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Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour

4 (15)

Hillarys, AU

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Embark on a thrilling journey to Rottnest Island and discover its fascinating military history. Hop on a high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour and be transported to a bygone era as you ride on a historical train to Oliver Hill. Explore the intriguing tunnel system and marvel at the impressive 9.2 inch diameter guns that played a crucial role in protecting Australia during World War II. Immerse yourself in the stories and secrets of this significant heritage site as you embark on a guided tour. After a day filled with adventure, take some time to unwind at Hillarys Boat Harbour, with its enticing range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. This tour offers an enriching and exciting experience that every history enthusiast and curious traveler will cherish.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
7 hours 30 minutes
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Learn about Rottnest's involvement in World War II
Enjoy a train ride up to Oliver Hill
Be guided on a tour of the tunnel system
Discover the hidden secrets of the attraction
Experience the newest and most spacious ferry

Included

Train to oliver hill
Local guide
Guided tour
All taxes, fees and handling charges, including government landing fees

Not included

Lunch

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction:

Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour is a must-do experience for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This exciting tour takes you on a journey back in time to explore the island's fascinating military history during World War II. Hop on a high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour, and once you arrive on Rottnest Island, get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can anticipate immersing yourself in the rich history of Rottnest Island and gaining insights into its involvement in World War II. Your adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Hillarys Boat Harbour, a bustling tourist precinct offering an array of high-end shopping, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Afterward, embark on a guided train ride up to Oliver Hill, where you'll discover the hidden secrets of the tunnel system and the impressive 9.2 inch diameter guns that played a vital role in Australia's defense during the war.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, military buffs, and anyone fascinated by World War II history. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Australia, this experience allows you to delve into the island's captivating past and uncover its lesser-known stories. It is a great opportunity to educate yourself and gain a deeper understanding of Australia's defensive efforts during the war.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in history as an experienced traveler, unlocking the secrets of Rottnest Island's military past. Discover the hidden tunnels and get up close to the powerful 9.2 inch diameter guns that were an integral part of Australia's defense strategy during World War II. The guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the island's role in protecting major Australian ports from enemy warships. This captivating experience will transport you back in time, allowing you to appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of those who defended the country. Don't miss this chance to explore the island's historical significance and create lasting memories.

Good to know:

The tour duration is approximately 450 minutes, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in Rottnest Island's military history. The meeting point is Shop 56 Southside Drive, which is easily accessible by car with free parking available. If you choose to drive from Perth CBD, head north on Mitchell Freeway, exit left at Hepburn Avenue, continue to the end, and follow the signs to the ferry terminal. After the tour, take advantage of your visit to Hillarys Boat Harbour and explore its enticing shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Reviews:

Feedback from individuals who have taken this tour highlights the informative and engaging nature of the guided experience. Visitors have praised the knowledgeable tour guides who bring the island's history to life, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Many reviewers expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to explore the well-preserved tunnels and learn about the island's crucial role in Australian defense during World War II. Overall, customers were highly satisfied with this unique and captivating tour, recommending it as a must-do for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in gaining deeper insights into Australia's past.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

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'.

56 Southside Dr, 56 Southside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025, AU

Your Itinerary

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 as a significant heritage site and features the defence facilities and mechanism that were in place to defend major Australian ports overwhelmed by warships during the war. Whilst in this tour you will have the opportunity to discover the hidden secrets of this attraction through a guided tour.

Admission Included

Rottnest Island Visitor Centre

(Pass by)

A great resource hub!

Rottnest Fast Ferries - Day Tours

Depart on your journey with Rottnest Fast Ferries, we have the newest and most spacious ferry travelling to Rottnest Island. Arrive at Hillarys Boat Harbour to commence your exciting day.

Admission Included

Additional information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A moderate amount of walking is involved, passengers must be able to climb steps

Reviews

(15)

4 (15)

Shinester888

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!

elizabeth_b

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.

Christopher_E

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 .

Carolyn_G

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

Kathleen_D

Loved seeing the Quokkas and visiting the historic gun emplacements. A really great experience and well worth it.

SAMUEL_W

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.

Gary_R

Informative guide, this site is fascinating what a wonderful history. To think all of this was achieved without modern equipment.

Jncben

Ok what can be said that hasn’t already been covered, I guess not much. Ferry and crossing, faultless, comfortable boat, good seating, 45 min journey on a fast ferry. Historical train trip, well more like a tramway ! Noisy ! The driver wears earplugs ! But worth doing to get to the highest point on the island, gun emplacement was interesting to me but that’s my thing and I’m in my later years shall we say if I was 26 and not 66 I’d give it a miss ! Which would probably go for the whole rottnest thing, seems to be a party island especially as the evening approaches. A few bachelor/ hen parties, a wedding or two happening the next day. An enjoyable day trip. Lots of nice beaches and swim/ snorkel spots easy to get to by hop on hop off bus but be warned stops operating at 5:00 pm and there’s no printed time table only qr code. Half the island stops working late afternoon ! So you can find yourself with restaurants shut, no bus and the wrong end of the island ! It happened to a few, buses not frequent enough. Despite notices of not to feed/ touch the wild life it was difficult to ignore the fact that most people did, although there are rangers they seem to drive round in vehicles and not walk amongst the crowds ! The main area around the jetty and shops needs litter patrol, food and rubbish around despite lots of bins. But I have to say it’s not the ferry operators problem what happens on the island our ferry was fast efficient and clean, first class service from Hillary’s boat harbour

SophieC

Well worth tour. Informative. Staff so friendly and welcoming. Another aspect of Rottnest Island. Great to do when taking a break from the sun. Something for the kids.

Y4313DPnoelm

Tripadvisor advised us of an incorrect time for pickup. We got to the designated place at the advised time of 10.00am but the actual pickup time was 8.00am. We missed the tour. I was going to rebook the tour for 2 days later but when I asked the pickup time I was advised it was 10.00am, so I did not bother to rebook. Tripadvisor needs to get the correct information from the operator. I am waiting on my reimbursement for the missed tour.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-07-02 05:43