am sorry that your experience was impacted.
Written 13 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graeme M
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Well what a absolute disaster was our families much anticipated 10 am ferry visit to Rottnest Island yesterday December 29th.
Your bus service was a bloody joke .
Myself and my wife paid something like $22 ( concession) up front and firstly stood in a very long queue for some time before finally hopping on the bus.
At every stop the tour host Greg persisted in telling people to squash up to the rear of the bus
( which they did ) however the bus was totally overcrowded.
The poor people who couldn't get a seat let alone any decent standing room and were continually told to push back further
Some were elderly, some had children.
Some had back packs that were hitting the faces of the seated people.
Greg's commentary continued, by saying "We are legally allowed to carry 86 people on this bus and we even had 90 people on it on one occasion,so "push back".
Also another comment he made was " if you push up close to each other you have less chance of falling over on the bends".
Honestly I could not beleive what I was witnessing or hearing.
There were so many people at the various stops that were disappointed because they weren't allowed on.
Myself and my wife along with others did not even attempt to get off because we would not of had a hope of getting back on. Therefore the only part of the island we set foot on was at the place that we got on your bus and got off at the same place
( Stop number 1)
Our Daughter and son in law with our 2 grandchildren could not buy a ticket on the island because the Bus ticket queue was so long and slow.
So they stood in another huge line and finally got push bikes around midday.
When I departed from your i heard many other people totally pissed off with the so called "Hop on hop off" sales pitch.
I voiced my disgust with Greg and said " Why would you Hop Off, because you wouldn't get back on"
I added, " it's wrong that you continued to tell people about the legal numbers you are allowed to carry when they are all bloody squashed up. It's morally wrong "
I am surprised that a fight did not break out on board with people getting very upset.
I intend to follow up the " Safety" aspect of the totally over crowded bus.
Your bus service was a bloody joke .
Myself and my wife paid something like $22 ( concession) up front and firstly stood in a very long queue for some time before finally hopping on the bus.
At every stop the tour host Greg persisted in telling people to squash up to the rear of the bus
( which they did ) however the bus was totally overcrowded.
The poor people who couldn't get a seat let alone any decent standing room and were continually told to push back further
Some were elderly, some had children.
Some had back packs that were hitting the faces of the seated people.
Greg's commentary continued, by saying "We are legally allowed to carry 86 people on this bus and we even had 90 people on it on one occasion,so "push back".
Also another comment he made was " if you push up close to each other you have less chance of falling over on the bends".
Honestly I could not beleive what I was witnessing or hearing.
There were so many people at the various stops that were disappointed because they weren't allowed on.
Myself and my wife along with others did not even attempt to get off because we would not of had a hope of getting back on. Therefore the only part of the island we set foot on was at the place that we got on your bus and got off at the same place
( Stop number 1)
Our Daughter and son in law with our 2 grandchildren could not buy a ticket on the island because the Bus ticket queue was so long and slow.
So they stood in another huge line and finally got push bikes around midday.
When I departed from your i heard many other people totally pissed off with the so called "Hop on hop off" sales pitch.
I voiced my disgust with Greg and said " Why would you Hop Off, because you wouldn't get back on"
I added, " it's wrong that you continued to tell people about the legal numbers you are allowed to carry when they are all bloody squashed up. It's morally wrong "
I am surprised that a fight did not break out on board with people getting very upset.
I intend to follow up the " Safety" aspect of the totally over crowded bus.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your feedback, Graeme and I am sorry that your experience with the Island Explorer service was not more satisfactory.
The week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest of the year on Rottnest and there is a balance between offering visitors the opportunity to see the outer Island and saying that there is no availability. Clearly, under no circumstances should the maximum capacity of the bus be exceeded.
I will pass your comments on to the bus operator for their review and consideration and should you wish to contact them directly, you can do so at Pinnacle Travel Group.
