Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour

Interested in discovering Rottnest’s role in World War II? Take a high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, followed by a scenic train ride to Oliver Hill. There, enjoy a guided tour of the tunnel system and the impressive 9.2-inch diameter guns, which are key elements of Rottnest’s military heritage.

Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour - Hillarys Boat Harbour is a tourist precinct, offering high end shopping, cafes, restaurants and bars. Enjoy time at the Harbour after your day on Rottnest Island.
  • Oliver Hill Battery - This attraction is a significant icon representing the defence of Australia during World War II. Over the years it has been highlighted…
What's Included
  • Train to Oliver Hill
  • Local guide
  • Guided Tour
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges, including Government Landing Fees
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved, passengers must be able to climb and descend multiple steps
  • Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to the large number of steps (approximately 240) to be climbed and descended.
Location
56 Southside Dr
Southside Drive
Shop 56 Southside Drive. Free parking is available if self-driving. From Perth CBD head north on Mitchell Freeway then exit left when you reach Hepburn Avenue. Continue to the end and enter through the main roundabout. Turn left onto Southside Drive and follow the signs to 'ferry terminal'.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.1
(18 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Angela_j
Jan 9, 2025
Recommend - The train ride was scenic and my son loved being able to drive and press the horn. The history tour of tunnels was informative.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_b
Apr 1, 2024
A great trip, well worth the money. - The island is beautiful. The train journey was fun. The tour of the gun and tunnels was very interesting and the guide extremely knowledgeable. Overall a great trip.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_d
Aug 20, 2023
A great trip. - Loved seeing the Quokkas and visiting the historic gun emplacements. A really great experience and well worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Samuel_w
May 31, 2023
Very cool - The tour of the tunnels and the gun emplacement was very well done. The weather was a bit rough but still a good trip. Would have been nice if the lighthouse was included as there's down time between drop off at the island the afternoon tour of the installation.
Review provided by Viator
Gary_r
May 27, 2023
Unsung heroes - Informative guide, this site is fascinating what a wonderful history. To think all of this was achieved without modern equipment.
Review provided by Viator
Shinester888
Apr 19, 2024
A good coverage on WW11 local history! - Being interested in history this was a must for me. The train was not running so a bus replaced it; no issue really. We done the tour with Ian, it was very enlightening and comprehensive. You get to explore the full complex!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barry_h
Jan 13, 2025
Read the description closely!Tour??? - Our pic up was 1.5 miles from our hotel!At pickup hotel ,no description offered by company.Pickup was 1.5 hours before ferry sailed.The only guide on this “tour “ is a volunteer on the Guns experience,there are no other guides of any kind.Only return time offered was printed on the ticket that is given to you at Hillary’s office.Isalnd experience is as just OK,we would not book again!
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_e
Mar 7, 2024
Ok - just - The admin staff for the tour were excellent, can’t fault their customer service. The train and tour was absolutely 5 star , very enjoyable and amazing guides. The ferry experience was ‘ mass transit’ nothing individual or special about it- think rush hour in a school bus out and a cackle of drunk pre-adults back. The transport to the ferry from the CBD was ok- the way back was terrible , took 90 mins , mostly with the brakes on maximum or jumping over speed bumps .
Review provided by Viator
Carolyn_g
Nov 24, 2023
Disapointed about no train but still very good. - Train was overheating so did mot operate, bus replaced. Tour guide well knowledged and very interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Elisia_d
Feb 6, 2025
Book with another tour provider. - No full dialogue on the website about what the trip entails. The reception where you get the map and tickets doesn’t explain anything, and the map that you get is confusing. Don’t get off at stop 4 on the hop on/ off bus-stop 4 on the map refers to a different service not noted on the map. Reception is slow and not extremely helpful. Please ask island staff well ahead of time👌
Review provided by Viator
From $84
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).