Rottnest Express (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Rottnest Express?
What makes it 73% Baby-Friendly: Infants travel free, terminals have baby-change tables, and folded prams are accepted, but there is no nursing room on board and rough seas can unsettle feeding or naps, so suitability is good but not perfect.
Positives:
- Infant Travels Free: Babies under 4 travel free if they sit on your lap.
- Pram Friendly: You get priority boarding after folding and stowing your stroller.
- Onboard Comfort: Spacious seats let you hold your baby and enjoy the view.
Challenges:
- No Nursing Room: The ferry lacks a private nursing area; use terminal restrooms.
- Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends on-board and island sites can get busy.
- Motion Sickness Risk: Choppy waters may upset babies; consider seasickness bands.
What is Rottnest Express?
- A ferry operator linking Perth’s Elizabeth Quay and Fremantle jetties with Rottnest Island
- A fleet of catamarans and passenger vessels designed for reliable transport across the Indian Ocean
- A year-round service offering multiple daily scheduled departures
What is so special about Rottnest Express for with baby?
- Smooth, pram-friendly ferry with priority boarding
- Baby travels free under 4 years old
- Enjoy shallow beach at The Basin with picnic spots
- Easy island shuttle with space for prams
- Spot friendly quokkas in Thomson Bay
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for the roundtrip ferry and a relaxed beach stop at The Basin without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Rottnest Express
Priority Pram Boarding:
Fold and stow your pram to get priority boarding on the ferry.
Tip: Ask crew to direct you to the safe stowage area before seating.
The Basin Wading and Picnic:
Enjoy shallow pools and shaded picnic tables perfect for a baby.
Tip: Bring a sunhat and baby-friendly snack for a relaxed beach break.
Thomson Bay Playground:
Let your baby explore gentle swings and low slides near the jetty.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and use the nearby family restroom.
Island Explorer Bus:
Hop-on/hop-off bus with smooth rides and space for prams.
Tip: Buy tickets onboard and ride the full loop for easy island views.
Quokka Spotting:
Watch friendly quokkas hop around Thomson Bay settlement.
Tip: Stay seated with your baby in your lap and keep a safe distance.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rottnest Express
- Early Departure: Catch the first ferry to secure seats together and avoid crowds.
- Pack Essentials: Bring extra diapers, snacks and a light blanket for onboard comfort.
- Pre-Book Bike: Reserve a bike with seat online to secure availability.
Reviews of Rottnest Express
Gary Ball
Very informative intimate coach tour around beautiful Rottnest Island. Stunning landscapes with views as good as anywhere in the world. Abbie was full of local knowledge about the island, the history of the island & the indigenous population. Very capably driven around by Larry around the winding trails full of cyclists & walkers. Watch out for the adorable Quokkas, probably the most popular attra...
Carla Street
This was a great bus tour. Eli was really informative and funny. It's a quick tour but perfect as part of a day visit.
J G
Fantastic tour, Ella was amazing and the driver as well, we saw the most amazing ocean views and learnt a lot. A bit more time at the biggest stop would have been great, but had the best time nonetheless. 😀
Mark Hutchinson
A fantastic tour that's the best way to see the whole island comfortably. Our guide, Holly and driver Mark, were brilliant, offering great insights and a relaxed pace. They even made a special detour for us to see whales! The bus was comfortable and the views were stunning. Highly recommended.
Linda Hart
Great price and service, we also hired the bikes for the island. Boat left on time each way. We were very blessed with amazing weather. We got the 9:30am boat on the way over and the 2:15pm on way back. This was ample time to ride the island, have lunch and get great photos with the quokkas. Parking was only $12 for all day and only a couple of minute walk to the boat.
When is the best time to visit Rottnest Express (Perth, Australia)?
Visit during school holidays (Jan & Apr) for free volunteer-led beach walks. In summer weekends, lifeguards patrol The Basin. Cooler months offer calmer waters for gentle wading.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Return ferry for two adults | AUD 130 |
| Bike hire with baby seat | AUD 41 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 171 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Rottnest Express
Address: 2 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
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About Rottnest Express
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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