Where is the quokka island in Australia?

The famous quokka island in Australia is Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. There’s plenty more to do once you’ve taken your quokka selfie, though.

In recent years, quokkas have become the unexpected stars of the internet. Cute pictures of quokkas have spread all over the web, in part aided by Tourism Australia pushing them as “the world’s happiest animal”.

quokka on Rottnest Island in Western Australia — The quokkas on Rottnest Island near Perth are easy to spot. But you might need patience to get that quokka selfie. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

The cuteness of the quokka has seen it compete in the popularity stakes with better-known Australian creatures, such as the kangaroo and koala. Suddenly, getting a selfie with a quokka has raced up the animal encounter list ahead of swimming with dolphins or meeting kangaroos on the beach.

Western Australia’s quokka island

Quokkas are very hard to spot in the wild, and only live in isolated rural pockets around Australia. There is one exception to this elusiveness, and that’s Rottnest Island. For visitors, Rottnest is rapidly becoming known as the quokka island, largely because thousands of them wander around freely here. They can be spotted near the beaches, the golf course and main settlement. You really don’t have to look too hard on Rottnest Island to find a quokka.

8 Rottnest Island experiences best booked in advance

Ferry plus bike hire package. Or add a snorkel kit, too.
Short Settlement Segway tour or longer Fortress tour.
Island tour including train ride and lunch.
Sunset catamaran sailing cruise with champagne.
Oliver Hill train and tunnel tour.
Lakes and bays guided hike.
Tandem skydive.
Three hour boat tour to the best snorkelling spots.

Quokkas are quite small – about 50cm long and weighing between 2.5kg and 5kg. But they will stand up on their back legs to reach for things, including the leaves tourists dangle to get them to pose for photos. That’s why the quokka selfie has become such a big thing.

Getting to Rottnest Island to see the quokkas

But this famous quokka island has more than one string to its bow. Car-free Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle in Western Australia, and it is fringed by gorgeous Indian Ocean beaches. The best way to tackle the island is hiring a bike, then cycling round to a beach that takes your fancy.

It’s also possible to do cruises, tours to WWII sites and skydives on Rottnest Island. This variety is what makes it the best day trip from Perth.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.