Axopar 45 Cross Top: The Ultimate Adventure Boat for Rottnest Island Boating and Beyond

Blue Skies and Quokkas a recipe for prime Rottnest Island Boating

Leaving Fremantle, the team pointed the bow across the Indian Ocean toward Rottnest Island with perfect conditions. Blue skies, light winds, and calm seas made for an easy crossing to Rottnest Island. The Axopar 45 Cross Top cruised effortlessly, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the bow lounge, the wide side decks, and the views of the Perth coastline slipping away behind them.

On arrival at Rottnest, Thomson Bay made the perfect stop for lunch. The team headed ashore to dine and to spot the island’s most famous residents, the quokkas.

“Rottnest is where WA boating culture comes alive, and having a platform like the 45 makes it effortless,” says Brendon Grieve, Eyachts WA Manager. “You’ve got space for family, friends, or clients, with the comfort to host a proper day out.”

Parker Point and Adventure on the Awake Board

From Thomson Bay, the team cruised around to Parker Point, dropping anchor in crystal-clear water. This was the chance to really lean into the adventure side of the Axopar philosophy.

The open aft deck made launching the Awake electric board seamless, while the fold-out side balconies gave everyone space to relax between rides. The team zipped across the bay, carving turns and soaking in the view of the Axopar 45 at rest.

“The Axopar 45 isn’t just a boat to get you somewhere, it’s the platform for everything you want to do once you arrive,” adds Ayers. “Watersports, socialising, or just relaxing in the sun, it does it all.”

Hrones added, “What really stood out to me was just how many great areas there are to enjoy on board. You’ve got the bow for relaxing, the aft deck for swimming and launching the Awake board, and a protected space behind the helm that’s warm and out of the breeze. The side balconies connect you right to the water, while the central dining area is perfect for drinks and meals. With the two opening roofs, you can switch from sun to shade in seconds, it’s versatility at its best.”

Rotto South Westerlies – A True Test of Performance

In the afternoon, as the team pointed the bow back toward Fremantle, the typical south-westerly sea breeze arrived, bringing chop across the channel. It was the perfect chance to see how the 45 performed when the weather turned on. True to form, the twin-stepped hull tracked straight, cutting through the waves with composure and keeping spray to a minimum.

“Even in the breeze, you’re never fighting the wheel,” says Peter Hrones, Eyachts Founder. “That’s the hallmark of Axopar design, predictable handling, safety, and comfort in real Australian conditions. This boat is going to redefine what people expect from a 45-foot adventure boat.”

Why the Axopar 45 Cross Top is Perfect for WA

• Adventure Boat Design – The Cross Top bridges the gap between open-air freedom and weather protection, making it ideal for WA’s mix of sun, wind, and offshore conditions.
• Rottnest Ready – Range, fuel efficiency, and handling make the 45 perfectly suited to crossings from Fremantle to Rottnest, even when the winds pick up.
• Space and Comfort – Expansive side balconies, a versatile aft deck, and multiple lounging zones mean the 45 adapts to whatever the day brings.
• Proven Offshore Performance – With Axopar’s stepped hull, the boat runs straight, cuts through chop, and gives confidence on longer runs.
• Day boat or overnighting – Despite its dayboat styling the Axopar 45 Cross Top is suited to those times where you aren’t ready to head back yet with a fully equipped standing height cabin and head, galley and all your essentials day trips can turn effortlessly into overnighters or even weeks aboard.

What Western Australians Love About Axopar

Western Australia offers some of the most demanding boating conditions in the country. Strong afternoon breezes, long crossings to Rottnest Island, and open stretches of coastline test every hull. It’s why Axopar has built such a strong following here, with owners consistently praising the brand for safety, offshore handling, and everyday usability.

Safety and Offshore Handling
For many WA owners, the real proof of Axopar’s design comes when the conditions turn on.
“We didn’t think the Axopar would handle WA conditions, but after a sea trial we were convinced. It was the step hull, once we experienced it heading to Rottnest with Eyachts, we were all in, and we’ve been Axopar lovers ever since… I own the boat. I drive it. I berth it. I feel safe, especially in our unpredictable WA wind and conditions. It’s easy to handle and makes me feel in control every time I’m on the water.”
— Jasmyn Wright, Axopar 37 Sun Top owner, Perth

Jeremy, the very first Axopar owner in WA, still swears by the predictability and stability of his 37 Cabin after years of ownership.
“I’ve had a few boats before this one and their handling was unpredictable. This boat is totally different. You know exactly what it’s going to do at any given time. It’s super dry, super soft riding, and it’s a fantastic day boat.”
— Jeremy, Axopar 37 Cabin owner, Perth

Usability and Versatility
WA boaters are known for packing plenty into a day on the water, from fishing and watersports to overnighting at Garden Island or Rottnest. Owners say the Axopar range makes it easy to do it all.
“What don’t we do? We go tubing, we ski, we snorkel, we stay overnight. The Axopar is so versatile, it gives us the freedom to do whatever we want, whenever we want.”
— Jasmyn Wright

Rob, who runs his Axopar 28 T-Top out of Mandurah, says the design is perfectly matched to WA’s mix of estuaries and offshore runs.
“She’s so versatile, you can just do anything. I often go dolphin watching in the Estuary. My wife loves it too because you’ve got full access all the way around.”
— Rob Hammond, Axopar 28 T-Top owner, Mandurah

Taking Axopar to the Next Level

“There’s a reason Axopar has made such an impact in Perth and Mandurah,” says Hrones. “The boats perform offshore, they’re dry, safe, and incredibly fun to drive. WA’s waters are no joke, but an Axopar just eats it up.”

For Eyachts, bringing the first Axopar 45 Cross Top to Western Australia marks a milestone. It represents not just a new model, but the next evolution of the Axopar philosophy in Australia.

“Axopar has always been about adventure boating,” says Hrones. “With the 45, that spirit is scaled up. It’s not just the best boat for Rottnest, it’s the best adventure boat for all of Western Australia.”

With so much success in Western Australia bringing the next level 45 foot Axopar to the region is what made sense. We know the community love the brand and are looking to elevate their on water adventures. With so much interest in this model already, get in touch to book a viewing or view our current Western Australia offers now.