Meet the Quokka, Rottnest Island’s Most Famous Critter
There’s so much beauty on Rottnest Island: sandy beaches, crystal-clear oceans, pink lakes and myriad beautiful bays which beckon visitors to swim or snorkel in its waters. Located just 18km across the ocean from Perth, Rottnest is a favourite holiday spot for city-dwellers looking for a slice of paradise.
Arguably the biggest draw of the island, though, is its resident quokkas. These adorable marsupials shot to fame after it was discovered that when having their photo taken, they look as though they’re smiling into the camera. The ‘quokka selfie’ trend was born, and tourists flocked to Rottnest Island on a quest to get that perfect photo. If you look up #quokkaselfie on Instagram, you’ll see more than 36,000 posts of people posing with these cute island critters.
So what exactly is a quokka? Where on Rottnest can you find them? And how can you get that perfect quokka selfie? Here’s all you need to know.
What exactly is a quokka?
Quokkas are marsupials native to southwest Australia. They’re about the size of a small domestic cat with round, compact bodies and coarse grey/brown fur. They’re part of the kangaroo and wallaby family and are often described as the ‘world’s happiest animal’ because of their smiling faces.
They are sadly listed as a vulnerable species thanks to feral predators, habitat loss and wildfires. They can now only be found in small pockets of southwest Australia: on Rottnest Island, Bald Island (near Albany) and on the mainland.
Where to find the quokkas
While quokkas are endangered on the Australian mainland, they are flourishing on Rottnest Island thanks to a lack of predators and traffic, as well as ongoing conservation work. In fact, the island is home to the largest quokka population in Australia.
You’ll find quokkas everywhere on Rottnest Island. It’s estimated that there are between 10,000 – 12,000 of them living there, and given that the island has an area of only 19 km², that’s a pretty dense population.
Your best bet for a sighting is around the Settlement in the late afternoon. I imagine quokkas come here expecting food as this is where the pub, bakery and restaurants are.
Other areas frequented by the quokkas are around The Basin, Stark Bay headland, Bickley Bay, Parker Point and Salmon Point. The scrub around Bathurst Tennis Courts and Pinky’s Beach are also popular spots.
I recommend renting a bike and cycling around Rottnest Island. It can comfortably be covered in a day, and you’ll no doubt see lots of quokkas on your ride around the island.
How to get the perfect quokka selfie
If you can get a picture with a quokka at the right angle, he looks as though he’s smiling into the camera!
Rottnest Island is highly encouraging of the quokka selfie trend as it helps to promote tourism to the island, which in turn generates funds for vital quokka conservation. Quokkas are docile, inquisitive, and aren’t afraid of humans, so they don’t appear to be fazed by their social media stardom.
That being said, you’re not allowed to feed or touch the quokkas, so be sure to admire them from a distance and use a selfie stick or wide-angle lens to get your picture. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but please take their photo on their terms. Quokkas are naturally curious, so you don’t need to touch, chase, or offer them food to get their attention.
- Use a selfie stick or wide-angle lens to capture both you and the quokka easily in your photo.
- A quokka’s ‘smile’ is at its best when they look up towards the camera with their necks stretched out inquisitively.
- Get down to their level and wait for the perfect opportunity. Some patience may be required to get the perfect shot, but it’s worth it!
Rottnest Island essentials
Want to meet the quokkas yourself? Here’s what you need to know about visiting Rottnest Island.
Where: Rottnest Island is located 18km off the coastline of Western Australia, and makes an excellent day trip from Perth or Fremantle.
When: Rottnest Island is pleasant year-round, but October to April has the warmest temperature and lowest rainfall.
How: Three ferry companies service Rottnest Island: Rottnest Express, Sealink and Rottnest Fast Ferries. There are multiple departures per day from Fremantle, Perth and Hillarys.
About The Author
Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.
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