Tour & Activity Scams in Perth, Australia
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Perth — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Nadi, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Perth
How it works
At the Barrack Street Jetty and Elizabeth Quay marina in Perth, touts approach tourists asking if they want a cheaper alternative to the official Rottnest Express or SeaLink ferry. They offer seats on private vessels at prices 20–40% below the official fare, sometimes claiming to offer a "private tour" that includes snorkelling or wildlife spotting. In practice, the vessels are uninsured, unlicensed for passenger transport, and do not meet the safety standards required by the Western Australian Department of Transport. Some victims are dropped at a jetty remote from the main settlement and left without return transport.
How it works
Some tour operators in Perth create fake positive reviews to attract tourists for whale-watching, rottnest island tours, or wine region excursions. Victims receive a service significantly below what was advertised — inferior vessels, rushed itineraries, or cancelled components.
See all scams in Perth
10 total warnings across all categories