A seasonal late-night ferry service will run between Freemantle and Rottnest Island/Wadjemup at the end of this month, the WA Government says.
The news comes as the Crown Princess sailed into Fremantle Harbour to mark the start of the WA cruise season.
The late-night ferry service will depart the island at 9pm Thursdays to Sundays from October 30 to January, and Fridays to Sundays from February to April, 2026.
The government says the later departure times will boost the island’s economy, allowing workers to commute later and extending business hours.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby says “this late-night ferry service gives visitors more opportunity to explore everything the island has to offer”.
“Rottnest Island offers a range of evening experiences, with the later ferry departures enabling visitors to stay longer and enjoy unique dining offerings.”
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk says that “Rottnest Island/Wadjemup has become one of our premier tourist attractions”.
“The late-night ferry service allows day-trippers to enjoy the island after dark and make the most of the summer season.”
For more information, visit www.rottnestisland.com/stayalittlelonger
CRUISE SEASON ADDS TO FERRY RUN
Meanwhile, the Crown Princess has sailed into Fremantle Harbour with more than 3000 guests and 1200 crew onboard.
The vessel has sailing along the WA coastline with stops at Kimberley Coast, Broome, and Exmouth. After Fremantle, it heads to Busselton and Albany then onto Sydney as part of a 28-night trip.
The government expects more than 140 cruise ship visits to visit Albany, Broome, Busselton, Dampier, Esperance, Exmouth, Fremantle and Geraldton this cruise season, including eight maiden visits.
Whitby says cruise tourism is important to the WA tourism industry.
“This season’s eight maiden ship visits are a clear signal that Western Australia is firmly on the global cruise map,” he says.
Ports Minister Stephen Dawson points out that they will spend $35.5 million on upgrading the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
McGurk says the arrival of the Crown Princess highlights Fremantle’s role as a “major cruise hub”.
The large ship’s visit is the first of 26 planned for Fremantle this season, which includes 12 overnight stays.
Princess Cruises announced last month it will base the Sapphire Princess cruise ship in Fremantle for the 2027-28 season, generating an estimated $142 million in economic impact.
For more details about cruise tourism in WA, visit tourism.wa.gov.au/cruise
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