Accessibility

Accessibility at Rottnest Cruises

Rottnest Cruises is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests. The following information outlines accessibility options when joining one of our seafood lunch cruises on Rottnest Island. 

Most people travel to the island by ferry, and this is the most accessible option.  

Ferry Accessibility 

As our cruise operates from Rottnest Island, all passengers must first travel to the island via ferry. The main ferry operators provide varying levels of accessibility. Please refer directly to their websites for detailed, up-to-date information: 

  • Rottnest Express: rottnestexpress.com.au/accessibility 
  • Sealink Rottnest: sealink.com.au/rottnest-island/accessibility 
  • Rottnest Fast Ferries: rottnestfastferries.com.au/accessibility 

We recommend contacting your chosen ferry provider directly to confirm accessible boarding options and onboard facilities prior to travel. 

Accessing Our Jetty and Check-In on Rottnest Island 

Our cruises depart from the Main Jetty (also known as the Thomson Bay Fuel Jetty) on Rottnest Island. 

  • The jetty is flat and accessible by wheelchair or mobility aid. 
  • There are no steps or steep inclines between the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre and our departure point. 
  • Guests must be able to manage an angled boarding ramp with handrails, ladder style stair case with handrails to access the upper deck, and a narrow walkway with guardrails to access the bow. As the vessel is on open ocean, guests must be able to stay upright on moving water (we do not go out in unsafe conditions, but passing vessels can cause wake). If you have any people in your group with any special mobility requirements, please contact our booking office on +61 (0) 8 9586 1136 to discuss if this tour is suitable.
  • Owing to jetty/ ramp configuration no wheelchairs or walkers can be used when accessing the boat. 

Ticketing and Check-In 

  • Tickets can be easily purchased online using the ‘Book Now’ button at the top of our website. 
  • Once booked, you do not need to visit a separate office – our crew will check you in at the jetty prior to boarding.   
  • If you require support booking online or have accessibility questions, please contact our team via phone on +61 8 9586 1136  or email hello@rottnestcruises.com 

Accessible Toilets 

  • Public accessible toilets are located near the main settlement, within a short, flat walk of the departure jetty. 
  • Our vessel Crusader III has onboard toilets, though it is not fully wheelchair accessible due to vessel design constraints. 

Hearing Support 

  • If you are hard of hearing, please inform our crew so they can position themselves to better assist with hearing or lip reading. 
  • A printed version of the cruise commentary is available on request. Please contact us at least 48 hours before your cruise so this can be arranged. 

Visual Impairment 

  • If you require guided boarding or specific seating assistance, please advise us when booking. 
  • Service dogs are permitted on Rottnest Island; but due to it being a Class A Reserve, you should contact the rangers on (+61 8) 9372 9788 prior to your visit to advise them of the service dog prior to travelling.  
  • If you wish to bring a service dog on board, please contact our reservations team on+61 8 9586 1136  or email hello@rottnestcruises.com  to discuss before booking. 

Dietary Requirements 

  • Our seafood lunch is freshly prepared onboard and includes Western Rock Lobster and other premium WA seafood. 
  • Vegetarian, non-seafood eaters, halal, and gluten-free options can be accommodated with advance notice. Please indicate dietary requirements when booking.  Owing to limited cooking space, we regretfully cannot accommodate anaphylactic or severe food allergies of any sort.

Sensory Considerations 

  • Our vessels are open and bright with standard background music and commentary. We currently do not offer designated low-sensory environments on our cruises. 
  • If you are sensitive to sensory stimuli, we recommend choosing a mid-week departure where guest numbers may be lower. 

Companion Cards 

  • We accept Companion Cards on our sister company, Mandurah Cruises, on their Dolphin Cruise and Views tour. Please call our office on +61 8 9586 1136 to book.  

Recommended Cruises for Accessibility 

  • Our vessel includes wide decks, rails, and helpful crew but moving around requires stability and mobility, owing to the cruise being on the open ocean, and ladder stairs.  It is not suitable for those with limited stability or mobility.
  • We recommend contacting us directly if you have stability or mobility issues so we can confirm suitability and assist with arrangements. We do have alternate options on our Mandurah Cruises tours: namely our Murray River Lunch Cruise (an alternate 4 hour lunch cruise), or Dolphin Cruise and Views tour.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss accessibility further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re here to help ensure everyone has an unforgettable Rottnest Island experience.