Hillarys’ Rottnest Fast Ferries to run all through winter

The Hillarys-based business previously had to shut down for six weeks in winter to service their boat but recently bought a $3 million catamaran, which was launched in March, that will ensure services to and from Rottnest are not interrupted in winter.

Co-owner Luke Crispin said the ferries would now operate 365 days a year with up to seven services a day in summer.

Mr Crispin bought the business with James Mulholland nearly four years ago after starting in the industry as a deckhand.

The Hillarys ferry service started in the 1980s but has gone through a name change since then.

Mr Crispin said the new catamaran was the only one of its kind on the Rottnest run.

“It’s renowned for its stability and sea keeping and it’s very spacious,” he said. “We’ll also use it for our Rottnest coastal cruise and it’s going to be a whale watching vessel in season.”