Written 3 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle V
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Jan 2020
The $20pp hop on hop off bus was our worst experience today. For New Year's Day you'd think that there would be more buses on the island to accommodate all the holiday makers today. Waiting for a bus at 2 different stops for 40 minutes each time. This resulted in me having to call and ask how much longer are these buses going to take. RIDICULOUS. I had my 6 month old grandson in a stroller. What a joke that was getting on and off these buses. Never again. Shame on you Rottnest for your terrible service. You should up your game and fix this problem. Never again. Really disappointed experience and will not be back.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your feedback following your visit to Rottnest and I am so sorry that your experience with the Island Explorer was not good. The bus service is privately operated and I will pass on your comments. However, New Years Day was exceptionally busy and they do not really have the option to bring extra buses to the Island for a very short time. I do hope that the rest of your experience on the Island was better.
Written 25 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Friends
Wonderful beaches and the Island is so special, supermarkets very ordinary, nothing left in Bakery midday. Sapphire Bar ridiculous Friday 6pm, only 2 beers on tap, Tiger and Singlefin
was hot and watched staff pouring beer out of glass, revolting service. Top Bar ...sorry no beer at 6.15pm. Not much better at Pinkys Bar Elsy beer on tap, come on Rottnest, really expensive to stay, and drink very ordinary beer. Shame on you. $11 schooner, really, not good. Rottnest Island Pub not a good look Quokka's begging for food, chips etc...lobster slider, raw and frozen chilli on it when asked for something without chilli...really. lift your game. Loved our home made salad and chicken dinner at our cabin. Happy to spend money but not on revolting beer and over priced very average food and service.
was hot and watched staff pouring beer out of glass, revolting service. Top Bar ...sorry no beer at 6.15pm. Not much better at Pinkys Bar Elsy beer on tap, come on Rottnest, really expensive to stay, and drink very ordinary beer. Shame on you. $11 schooner, really, not good. Rottnest Island Pub not a good look Quokka's begging for food, chips etc...lobster slider, raw and frozen chilli on it when asked for something without chilli...really. lift your game. Loved our home made salad and chicken dinner at our cabin. Happy to spend money but not on revolting beer and over priced very average food and service.
Written 11 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your feedback following your visit to Rottnest and I am glad that you enjoyed the beaches and your accommodation.
On behalf of the Visitor Centre, your comments are noted and will be shared with the Island businesses. Unfortunately, the quokkas are always on the hunt for food even though they have an abundance of foliage available and human food is not good for them at all.
Rottnest has quite a large variety of services available and visitors will choose which of them they wish to use. Clearly some did not meet your expectations and I appreciate your disappointment.
Written 21 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travellingmichael1
Pinner, UK74 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
If you are a party of 4 adults you pay over $300 + for the return ferry ride and the $20 per person admissions charged by Rottnest Island. What they don't tell you before you go is that fee does not you give a right to buy a round ticket to the 'hop on hop off' bus that runs every 20 minutes. On 10th April we were told mid morning by the only person dealing with the long queues to buy tickets, that they were sold out for the day leaving you with a considerable amount of walking to do in hot sun if you want visit different locations on the Island. Of course, unless you are a cyclist, you are then stuck there until your return ferry is due to leave. Better thought and consideration to tourists is required to improve transport options.
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback following your visit to Rottnest and I am sorry that you were unable to get a ticket for the Island Explorer bus on the day. Passenger numbers are capped to avoid overcrowding and it is recommended that during peak periods such as the school holidays, visitors book tickets online ahead of arrival. It is also possible to pre-book packages including ferry fare, admission and bus tours.
While there are several different tours available, the number of vehicles on Rottnest is restricted as the fact that it relatively free of traffic movements is a key aspect of the appeal of the Island.
Written 13 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mackarrow
Melbourne, Australia169 contributions
Sept 2022
We took the hop on hop off explorer bus around the island. It was a very busy day - school holidays - and the busses, whilst frequent, were way too crowded. We were packed in like sardines with the driver telling people to move up the aisle to let more people squash in. They either need more busses or sell less tickets!
