Lyla Lindsey
The quokka, Western Australia's favourite native furry attraction, is a vulnerable species of marsupial found in the southwestern region of Australia. Quokkas are endemic to Australia and reside in shrublands or dense vegetation located streamside. Rottnest Island, a 90-minute ferry ride from Perth, is home to the world's largest wild quokka population. The island, also known as 'Rotto' by locals, is a popular tourist destination for those seeking to catch a glimpse of these iconic creatures in their natural habitat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | Rottnest Island is home to the world's largest wild quokka population |
| Other locations | Some zoos across Australia, a very small population in the southwest of mainland Western Australia, and Bald Island |
| Habitat | Shrub-lands or dense vegetation located streamside, natural landscapes, grassy areas, shrubs, shady bushes, trees, and lakeside |
| Behaviour | Nocturnal, curious, and friendly |
| Diet | Native blossoms and leaves |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable species |
| Human interaction | Do not touch or feed quokkas; stay at least two metres away |
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What You'll Learn
Rottnest Island, Perth
Quokkas are vulnerable and protected, and it is important to respect this when visiting the island. Interfering with the quokkas, including feeding them, is illegal and can result in on-the-spot fines of up to $10,000. Human food is very bad for quokkas, and touching them is not advised.
The best times to see quokkas are early mornings and late afternoons, as they are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping and resting under shady bushes to avoid the hot sun. They can also be spotted at night, when they venture out to search for food.
There are several ideal vantage points to witness quokkas in their natural state on Rottnest Island. Garden Lake is one such place, where you can see a family of quokkas sleeping under the trees or venturing out in the early morning and late afternoon. The boardwalk offers a perfect view at a respectful distance. Another good spot is the cluster of tea trees at the intersection of trails, where cyclists and walkers ascend towards Wadjemup Hill. Here, you can take in the iconic sight of quokkas in their habitat before making the climb.
If you want to explore the island by bicycle, you can cycle to Stark Bay, where tall fig trees and date palms create a reserve for the quokkas. You can then travel the southern track back to the settlement, where you may spot quokkas in the shrub forest of native tea trees near Parker Point.
The Thomson Bay Settlement and the area around Wadjemup Lighthouse are also recommended for quokka-spotting.
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Wadjemup Lighthouse, Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, derived from the name 'Rotte Nest' ('rats' nest') by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh in 1696, is a popular holiday spot in Perth, Western Australia. The island is also called Wadjemup, which means 'place across the water where the spirits are' in the language of the traditional owners of the island, the Whadjuk Noongar people. Rottnest Island is home to the world's largest quokka population.
Wadjemup Lighthouse is located at the centre of the island and can be reached by a 15-minute ride from the main settlement. It is also accessible by bus or on foot, as a key stop on the Gabbi Karniny Bidi or the Wardan Nara Bidi hiking trails. The site is at the highest point of the island, on Wadjemup Hill, with the tower base 45 metres (148 ft) above sea level. It is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) west of the Thomson Bay settlement and about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southwest of the Geordie Bay settlement.
The Wadjemup Lighthouse is a historical landmark and a modern working lighthouse. It was built to guide vessels travelling past Rottnest Island and into Fremantle Port. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1851, replacing an earlier smaller structure built in 1842. Visitors can take a guided tour inside the lighthouse, climbing 155 stairs to the top, where breathtaking 360-degree views of the island and the Indian Ocean await. Tickets for the tour are $15 per adult, $12 for concession, $7 per child, and $34 for a family (two adults and two children).
Rottnest Island offers various other attractions, including snorkelling spots, high-powered boat tours, guided walking tours, and bike tours. The island is also home to diverse wildlife, such as bush birds, Australian shelducks, amphibians like the moaning frog, and of course, the iconic quokka.
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Thomson Bay Settlement, Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, a tropical landmass surrounded by coral reefs, is located west of Perth. It is also known as "Rotto" by the locals and is accessible via a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle. The island has the world's largest wild quokka population.
The main settlement on Rottnest Island is located at Thomson Bay, a protected north-easterly bay facing the mainland. It is the first bay you see as you step off the ferry and onto the jetty. Thomson Bay is a popular fishing spot, with schools of herring and large numbers of squid roaming the waters. It is also a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastles. The calm waters of the bay offer a great introduction to Wadjemup's pristine beaches.
Thomson Bay Settlement has accessible facilities, including a unisex accessible toilet at the Visitor Centre and an accessible toilet and shower facility nearby at Bedford Avenue. The crystal-clear waters of The Basin, one of the most popular beaches on the island, are just a short walk from the bay. Longreach Bay, another popular family beach destination, is also within walking distance.
If you're looking for more adventure, take a walk to the Wadjemup Lighthouse, located at the centre of the island, or explore the trails to spot reptiles like bobtails and the king skink. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot quokkas as they are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping under shady bushes. Remember, do not touch or feed the quokkas, as human food is harmful to their health.
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South-west mainland Western Australia
Rottnest Island, a tropical landmass surrounded by coral reefs located west of Perth, is home to the world's largest wild quokka population. It is accessible via a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle. The name 'quokka' comes from the Noongar name 'kwoka', given to the animal by the Aboriginal people in the Augusta and King George Sound area of southwest Western Australia, where quokkas are also found.
The best places to spot quokkas on Rottnest Island include Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Garden Lake, and the trail between the sports oval and the golf course. The best times to see quokkas are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as they are nocturnal animals and often spend their days sleeping under shady bushes.
Outside of Rottnest Island, a very small population of quokkas can be found in the southwest of mainland Western Australia. Quokkas are a vulnerable species, and it is important to remember not to touch or feed them when spotting them in the wild.
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Garden Lake, Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, a tropical landmass surrounded by coral reefs, is located west of Perth. It is home to the world's largest wild quokka population. The island is accessible via a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle. The Wadjemup/Rottnest Island is filled with an array of 12 salt lakes, occupying 10% of the inland space.
Garden Lake is one of the permanent wetland fixtures of the island, located just a three-minute walk along Digby Drive from the main settlement. The water in the salt lakes is four times saltier than that in the sea, and swimming is not allowed. The best time to spot quokkas is during the early mornings and late afternoons. The quokkas are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping and resting under shady bushes.
The Wadjmup Bidi trail offers a 9.5 km loop hike, known as the Gabbi Karniny Bidi, which takes you through the stunning inland lake system of the island. The trail is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but some parts involve steep sections and rough surfaces. It is important to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
Rottnest Island is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bush birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Visitors can also explore the island's history, such as the stone jetty constructed in the 1930s and the wartime railway.
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Frequently asked questions
Quokkas are endemic to Australia and reside in shrublands or dense vegetation located streamside. Rottnest Island is home to the world's largest wild quokka population. You can also find quokkas in some zoos across Australia and a very small population lives in the southwest of mainland Western Australia.
Rottnest Island is accessible via a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle.
Quokkas are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping and resting under shady bushes. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see quokkas out and about.
There is no need to do anything to attract a quokka. Their natural curiosity will bring them closer to you if they feel safe. Stay still and quiet, and give them plenty of space.
Quokkas are vulnerable and protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Do not touch or feed them, and move back if they come within two metres of you.
