Copyright thewest
NEW LATE FERRY Rottnest Fast Ferries has added a later ferry sailing to and from Rottnest Island. It is on Fridays only, leaving Hillarys Boat Harbour at 5.45pm. It comes back from Rottnest to Hillarys at 6.45pm. SUNDOWNER PACKAGE There’s a new $68 Sundowner Package from Rottnest Fast Ferries — for a quick trip to enjoy a swim, quokka selfie, drink and sunset on Rottnest Island. It can be booked now, for travel between December 27 and April 26, at rottnestfastferries.com.au. + The fast ferry is from Hillarys Boat Harbour at 12.30pm, returning at 6.45pm (every day excluding December 31 and January 1) and at 6.30pm from February 2 to April 26 (on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only). + The Sundowner Package is for day returns only. + The $68 (for adults & concessions) includes the island admission fee. The cost is $53 for youths aged 13-16, $40 per child, and toddlers go free. + Hillarys Boat Harbour has lots of free parking. + It takes about 40 minutes to sail from Hillarys to Rottnest on MV Harbour Master. A VERY LOCAL STORY Rottnest Fast Ferries is locally owned and operated, by James Mulholland and Luke Crispin and their team. They bought the business in December 2012 after both working within the company for several years. + Rottnest Fast Ferries’ Harbour Master is the biggest high-speed catamaran in their fleet. The 37.2m long ferry can carry up to 420 passengers and has a crew of four. + Built in 2020, it has indoor and outdoor spaces for passengers. + There are multiple decks and three passenger deck levels. + The cabin is spacious and airy, with big windows and private areas. + It is powered by four Scania V8 engines, each producing 850hp. The engines are known for their high power and torque, especially at low revs. + In 2025, Rottnest Fast Ferries welcomed Ocean Master to its fleet. The purpose-built high-speed catamaran is specifically designed for Rottnest Island journeys, and was built in WA by Austal Australasia. + Ocean Master has big indoor and outdoor spaces, including a unique “stepped whale-watching deck” for good viewing. + There are three passenger levels with big spaces aft, rooftop decks and a modern, airy cabin spread. + The 32m long Ocean Master is powered by twin MAN 1380hp V12 engines, has five crew and can carry up to 400 passengers. rottnestfastferries.com.au