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank your for your feedback regarding the Island Explorer bus and I am sorry that you were not more comfortable. While the bus operator does not fill buses beyond the maximum permitted capacity, we are aware that a large number of passengers can make the experience less than satisfactory. We have been advised that three new buses are currently on the way to the Island which should go a long way to addressing capacity issues. In the meantime, I will pass your comments on to the bus operator.
Written 28 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeremy
San Francisco, CA12 contributions
Jan 2020
It is located 18 kilometers away from Fremantle and it is an island with great beaches. I took the ferry there and after about 1:30 we reached the island. It has many great beaches that are open to the public, but I was on a day trip so I preferred to explore the island. I saw one of the 8,000 to 12,000 Quokkas that inhabit the island, but remember you are not allowed to touch them!
Written 29 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith K
Pukekohe, New Zealand320 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The visitor centre run this on off bus, I believe. The day I visited that was not a holiday or weekend the bus was over full. People were packed in at the start - people standing were forced to squash up with total strangers. This is a tour bus not a city bus at peak hour. Not everyone could fit on at the start. We got off after a few stops, then on the next one. Then there was a bike accident at West End our bus driver dropped us off just before accident and then we walked.. The previous bus people were waiting at West End but the bus couldn't get through. When accident cleared a standard off on bus came but it was also full, not many people got off. So two groups from two buses tried to squash on. Again people got left behind. Knowing there were people stuck at West End, why didn't they send a special bus to get us? We enjoyed the scenery when we got off the bus but on the bus was a total disgrace and very uncomfortable 😣 Shame on you - put on more buses, I did not come here to be packed like a sardine into a bus, I can do that at home!
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Judith. I am sorry for your unsatisfactory experience when you took the Island Explorer bus on Rottnest. As you mentioned, there was a very serious incident on the day leading to a cyclist being airlifted off the Island. This required the road to be closed until a rescue helicopter arrived which impacted on the bus schedule.
Please note that the Visitor Centre does not operate any bus services on the Island, but we have been advised that the bus company do have three new buses currently on the way to Rottnest which will increase capacity considerably. The Island Explorer is not a tour bus, it is what we call a "hop on hop off" bus which takes visitors to the different parts of the Island, hence standing is permitted when necessary. Thank you for your feedback which I will be sure to pass on to the management of the bus company to assist with their planning.
Written 21 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riding a bike to Wadjemup Lighthouse (one way) from where Pedal and Flipper hire is located on the island. Is the terrain inbetween hilly or steep and well sign posted (with directions or arrows to show where to go?) If it's not flat, I thought the 5.2 km distance would take at least 40 to 45 minutes, instead of 15 to 18.
Would an electric bike make much difference to dealing with hills and getting to the lighthouse quicker?
Written 28 July 2019
Obviously it would be a bit quicker but there are no really big hills, it's mostly flat and great for cycling.
Written 6 August 2019
Planning to go Rottnest Island 2nd week of August. Does anyone know if it’s rainy season during that time? Is it a good time to visit the island?
Written 26 July 2018
August is the winter season so less llikely to be dry but I don't think there is a lot of rainfall, and temperatures are still pleasant, possibly more suited for activities like cycling. More detailed info about the weather is easily found on Google. If I only had that time to visit, I'd still go.
Written 26 July 2018
Hi, how much are the lockers at the visitor centre?
Written 27 February 2018
don't know but you could try calling or emailing them or looking up on their website perhaps.
Written 6 August 2019
Hi everyone! How long did it take you to cycle around the island? I'm only here for a day and afraid I won't have enough time. Medium fitness level :)
Written 20 November 2017
The tourists centre has maps that include 4km, 10km and 22km routes. We did the 22km route but opted to not go all the way to the west end. It took us about 5 hours. We went at a pretty leisurely pace and included stops for lots of quokka photos, a few swims, photos, grocery shopping, picnic lunch, toilet breaks, and waiting out a passing rain storm. The island is only 11km long and about 4.5km at its widest point so you are never really too far away from the ferry.
