Rottnest Cruises’ Luxe Island Seafood Cruise

If you love the sea there’s a wonderful tour operating from Rottnest Island. Rottnest Cruises’ Luxe Island Seafood Cruise is an interactive tour where the crew take you out on their boat to catch Western Rock Lobsters (crayfish) and then eat them as part of a delicious seafood lunch. Previously the “Wild Seafood Experience”, the cruise company has upped it’s game in 2021, with a seven course lunch and longer, half day cruise.

After earlier taking the ferry over from Hillarys, we boarded the modern cruise vessel at the Thompson Bay Fuel Jetty. Here the friendly, chatty crew greets you with a drink (premium beer, wine, soft drink or water) and a fruit platter, followed by seafood canapes including Mandurah crab cakes and BBQ prawns. Once the group is assembled, we cruise over the ocean to the area where their cray pots are found, enjoying the beautiful and scenic Rottnest coastline along the way. Once we’re out on the open ocean, it can get a little choppy and breezy, but there’s seating if you don’t have your sea legs! It’s also essential to take sun cream, flat shoes and sunglasses.

If you would like, you can have a go at pulling the crayfish pots, with the help of an electric winch. Its lots of fun and the group found plenty of crayfish for lunch (and even a cod!).

We also learn a lot, as we need to determine if the Western Rock Lobster is able to be kept – whether it’s big enough and also if it’s male or female – females with eggs are thrown back into the ocean.

While the bounty of crayfish was being cooked on the barbeque, the boat was moored in Parakeet Bay. Our view from the table was breathtaking!.

The Seafood Lunch

A red emperor ceviche, followed by scallops in lemon butter are both delicious dishes.

The small from the crays cooking on the BBQ was just divine!

Then it was time for the main event – the barbequed western rock lobster. It had been cooked in herb butter, making the flesh even more delicious and tender. Most definitely the freshest and tastiest crayfish I have eaten. It’s served with a asian inspired salad and coconut rice, as well as bread.

We finish our lunch with a light and sweet dessert. The Rottnest Cruises Luxe Island Seafood Cruise is a must for seafood lovers. We thoroughly enjoyed the half day cruise – the other people on the tour were so friendly, as were the lovely crew. We had such a laugh and a magical, unique experience. It’s great for a gift too.

Tours operate daily from Rottnest Island. Cost is $259 per adult. Includes 7 courses, half day experience and unlimited beverages.

Get more info about the Rottnest Cruises’ Luxe Island Seafood Cruise on their website.

Find more things to do in Perth here.

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About Stella B

Stella is loving retirement! Besides her loves of gardening, reading and painting, she adores spending time with her family and being out and about in Perth. Living in the Perth Hills, her time is often spent brunching with her husband at one of Kalamunda’s many cafes or enjoying a food platter over a glass of wine at a Bickley Valley winery.