Hillary’s Harbour: Rottnest Island Skydive and Ferry Package

The best part of this day is the setting: you freefall above Rottnest Island, then land on a beach with your family or friends watching nearby. I like the choice between 30 seconds of freefall from 10,000 feet and up to 66 seconds from 15,000 feet. I also like that the ferry, island admission, and return trip are bundled into one $337 package.

The main catch is the schedule. Your booking time is the skydive check-in time, not the ferry departure, and weather can disrupt the plan. You must confirm ferry operation one hour before departure, and an amber weather warning may mean a wasted ferry trip or another ticket if the jump cannot go ahead.

Key points at a glance

• Two jump heights: Choose 10,000 feet for about 30 seconds of freefall or 15,000 feet for up to 66 seconds.
• Beach landing: After the parachute opens at 5,000 feet, you glide for about five minutes before landing beside the beach.
• Ferry plus island time: Travel from Hillarys Boat Harbour, complete the jump, then explore Rottnest until the 4:30 PM return ferry.
• Small group setting: The jump group is limited to six participants, with an English-speaking instructor.
• Simple all-in price: The $337 cost includes the tandem jump, same-day ferry tickets, and Rottnest Island admission.
• Weather needs careful planning: Confirm conditions one hour before the ferry, and keep your day flexible.

A big view from 10,000 or 15,000 feet

This is not simply a jump attached to a ferry ride. The flight gives you a full view of Rottnest Island before the parachute opens, and the setting adds real character to what could otherwise be a standard adrenaline activity.

At 10,000 feet, you get about 30 seconds of freefall. That is enough time to feel the speed, take in the view, and settle into the strange sensation of falling through open air.

The 15,000-foot option gives you up to 66 seconds in freefall. I would choose this if the extra cost is already covered by your booking and you want the longest possible airborne portion. The extra height does not change the basic process, but it gives you more time at 200 km/h before your instructor opens the parachute.

Once the parachute opens at about 5,000 feet, the mood changes. You have roughly five minutes under canopy, with time to look around and enjoy the island from a slower, quieter position. The final landing takes place on the beach, which makes the finish feel more like part of a Rottnest day than a quick exit from an aircraft.

Your tandem instructor controls the technical side. You receive a safety briefing, get fitted with a harness, board the plane together, and follow the instructor’s directions through the freefall and landing. Instructors named in the feedback include Vinny and Cowe, though your assigned instructor may be someone else.

Leaving Hillarys Boat Harbour early

The day begins at the Rottnest Fast Ferries terminal at Hillarys Boat Harbour. The listed departure is 7:30 AM, but you must use the ferry ticket supplied after booking as your final authority. You are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the ferry departure for ticketing and boarding.

This distinction matters. The time you select while booking is your skydive check-in time, not necessarily the time your ferry leaves Hillarys. Ferry operator, port, and departure details are sent within 48 hours, so check those details rather than relying on the booking screen.

The early start is useful because it gives you time on Rottnest after the jump. It also means you should avoid making tight morning plans elsewhere in Perth. The ferry ride, island transfer, check-in, safety process, and aircraft schedule all need room to move.

You are required to phone one hour before ferry departure to confirm that conditions are suitable. Do not simply board because you already have a ticket. Bad weather can affect the ferry, the aircraft, or both, and the operation may change at short notice.

One especially practical warning concerns amber weather messages. You may be told that the jump could still go ahead if conditions improve. If you travel to the island and the jump is later cancelled, you may need to buy another ferry ticket to return on a different day. This is the biggest planning risk in the package.

Walking from the jetty to Rottnest Airfield

After arriving at Rottnest Island, you make your own way from the ferry jetty to the Rottnest Island Terminal Building at Rottnest Airfield. The walk takes about 15 minutes.

That walk is manageable, but remember that you are carrying what you brought for the day and need to arrive at the correct time. You are not met at the ferry by a dedicated vehicle according to the supplied details, so allow enough time to find the airfield and complete check-in.

At the terminal, you handle paperwork, meet the team, receive your briefing, and get into the harness. The group size is limited to six participants, which helps keep the process focused. You should still expect some waiting because flight times and weather conditions can affect the order of jumps.

Wear comfortable clothes and enclosed sports shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed, and suitable footwear is also required for safety during the jump and beach landing.

Your eligibility is assessed on the day by the chief safety instructor. Weight, height, health, and relevant medical conditions are considered. People over 95 kilograms are handled case by case, while the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

The aircraft climb and freefall

Once the paperwork and briefing are complete, you head to the plane with your instructor. The climb gives you a chance to see Rottnest from above before the fast part begins.

The freefall speed is about 200 km/h. At 10,000 feet, the fall lasts around 30 seconds. At 15,000 feet, it can last up to 66 seconds. Those numbers are useful because they help you choose based on the sensation you want, not just the headline altitude.

If this is your first tandem jump, 30 seconds may sound short, but it is plenty of time to register the speed and the view. The higher option is better for someone who specifically wants a longer freefall and feels comfortable committing to the more intense version.

The instructor deploys the parachute at approximately 5,000 feet. From that point, you have around five minutes under the canopy. This is the part where you can look toward the island, watch the beach approach, and enjoy the setting without the rush of freefall.

The landing takes place on the beach alongside family and friends. That detail matters if you are traveling with people who are not jumping. They have a clear place to wait and can share the finish with you, rather than watching you disappear into a distant landing zone.

