Location of the rottnest trench region, west of rottnest island western australia. Rottnest island day trip, perth, western australia. Take in the mustsee sights of perth and fremantle, starting at kings park, the lush green heart of the city and one of the worlds biggest innercity parks. Fremantle whale watching whale watch western australia. Your adventure in the indian ocean includes a thrilling highspeed wildlife adventure cruise around the island, where youll look for dolphins, seals and sea birds.
For information on how to get to the terminal andor parking at the terminal, please check our visitor information page. Whale watching tours from perth fremantle whalefree. The fremantle rottnest island ferry route connects australia with australia and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. Sealink rottnest island fremantle 2020 all you need to know.
In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore the islands beautiful beaches, walking trails, carfree roads. The rottnest express ferry service to rottnest island. Our guides will get you close to nature where you will encounter seals, dolphins, whales and an array of birdlife. Response from sealinkwa, front office manager at sealink rottnest island responded 4 weeks ago hello imnei thank you for your feedback we are very pleased to offer a fully accessible vessel on our sealink rottnest island service, and it is great to hear that you found this service so good. Not allowed on whale watching boats due to proximity to other guests. City of fremantle three year average ye december 2014 2015 2016. Enjoy a live commentary on board from our aqwa guide. We booked a whale watching tour in the knowledge that if we did not see any whales we could rebook for free. Fremantle wants to jump on the bandwagon of the popularity of the little marsupials that are one of the main attractions of rottnest island. Rottnest island is a perfect location to see humpback and southern right whales as they make their annual migration along western australias coastline in april about 35,000 whales travel north from the antarctic to feeding and birthing grounds in the indian oce. The manly ferry crossing has nothing on this 25minute journey.
Guests staying in fremantle can book a free courtesy return coach pick up for the northport ferry terminal only. However, for a informative walking tour with an educational focus, this walk leads participants to the quokkas natural habitats and. The island covers an area of about 12kms long and up to 4kms wide. Perth and rottnest island while sharpeyed observers can sometimes spot whales off perths beaches from september until november, youre more likely to see one up close and personal by booking in for one of the whale watching cruises which departs from fremantle. There was a very long wait for the media at b shed with some of the tv. Located 19 kilometres off the mainland, this carfree aclass nature reserve is home to spectacular white sandy beaches, secluded bays and unique wildlife. Jan 31, 2017 rottnest island, off the coast of perth, western australia, is a place to witness the wild, raw beauty that australia is so famous for. Recording locations are shown by the circles drifting gear, square inshore moored gear sampling over three days and large triangle moored gear sampling over 33. With 63 gorgeous beaches, a fantastic range of guided tours and packages and some excellent places to stay, rotto is perfectly setup for families, groups, couples and solo adventures. Whale watching in winter is a fascinating experience on rottnest island.
Blue whale watching tours whale watch western australia. Call us if you need help choosing a whale watching tour from perth and fremantle. Rottnest island known informally as rotto is located approximately 18 km west of fremantle, perth is most commonly accessed by one of the rottnest ferries, but you can also get there by light plane, helicopter or private boat. Sealink rottnest island fremantle 2020 all you need to. Explore rottnest islands remote coastline on fullday tour from perth of fremantle. I had lived in fremantle for 50 years and had no idea that these whales migrated between the mainland and rottnest twice a year on their way to and from antarctica. Rottnest island, perths own holiday island is located just 18km west of fremantle. The blue whale is the largest mammal ever to grace the planet. Explore rottnest island holidays and discover the best time and places to visit.
This tour lets you take in all the highlights and enjoy free time on the island, with roundtrip transportation by ferry from perth or fremantle, and a wildlifespotting cruise by speedboat. Whale and dolphin watching in perth destination perth. This means that it has large plates made of keratin which hang from its upper jaw instead of teeth. Whale watching perth rottnest fast ferries hillarys gallery. Please consult government travel advisories before. You can find a limited number of paid parking bays at barrack street jetty which are available for up to two or three hours at a time. From fremantle, start with a 25minute highspeed ferry to rottnest island. My photography skills are lacking but one member of staff was taking photos of the action which we were invited to download off the website. You can also swim in clear turquoise waters, snorkel and dive among spectacular shipwrecks and reef formations, or cycle around the island and. Ricc is a group of commercial enterprises that operate on or around the island and who work with the rottnest island authority ria to improve the island experience and visitation. Our ferries depart from b shed victoria quay, fremantle and pier 3, barrack street jetty, perth daily excluding christmas day. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore the islands beautiful beaches, walking trails, carfree roads and historical sites at your. Fremantle whale watching was alive with activity today as our humpback whales enjoyed the beautiful conditions and calves were at play.
