Rottnest Island: Home of the cutest animal on the planet

Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest Island.
By Travel Weekly


Rottnest Island is one of WA’s most sought-after destinations, largely in part to one small, furry and very friendly marsupial.

Home to the cutest animal on the planet – the quokka – Rottnest Island lies a short 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or 45 minutes from the city centre.

Upon arrival at “Rotto” as it is known to locals, your clients will be greeted by the aquamarine waters of Thomson Bay. The island is car-free, so after disembarking, visitors can either pick up a regular or electric hire bike, or take the hop-on, hop-off bus to explore.

The main attraction

Now, for what you all began reading this article for: quokkas. These little wallaby cousins are found just about everywhere on Rottnest Island due to the abundance of food throughout the isle’s habitats.

Although abundantly spread throughout Rottnest Island, quokkas are still listed as vulnerable and, as such, have protections on interactions with them.

Visitors are encouraged to take photos using selfie sticks but to not feed them, as it can make quokkas sick, and you may also incur a $150 fine.

Lady taking selfie with Quokka on Rottnest Island

Quokkas sure know how to strike a pose (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

The 10,000 to 12,000 friendly quokkas that populate Rottnest are generally nocturnal, but can often be found wandering around during the daytime, and are usually more than happy to interact with tourists so they can take a quokka selfie.

More than just Quokka-land

Once your clients have had their Quokka fix, they can explore the different types of ocean activities available, including wild seafood experiences onboard Rottnest Cruises, swimming and snorkelling at one of the islands 63 beaches and 20 bays, surfing, canoeing by glass-bottom, or adventuring on a jet boat ride around the island.

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island offers plenty of fun marine activities (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

There are also several cafes and restaurants on Rottnest Island, as well as a golf course, a local museum, gallery, historic buildings and lighthouses.

Make sure your clients’ next trip to WA includes a stop-off or more at the home of the cutest animal on planet earth.

To learn more about the wonders of Rottnest Island and WA, click here.

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