Photo and video packages can be purchased on the day. They are optional and do not need to be booked in advance. If you want a record of the jump, budget for that separately because it is not included in the $337 price.

Making use of the afternoon on Rottnest

After the jump, the island is yours to explore until the return ferry at 4:30 PM. The package does not set out a guided island itinerary, so you should treat this as free time rather than a second organized tour.

That flexibility is one of the better features of the arrangement. The jump is the main event, but you are not sent straight back to Perth afterward. You can recover at your own pace, find food, walk around, or spend time with people who came along but did not participate.

The amount of usable free time depends on your confirmed jump slot and how the day runs. Do not plan too many fixed activities immediately after landing. Aircraft timing and weather can shift, and you need to remain aware of the ferry departure.

The return ferry is scheduled for 4:30 PM. Keep an eye on the time, especially if you wander away from the main settlement or stop for a long meal. Missing the ferry would turn a straightforward day trip into a much more complicated overnight or return arrangement.

What the $337 price really covers

At $337 per person, this is a costly day, but the price includes three major pieces: the 10,000 or 15,000-foot tandem jump, same-day return ferry tickets from Hillarys Boat Harbour, and the Rottnest Island admission fee.

That bundled structure makes the value easier to judge. You are not paying only for a few minutes in the air. You are also covering the island transfer and entry, with several hours available to spend on Rottnest.

The price makes the most sense if you already want to visit Rottnest and would otherwise pay separately for transport and admission. It is less compelling if you only want the jump and have no interest in spending the rest of the day on the island.

The optional media package is the main extra cost to remember. Since photos and video are purchased on the day, decide in advance how important that record is to you. The jump itself is included, but media is not.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option can help if your schedule is not fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, subject to the booking terms. Weather changes close to departure are a separate concern, so read the operator’s instructions carefully.

Who will get the most from this day

I would recommend this experience to someone who wants a major thrill but also values a full day out rather than a short activity. The ferry and island time give the day a stronger sense of place.

It also suits couples and families where one person wants to jump and others prefer to watch. The beach landing gives non-participants a way to be part of the finish, and the rest of the island offers something to do while the jump is arranged.

First-time jumpers are supported by a tandem instructor and a safety briefing. You do not need to manage the parachute yourself, but you do need to follow instructions and meet the safety requirements.

This is not a good choice if your schedule is rigid. Weather affects both ferry and aircraft operations, and even an encouraging forecast is not a guarantee. It is also unsuitable for children under 16, pregnant women, people with heart problems, and people with certain medical conditions.

Young people aged 16 or 17 must attend with an adult or legal guardian. Anyone over 95 kilograms should contact the operator or be prepared for an on-the-day decision by the safety instructor.

Practical planning before you book

First, separate the ferry time from the jump time in your notes. The booking time is for skydive check-in. The ferry ticket arrives after booking and gives the departure time, port, and ferry operator.

Second, build in the 15-minute walk from the jetty to the airfield. Arrive at the ferry terminal 30 minutes early, then leave enough time on Rottnest to reach the airfield without rushing.

Third, wear enclosed sports shoes and comfortable clothes. Flip flops and sandals are not accepted, even if they would be convenient for an island day.

Fourth, call one hour before the ferry to confirm that conditions are suitable. If you receive an amber warning, understand the financial risk before deciding to travel. The jump may still be possible, but a cancellation after you reach the island could require another ferry purchase.

Finally, keep the afternoon open. The 4:30 PM return ferry gives you a clear endpoint, but the jump itself may not run exactly as expected. A relaxed schedule will make the day far more enjoyable.

Should you book the Rottnest Island tandem jump?

Book it if you want a serious burst of adrenaline in a memorable setting and like the idea of pairing it with several hours on Rottnest. The 15,000-foot option is the better pick for maximum freefall, while 10,000 feet offers a shorter version at the same basic level of support.

The crew has earned repeated praise for making nervous first-timers feel safe and looked after. Names such as Vinny and Cowe have been singled out for friendly, reassuring instruction, and that personal attention matters when you are about to leave a plane.

Skip it if you need guaranteed timing, dislike weather risk, or are paying only for a jump and do not care about Rottnest. For everyone else, the combination of aircraft views, freefall, a beach landing, and island time gives the $337 package a clear purpose.

FAQ

Where does the experience begin?

It begins at the Rottnest Fast Ferries terminal in Hillarys Boat Harbour, Western Australia.

How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?

Arrive 30 minutes before your ferry departure time for ticketing and boarding.

Is the booking time the ferry departure time?

No. The booking time is your skydive check-in time. Check the ferry tickets sent after booking for the actual departure time, port, and ferry operator.

How high can I jump from?

You can choose a tandem jump from 10,000 feet or 15,000 feet.

How long is the freefall?

The 10,000-foot option provides about 30 seconds of freefall. The 15,000-foot option provides up to 66 seconds.

How fast do you fall?

The freefall speed is about 200 km/h.

Where does the parachute open?

The instructor deploys the parachute at approximately 5,000 feet.

How long is the parachute ride?

The parachute ride lasts about five minutes before landing on the beach.

Is ferry transport included?

Yes. Same-day return ferry tickets from Hillarys Boat Harbour are included, along with the Rottnest Island admission fee.

Can I buy photos and video?

Yes. Optional photo and video packages can be purchased and paid for on the day. They do not need to be booked in advance.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and enclosed sports shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

Can someone aged 16 or 17 participate?

Yes, but children aged 16 or 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian on the day. Children under 16 cannot participate.