Rottnest island ferry timetable sealink rottnest island. Cruise along the swan river to fremantle today before heading to rottnest island. A sandy, lowlying island formed on a base of aeolianite limestone, rottnest is an aclass reserve, the highest level of protection afforded to public land. Rottnest express fremantle to rottnest island youtube. Rottnest island travel western australia, australia. Blue whale calling in the rottnest trench, western australia. Depart b shed fremantle arrive rottnest island depart rottnest island arrive b shed fremantle 1st april 2018 30th april 2018 07. Fremantle to rottnest island ferry tickets, compare times. This area, just off rottnest island is a bit of a resting area for them so you literally. And while there are nearly a dozen bays around the island that provide excellent shelter from the winds that prevail in the area the island is also surrounded by reefs that can make it a treacherous place for inexperienced skippers.
Cancellation policy a cancellations must be advised at least 30 minutes prior to the passengers onward voyage time either in person at. Rottnest island, with its idyllic beaches and diverse marine life, sits just off the coast of perth. Rottnest island from perth or fremantle with wildlife cruise 2020. Fremantle and rottnest island tourism western australia.
Wildlife authorities trying to free a humpback whale tangled in rope off rottnest island since yesterday attach a satellite tag to it to help their monitoring efforts, but say it. Rottnest fast ferries whale watching from perth whalefree. Rottnest island whale watching was incredible today as we witnessed breach after breach and were surrounded by humpback whales as over thirty bottlenose dolphins joined in on the fun. A whale may have as many as 300 to 400 baleen plates on either side of their mouth. If you need more time at barrack street jetty you can find longer parking options just a short distance away. Just a short ferry ride from fremantle or perth, rottnest island has long been western australias holiday destination of choice. Took a trip this morning from fremantle port, cannot get over the hospitality and. Linking people with the stunning natural paradise that is rottnest island. Best known for its beautiful white beaches, clear waters perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling and of course the famous quokka which is native.
Departing daily from fremantle, sealink rottnest island provides a competitively priced ferry service to perths favourite island paradise. Crossing the indian ocean was a little more thrilling. Explore rottnest island on a fullday tour from perth or fremantle that takes care of. A special morning which started off very peacefully as we enjoyed the company of mothers and calves resting quietly in the shallows. Charter 1 offer snorkel and eco tours to rottnest and carnac islands, luxury liveaboard cruises, twilight sails and private charters for up to 38 guests. The dwarf minke whales were back again today while whale watching at rottnest island and with much excitement we watched as the magnificent body markings of the minke raced around us investigating before surfacing right on the bow. Our first encounter was with a mother, calf and male escort all travelling together and the calf appeared to be hassling mum for more milk by rolling in front of her and attempting to position on top of her blowhole calves can be very cheeky. Rottnest whale watching whale watch western australia. Get to know rottnest island on a 90minute guided thrilling highspeed wildlife cruise around the island, discovering secluded bays and inlets inhabited by birds, dolphins, seals and other marine life. Rottnest island known as wadjemup to the local noongar people, and otherwise colloquially known as rotto is an island off the coast of western australia, located 18 kilometres 11 mi west of fremantle. Boarding the rottnest express at the b shed in fremantle in western australia. Species spotlight sperm whale this impressive mammal holds the record of the largest toothed predator on earth and the biggest brain of any animal extinct or living today. Nov 02, 2012 we booked a whale watching tour in the knowledge that if we did not see any whales we could rebook for free.
Rottnest fast ferries get you to the whales twice as fast, leaving you more time to enjoy the views. Fremantle to rottnest island ferry tickets, compare times and. Perth, fremantle and rottnest island a long weekend in western australia duration. Rottnest island from perth or fremantle with wildlife cruise. If youre interested in incredible wildlife or white sand beaches, a rottnest island day trip is an absolute must for visiting this part of the world. Rottnest island archives whale watch western australia. During october and november, we also incorporate whale watching into this. Rottnest island whale watching whale watch western australia. Whale watching with rottnest fast ferries provides some great photo opportunities. Rottnest express ferry booking, timetables and tickets. There are several paid parking areas in victoria quay, including short, medium and long term options. These are just two of the amazing and interesting facts of a whale species that has captured the imagination of generations of.
Nov 09, 2014 the advertised 2 hour whale watching is misleading, the ferry leaves at 1. This parking is not undercover nor is it secure and it is in demand. The rottnest express service runs up to 3 times per day with a sailing duration of around 30 minutes while the sealink rottnest service runs up to 3 times per day with a duration from 35 min. Aug 23, 2017 the manly ferry crossing has nothing on this 25minute journey. Jun 24, 2018 wildlife authorities trying to free a humpback whale tangled in rope off rottnest island since yesterday attach a satellite tag to it to help their monitoring efforts, but say it does not appear. The estimates of visitor number and nights in this fact sheet are based on information obtained from. Whale watching at rottnest island whale watch western. Apr 25, 2016 perth, fremantle and rottnest island a long weekend in western australia duration. A scenic ferry ride from perth or fremantle will bring you to the stunning shores and best of rottnest island attractions, bursting with abundant wildlife and tranquil turquoise bays. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures.
