Quokka wonderland: Explore Rottnest Island’s adorable wildlife
Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia, is an ideal destination for anyone looking to find some of the cutest animals in the world up close and personal. The famous quokka – a small marsupial that resides on the island all year round, draws thousands of tourists to Rottnest every week and has become world-famous for its smile.
Not only are these cute creatures absolutely adorable, but they’re also friendly – often coming up to human visitors and providing a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. Quokka selfies are a must-do when visiting Rottnest, although tourists should pay attention not to get too close to the animals and to still follow the rules at all times.
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Rottnest Island, AustraliA: Home to Quokkas
Hidden in the southwestern corner of Australia, you’ll find the natural habitat of adorable quokkas. This tiny marsupial calls the forests and shrublands of Rottnest Island and the Western Australian coastline home.
The terrain is varied and consists of rocky outcrops, sandy beaches, and dense vegetation. It’s the perfect environment for these sociable animals, who roam freely through the landscape. As you explore the natural habitats of these furry creatures, you’ll be mesmerised by their playful antics. It’s no wonder the quokka is known as one of the happiest animals on the planet.
There are somewhere between 10,000 to 12,000 quokkas living on Rottnest Island, and the population here is relatively stable due to the lack of natural predators.
The island is a nature reserve, and since no predatory mammals live on the island, the little marsupials can reproduce freely. Their only danger is the human, and the island’s rangers make sure that tourists respect the quokkas and do not interfere too much with their natural behaviours.
On the mainland, this is not the case, unfortunately, and loss of territory as well as larger mammals preying on the quokkas, mean that the population here is far smaller and in danger of shrinking even more. Quokkas do not exist anywhere else on Earth.
Natural behaviours of quokkas
The quokka (Setonix brachyurus) may be one of the most adorable and happiest animals on the planet. With their round, fuzzy bodies and wide-eyed expressions, one can easily fall in love with them. They grow to between 2.5kg and 5kg although their fluffy coats make them seem larger.
These little marsupials are native to Western Australia and are well-known for their friendly, curious nature. They are also great jumpers and are able to climb trees to some extent.
When it comes to breeding, quokkas can mate year-round, but most births occur between January and March. Like kangaroos and wallabies, they are marsupials and raise their young in a pouch.
Unlike many other Australian animals, quokkas do not migrate or hibernate. Instead, they are active throughout the year, foraging for food and playing with their companions.
They somewhat resemble a kangaroo, small bear or rat, even though they are marsupials. When Rottnest Island was first colonised, its discoverers mistook the quokkas and gave the island the name “Rat’s Nest Island”, which later became Rottnest.
How to see quokkas on Rottnest Island
If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the adorable quokkas on Rottnest Island, there are a few things to keep in mind. These cute marsupials can be seen all around the island, but your best bet is to head to the western end of the island. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to see quokkas on Rottnest. If you’re spending a day here, you’re almost guaranteed to see it at least once.
While you don’t necessarily need a guide to see them, it may be helpful to join a tour to make sure you don’t miss out on any hot spots. Quokkas do tend to hang out near human habitation, so keep an eye out around buildings and picnic areas. Just rent a bike on arrival at the harbour and cycle around the island, making sure not to make too much noise.
Quokkas are brown, just like much of the vegetation on Rottnest, so it can be easy to miss them, especially in the dense trees. Keep an eye on the ground and watch out for other cyclists who have stopped by the side of the road. They most likely spotted a group of quokkas.
Best time of year to see quokkas
The best time to visit is in the cooler months from March to November when the quokkas are wider spread and the weather is milder. On the mainland, it’s a lot more difficult to find quokkas, and they’re not as used to humans.
Best time of day to see quokkas
The best time of day to see quokkas is in the early morning or evening. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping.
How do I approach quokkas without scaring them?
When visiting quokkas, make sure to respect their space and follow any guidelines put in place, such as not feeding them or getting too close. You also shouldn’t give quokkas water or touch them since they can bite. Should you see one that seems ill or injured, report it to the park rangers immediately.
Can I feed quokkas?
It is illegal to feed quokkas or any wildlife. Feeding them can disrupt their natural behaviour and diet, and can be harmful to their health. Enjoy observing these unique creatures from a distance and let them forage for their own food.
Tips for getting photographs of Quokkas
Quokkas make for fantastic photography subjects but they are still wild animals. They may be habituated to humans but you still need to put their needs above those of yourself as a photographer.
- Exercise patience and allow the quokkas to approach you naturally instead of pursuing them. By sitting quietly and waiting they will move towards you to feed.
- The optimal times to encounter Quokkas are early mornings and evenings.
- Quokkas near human settlements are typically more familiar with tourists and less skittish.
- Refrain from touching quokkas to ensure their well-being. However tempting it may be, stroking and petting the quokkas is not a good practice. it can spread disease and cause mothers to abandon their young.
- Avoid feeding or providing drinks to Quokkas as human food can be detrimental to their health and is illegal.
How to get to Rottnest Island
To get to Rottnest Island, you have a few options:
- Ferry: The most common way to reach the island is by taking a ferry and tour from Fremantle, Hillarys Boat Harbour, or Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. Several ferry operators provide regular services to Rottnest Island.
- Private Boat: If you have your own boat or prefer a private charter, you can sail or hire a boat to reach the island. There are designated moorings available.
- Helicopter or Seaplane: For a unique and scenic experience, you can book a helicopter or seaplane tour to fly over and land on Rottnest Island.
What is the conservation status of quokkas?
The adorable and charismatic quokka is an important part of Australia’s unique wildlife, and thankfully, many conservation organisations are working hard to protect this species. The Island Ark Project, for example, is a conservation initiative that focuses on preserving habitat and promoting biodiversity on islands inhabited by the quokka.
In addition, researchers are studying the quokka’s biology and behaviour to better understand how to best help this species thrive in the wild. While the quokka remains threatened by habitat loss, introduced predators, and climate change, these conservation efforts give us reason to be hopeful for the future of these lovable marsupials.
On Rottnest Island itself, there are great efforts to educate tourists on how to protect the natural environment and its inhabitants. Signs and flyers let visitors know to treat the quokkas with respect and clean up after themselves, but of course, any level of tourism brings issues with it, especially when it comes to conservation. Luckily, Australia is committed to protecting its natural beauty, which includes the rare quokkas.
Quokka summary
Quokkas are small marsupials that are found only on Rottnest Island, Australia. They are known for their friendly and approachable nature, and they have been nicknamed the “happiest animal in the world.” Quokkas are about the size of a cat, and they have short legs, a long tail, and a round face. They are herbivores, and their diet consists of grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Quokkas are social animals, and they live in groups of up to 10 individuals. They are most active during the day, and they can often be seen grazing in the meadows, along the side of the road or in gardens. Quokkas are also known for their ability to climb trees, and they often use trees to escape predators.
The population of quokkas on Rottnest Island is estimated to be between 10,000 and 12,000 individuals. The quokka is a protected species, and it is illegal to harm or kill them.
This wildlife encounter was experienced by My Australia Trip