Quokkas

On Rottnest Island, you’re amongst the world’s largest quokka population with family groups found right across the island. Check out our guide to spotting quokkas on the island – from the main settlement to further afield.

Quokkas are herbivores so they eat a variety of plants such as leaves, seeds, and shrub buds, which is available in abundance on Rottnest Island. As a vulnerable species, it is illegal to feed the quokka (or any animal on the island) as any food and water that they haven’t collected themselves can be harmful to their health and wellbeing.

Quokkas have earned a global reputation for themselves as “the happiest animal in the world”. But it’s not just their perpetually smiling appearance that makes them seem cheerful - a result of the shape of their face and panting habit - but also their idyllic island home. With abundant resources and a lack of natural predators on the island, Rottnest Island is home to the world’s largest population of quokkas. Learn more about these incredible creatures and how to have your own memorable encounter with them in the wild in our Guide to Quokka Spotting.  

Rottnest Island has the world’s largest wild quokka population, but you can also find quokkas in some zoos across Australia. A very small population also lives in the the south-west of mainland Western Australia.

No, quokkas can’t swim but they are known to climb trees to find food.

Quokkas are nocturnal and will 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.

Quokkas are a vulnerable species. To ensure we protect the quokka from becoming endangered, continued monitoring from the island’s rangers helps keep the population thriving. You can do your part too:

• Observe the quokkas from a safe distance
• Don't touch them
• Let them forage for their own food instead of feeding them
• Stick to the paths

Anyone who deliberately interferes with (including feeding) wildlife on Rottnest Island will be fined on the spot under the Rottnest Island Island Regulations 1988 and potentially prosecuted under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 with fines up to $10,000. Acts of animal cruelty may result in fines up to $50,000 and five years imprisonment under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is full of wildlife you won’t find on the mainland. There are six distinct habitats that are abundant with animal, bird, and sea life, from lively scrub heath to the serene woodlands, the vibrant wetlands and expansive ocean.

Amongst the scrub you can spot countless bush birds including the golden whistler, red-capped robin, silvereye, and singing honeyeaters. On the lakes and in the skies, there are Australian shelducks, bridled and crested terns, waders, red-necked phalaropes, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and magnificent ospreys.

Dive under the sparkling water to find over 135 species of tropical fish. Plus, the wider ocean is home to migrating humpback whales, long-nosed fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Australian sea lions.

Lakeside, listen for amphibians like the moaning frog, motorbike frog, and squelching froglets. On the trails, keep an eye out for reptiles like bobtails and the king skink. And of course, watch the world-famous quokkas as they roam the natural landscape.