Written 26 April 2019
Nicole L
Singapore, Singapore
Hi,
Are there baby changing rooms or breastfeeding rooms available on the island?
Written 10 October 2017
Yes, there is a baby changing room just behind the Visitor Centre which is two minutes walk from the main jetty. There are no dedicated breastfeeding rooms on Rottnest that I am aware of.
Written 10 October 2017
Just wondering if shops on Rottnest Island and the visitor centre will be open on Sun 24th Dec Christmas Eve 2017? Or on Boxing Day Tuesday 26th Dec.
Written 10 September 2017
Sorry, I don't know but I'd give them a call and they will be able to tell you. Have gun if you're going.
Written 27 September 2017
Hi, we will be visiting Perth for the first time and the island is one of the stops that we were planning to check out. May I know the ways to get there? and what activities we can do there since we would be arriving around winter? Mid August. Thank you! :)
Written 21 February 2017
You can get there by ferry and try to get your ticket on a Tuesday as I think there are discounts (I took rottnest express from Fremantle) :) a lot trails and you can walk or ride a bike around the island. There is also a coach tour (which sometimes is part of the ticket). I agree with Robin H, it might be too cold for a swim since it's winter. There are scheduled guided tours (you can check their website for the times and when you get I'll try to look for here, the visitor information center is very helpful). Try to arrive in morning so you can enjoy the day. You'll see lots of quokkas!
Check the rottnest island website and under the see & do tab, there are options such as guided walks. the schedules are listed as well options on how to get there :) have fun!
Written 22 February 2017
Hi, I'm wondering if the Island Explorer Service is a reliable way of getting around the island if we just have a day there?
And what is the cost of the bus service?
Also is it worth visiting the island if we are not doing an official tour, we are on a limited budget?
We have 4 days in Perth, we are visiting in early June, we won't be cycling ;) What is there to do. Struggling to find any real information other than official tour
Written 26 January 2017
Trip over is reasonably expensive and you'd need to do the bus on island or walk. Will be cool in June. Don't recall price of bus. Quokka are good to experience but in your position may be better visiting city attractions-it's only a collection of beaches at Rottnest.
Written 5 February 2017
Hello. We planned on visiting the island but didn't realize the ferry tickets could sell out in advance. If we go in person to the ferry, is there a cancelation line or last minute ticket sales? Are there any discounts available for ferry tickets? How long is peak season? Thanks!
Written 1 January 2017
Well everyone seem to have planned their day at least a day a head as we did buy just the night before. At the boat entry I don't see a booth selling tickets just a few guys helping to collect or scan tickets bought online and putting away the bicycles into the boat. It's a double deck. You would do well to email them about your last minute needs.
Good luck
Written 2 January 2017
We will be visiting Rottnest island on 23 Dec. Will it be crowded?
Do I need to book the bicycles in advanced?
Do you have bicycles for two persons because my wife cannot cycle.
Can I drop off the bicycles anywhere in the island and hop on the bus back to the ferry?
Thanks
YH
Written 16 December 2016
Hi YH
Thank you for your question. December is a very popular month for visitation to the island. I would suggest booking bicycles in advance to avoid disappointment however if your wife is unable to cycle I would suggest going to Pedal and Flipper the bike hire store and talking with them about options on the day.
Pedal and Flipper do offer tandem bikes for two people and also offer bike and bus options allowing you to cycle until you are tired and then finish off the island in comfort on the air-conditioned buses. Should you have any further questions relating to bicycles please contact Pedal and Flipper on 08 9292 5105.
Kind Regards
Adam Morris
Visitor Centre Manager
Written 16 December 2016
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