Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnels Tour
Explore the rich military history of Rottnest Island on a guided tour of the Oliver Hill gun battery and tunnels.
Oliver Hill is a legacy of wartime defence systems in Western Australia, with a bounty of historical artefacts and stories waiting to be explored.
Join the Rottnest Voluntary Guides for an unforgettable tour of the site, starting with the 9.2-inch naval gun – the only intact emplacement of its type left in Australia.
As your knowledgeable guide regales the history of the battery, marvel at the panoramic views across the island. Discover how the historic gun was operated, from both the lower gun pit and the upper gun platform.
Then journey below ground and through the tunnels leading to the gun’s ammunition supply and engine room. Strategically located in Hell’s Gully, the engine room was hidden deep underground for concealment and security. You’ll also have an opportunity to witness the immense power of the newly installed Ghost Engine, a replica model of the original machine that powered the mighty guns above. Make sure you turn the crank on the model to hear the roar the engines would have made when in use!
Please note: this tour takes visitors through small spaces and steep staircases. For safety reasons, children cannot be carried at any time during the tour.
Tours of the site are conducted daily between 10 am and 2 pm.
You can purchase a ticket for your tour at the Visitor Centre, through Quokka Coaches as part of one of their bus or train packages, or on arrival at Oliver Hill.
Current Offers
Look out for
Ghost engine replica
Military history
Mysterious tunnels
Panoramic island views
Where to find Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnel Tour
The Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnel tour departs from the battery at Oliver Hill itself, which is located in the centre of the island.
It’s a 4 km, 15-minute cycle from the main settlement or you can opt for the Captain Hussey historic train which provides a unique way to get there. Using infrastructure originally built to transport equipment, building materials and ammunition to the guns, the train runs from Thomson Bay, passing Bickley Point and on to Oliver Hill.
Alternatively, keen hikers can make a stop at Oliver Hill on their way along the Wardan Nara Bidi and Ngank Yira Bidi. This can be a challenging trail in parts, so it’s recommended for experienced hikers only.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a steep hill in parts, but at just 15 minutes from the main settlement it’s quite an accessible ride. You can also get to Oliver Hill is on the Captain Hussey historical train.
The Oliver Hill guided tours are run by trained volunteer guides. They take around an hour, where you get to descend into the tunnels underneath the gun emplacement and learn more about how the battery operated.
At $15 per adult, $7 per child, and $34 for a family (two adults, two children), tours depart daily on the hour from 10 am to 2 pm.
The tour takes around 45 minutes. There are no rest stops during the tour, which ensures those who are returning on the Captain Hussey Historical Train will arrive back in time to catch it back to the settlement.
Yes, however please note that children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children also cannot be carried during the tour, so they need to be able to walk the entire distance on their own.
The tour covers approximately 700 metres. You will climb up and down about 240 uneven steps, and the return walk includes a section of a bush trail.
The tour descends several steep stairways through the tunnels, with a bushwalk ascent back to base.
Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access beyond the landing area where you can view the above-ground gun.
There are toilet facilities at Oliver Hill and bins on site, but be sure to pack food and water to fuel your adventure. Alternatively, Kalli’s at Rotto is nearby at Wadjemup Lighthouse, providing food and drink options for those exploring the centre of the island.