Whale watching perth september december asset 1 the experience learn the language of the whales as our onboard live commentary will educate you on why humpbacks show such active surface behaviour. A sandy, lowlying island formed on a base of aeolianite limestone, rottnest is an aclass reserve, the highest level of protection afforded. Rottnest fast ferries offer a twohour whale watching cruise off the. From fremantle, its just a short hop across the ocean to rottnest island. Fremantle and rottnest island is made up of the following abs statistical area level 2 sa2s. Rottnest island was considered to be of interest as a place with potential for salt harvesting, farming and fishing. City of fremantle three year average ye december 2014 2015 2016 tourism western australia 2 unless otherwise stated, all data is sourced from tourism research australias national and international visitor surveys. Experience the thrill of coming face to face with the majestic humpback whales on their annual migration. East fremantle fremantle fremantle south oconnor wa this is equivalent to the city of fremantle, the town of east fremantle, and rottnest island. Explore rottnests unique coast line visiting remote bays and beaches on our purpose built vessel.
Hop on a ferry from perth or fremantle to rottnest island for a day of exploring the stunning island. The water around rottnest island is beautiful rottnest. Rottnest islands famous marsupial, the quokka, can be seen around the island particularly in the mid to late afternoon. Cato4, alec duncan5 1,5 centre for marine science and technology cmst, curtin university, gpo box u 1987 perth 6845, wa. Take in the sights of rottnest island and experience the ultimate whale. Rottnest express 2 hour whale watching misleading tripadvisor. Blue whale calling in the rottnest trench, western. Rottnest island authority in fremantle, perth, wa, state. Cancellation policy a cancellations must be advised at least 30 minutes prior to the passengers onward voyage time either in person at rottnest express terminal locations or by telephone. Find us shop 56, southside drive hillarys boat harbour hillarys, wa, 6025. Baleen whales filter the seawater to extract their food. Rottnest whale watching with the humpback whales today as we sighted relaxed mothers and calves along with captain hook, the large male sighted on our previous tours competition pod who came over to check out some powerful surface activity.
Also check out our whale watching tours and cruises. Rottnest island has long been the favourite, and by far the most popular, boating destination for perth boaties for over half a century. Response from sealinkwa, front office manager at sealink rottnest island responded 4 weeks ago hello imnei thank you for your feedback we are very pleased to offer a fully accessible vessel on our sealink rottnest island service, and it is. There, you can find secluded beaches and bays with long white sandy beaches protected by reefs, offering great swimming, diving and snorkelling. Words fail me when i try to describe why rottnest island is so special. I had lived in fremantle for 50 years and had no idea that these whales migrated between the mainland and rottnest. Rottnest island from perth or fremantle with wildlife.
Youll learn from commentary by a knowledgeable guide and make stops at wadjemup lighthouse and the west end. The humpback whale which passes through the indian ocean off rottnest is a baleen whale, which sieves planktonic organisms from the water, as distinct from the toothed whales which feed on squid, fish and marine mammals. After you finish your tour, head into fremantle for more unique urban adventuring. Acoustics 2000 1 blue whale calling in the rottnest trench, western australia, and low frequency sea noise robert d. A winner of many accolades since their inception nearly 60 years ago, rottnest express fleet consists of three modern highspeed passenger ferries starflyte, eagle express and sea. Pay for parking on arrival pay for the number of days at the ticket machine by entering your vehicle registration maximum 14 days you will need to purchase 12. Whale sightings from the boat observations are shown by the diamond symbols. You can also swim in clear turquoise waters, snorkel and dive among spectacular shipwrecks and reef formations, or cycle around. About 200 western australian passengers, who arrived in fremantle port on the vasco da gama cruise ship, were transferred to rottnest island ferries late on monday morning from where they sailed to the wa holiday island, where they are put into 14 day quarantine in the cottages and the hotel. However, for a informative walking tour with an educational focus, this walk leads participants to the quokkas natural habitats and imparts some interesting facts about this iconic animal. Rottnest island, off the coast of perth, western australia, is a place to witness the wild, raw beauty that australia is so famous for. Book your rottnest island tours with peterpans today and explore this amazing region. Rottnest express fremantle 2020 all you need to know before. Authorities working to free whale tangled in ropes off rottnest.
See the abs website for a map of western australia by sa2s. Perth is the perfect spot for whale and dolphin watching from the. Mar 30, 2020 the city of fremantle has applied to the department of parks and wildlife to be allowed to open a quokka reserve in pioneer park, opposite the railway station. The advertised 2 hour whale watching is misleading, the ferry leaves at 1. Rottnest express is a ferry company running services that link fremantle and perth city with the popular holiday destination rottnest island in western australia. Sealink rottnest island, fremantle, western australia.