About Rottnest Fast Ferries
Rottnest Fast Ferries is proudly Rottnest Island’s only locally owned and operated ferry company. Owned and operated by Directors James Mulholland and Luke Crispin, the pair purchased the business in December 2012 after both working within the company for several years. James and Luke each hold Master Class IV (Trading) and Marine Engine Driver Grade One Certificates, allowing them to work as Master or Engineer aboard the vessels.
Rottnest Fast Ferries provides daily transfer service between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Rottnest Island in Perth, Western Australia. The transfer takes approximately 40 minutes, showcasing Perth’s scenic Sunset Coast as the vessels travel south towards Scarborough before heading out to the island. Hillarys Boat Harbour is Perth’s premier recreational marina, located roughly 20 minutes north of Perth CBD, along the Sunset Coast. Hillarys Boat Harbour has ample free parking facilities making Rottnest Fast Ferries the only ferry operator able to offer free parking.
Rottnest Island, an A Class Reserve located 19kms off the coast of Perth, is a popular destination for Perth locals and tourists. 11km long and 4.5km at its widest point, Rottnest boasts a semi-arid Mediterranean style climate, pristine bays and beaches, decades of history, and is home to the quokka, a small marsupial most popularly known for its smiling face and the ‘quokka selfie’ trend.
Rottnest Fast Ferries offers customers day tours and equipment hire packages that are customised to their interests. Rottnest Fast Ferries owns a fleet of 200 custom built bikes (purchased in December 2019), which are hired out to customers for use at both Rottnest Island and around Hillarys Boat Harbour. Rottnest Fast Ferries also maintains 60 sets of snorkeling equipment perfect for exploring bays around Rottnest. Click here to see all our day tour packages.
Rottnest Fast Ferries owns and operates two coaches, these coaches are used for a courtesy pick up and drop off service for guests staying in accommodation in Perth City, Burswood, Northbridge and Scarborough. Click here to see our full pick up list.
In 2020, James and Luke invested in a new vessel, Harbour Master, enhancing the customer experience with a larger, more spacious ferry featuring multiple decks, oversized windows, and private seating areas.
Building on this investment, Rottnest Fast Ferries proudly welcomed Ocean Master in 2025, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran designed specifically for Rottnest Island journeys. Constructed by Austal Australasia and designed by Incat Crowther, Ocean Master offers wide-open aft and rooftop decks, a unique stepped whale-watching deck, and spacious passenger cabins across three levels, ensuring an outstanding travel experience for up to 400 guests.
Seasonal Whale Watching cruises operate from early September through to the end of November. This is a popular attraction which sees the annual migratory path of the Humpback whales. All cruises are accompanied by a marine biologist host, providing live commentary to educate and entertain customers. Learn more about our Whale Watching cruises here.
Left: Managing Director James Mulholland Right: Executive Director Luke Crispin
Our Values
Trust above all
A firm belief in the reliability, ability or strength of a person is core to any relationship. RFF seek to consistently build trust in every interaction by conducting themselves in a professional and honest manner, and being transparent at all times.
Reimagine the possible
Continually evaluate existing products, procedures and behaviours and try new things. Innovate, test and learn from failure. Have an open mind to possibilities. Find the yes.
Customer-obsessed
Prioritise customer needs in every business goal. Continually add value to the customer experience, focusing on retaining and delighting existing customers. Create new experiences and opportunities to serve new markets with a dash of surprise and delight.