Perth Harbour Cruises: the 7 Worth Booking

1.Whale Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 127 reviews · from $49Our pick

Join Rottnest Fast Ferries at Hillarys Boat Harbour for a two-hour humpback whale cruise from September through November. You’ll watch from three viewing areas, hear live commentary from a certified marine biologist, and use the open-air deck for photos. Optional coach pickup is available from selected Perth hotels for the 9 AM cruise.

“Loved it! Saw so many whales and they came close to the boat. So worth the money!”

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2.Rottnest Island Roundtrip Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · from $65

Take a fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island for a self-guided day out. The crossing takes about 40 minutes, and you can spend the day swimming, cycling, riding the hop-on hop-off bus, visiting Wadjemup Lighthouse, or spotting quokkas. Several departures give you some flexibility, with a 4:30pm return ferry.

“It was a great to visit Rotto and see the Quokkas. As we are not physically active to hire bikes we choose the bus. The day we visited was not very warm but very wi dy.”

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3.Rottnest Island Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour Including Bike Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · from $86

Take the approximately 45-minute fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, with a standard bike and helmet ready for you on arrival. Ride between 63 bays and beaches, visit Wadjemup Lighthouse, stop for a swim, and return on the scheduled ferry. Selected hotel pickup is available.

“Worked like a dream. Great day out. Would recommend bike hire. Quokkas are delightful. Good food and relaxing atmosphere.”

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4.2 Hour Whale-Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 57 reviews · from $55

Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour during Western Australia’s humpback migration, usually from late August to November. A marine biologist provides live commentary while you search for whales and dolphins. Choose coach pickup from Perth or make your own way to the harbour. The cruise lasts two hours, with extra time for the harbour precinct.

“Our tour actually stayed out an extra half hour because there was a lot of whale activity. So nice they have that flexibility. Boat ride was a little rough, but expected. Once we were out and seeing activity they opened up the outside decks. TherRead more”

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5.Rottnest Bayseeker Bus Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · from $100

Travel from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island by fast ferry, enjoy free time near the settlement, then see more by air-conditioned bus. Your guide shares island history, Noongar culture, and nature commentary, with stops near Wadjemup Lighthouse and scenic viewpoints. Hotel pickup may be available, but confirm arrangements before departure.

“What an amazing experience!! Mick our bus tour guide was a ripper and extremely knowledgeable also funny. I would highly recommend this tour rather than biking around the island. Or do both 🤣. You get to see all of the Island and bonus commentary/history of the island.”

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6.2 hour whale watching experience departing Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews

Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour during Perth’s September to November whale migration. Your crew takes you offshore aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vessel with three viewing decks, open photography areas, and live commentary from a marine scientist. Hotel pickup is available, and the cruise returns to Hillarys after about two hours.

“Very happy with this excursion. They had Abby, marine biologist, who explained a lot about humpback whales and always on a lookout so it’s easy for us to spot. And I love how they didn’t put a full capacity of the boat so it's comfortablRead more”

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7.Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 20 reviews · from $93

Travel by ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, then ride the train to Oliver Hill Battery for a guided tour of the WWII tunnels and gun emplacements. You’ll have time for lunch and island views before returning by ferry. Expect about 7.5 hours, moderate walking, and roughly 240 steps.

“Train was overheating so did mot operate, bus replaced. Tour guide well knowledged and very interesting.”

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