Rottnest Island in Australia

Holiday paradise and home of the cute Quokkas

Discover the beautiful Rottnest Island off the west coast of Australia with me. Holiday dreams come true here, and a very special guest star awaits you: the cute quokka. The animal selfies of the always-laughing kangaroo went around the world. It’s time to get to know the little friends in person.

Photos of cute quokkas are a real trend on Instagram and other social networks. No wonder because the little animal always seems to be in a good mood and grins happily into the tourists’ cameras. It’s perfect that these lively fellows also live on a true dream island, isn’t it? Pay the quokkas on Rottnest Island a visit, take an animal snapshot and explore the fine sandy beaches and untouched nature.

The small holiday paradise on Australia’s west coast

There’s no doubt that Rottnest Island has always been a popular destination for escaping everyday life and relaxing in a picturesque setting with sunshine and fine sandy beaches. However, this was only for Australians; international tourists hardly knew the island. But that changed suddenly a few years ago when the cute photo was published of a plump, brown creature happily stretching out its arms as if it wanted to greet the whole world…

Attention, the danger of blackout!

At first glance, it is difficult to recognize what the animal might be. Even the Dutchman Willem de Vlamingh could not identify the animal then and thought it was a cat-sized rat. This is how the island got its name: Rottnest Island – something like Rat’s Nest Island. Today, this beautiful island has the slightly modified name Rottnest Island – the rats turned out to be small kangaroos that have become the island stars. That is understandable because who doesn’t want to take an animal selfie that just radiates good cheer?

Arrive and feel good on Rottnest Island

In contrast to the much-travelled East Coast, Australia’s west coast may be unknown to many of you. But the real Australian adventure awaits you here: you’ll meet backpackers and many families.

By ferry to Rottnest Island

• Fremantle: 25 minutes
• Hillary Boat Harbour: 45 minutes
• Barrack Street Jetty: 90 minutes

Rottnest Island is located about 20 kilometres from Perth, the largest city in the western state. There are many flights to Perth, both within Australia and internationally. From Germany, it takes about five to six hours less to fly to Perth than to get to Sydney on the east coast. Once you arrive in Perth, you can take a ferry to the popular holiday island. A more exclusive and much more expensive option is to take a small plane to the island. Like most visitors to the island, I preferred the ferry. This meant I could also take my bike with me to Rottnest Island.

Accommodation

Whether you prefer to stay in a hotel or on a campsite is mostly a matter of taste and often also a question of budget. On the popular holiday island, you can pitch your tent or spend your honeymoon in a hotel. It is not uncommon to witness a beach wedding, as the beautiful backdrop and year-round warm temperatures are perfect for pledging your eternal loyalty on the beach. The island is also a popular holiday destination for families, where the little ones can romp around, and the parents can relax from the stresses of everyday life – a really successful combination!

Experience Rottnest Island – relaxation and action

You’ve bought a ticket for the ferry, are already sitting on deck full of anticipation and are heading straight for Rottnest Island? Then it’s time for the best tips on how to enjoy your time on the island – whether you’re just spending a day here or a long weekend. At Pedal and Flipper, you can rent one of 1,300 bikes and cycle around the island, past the many turquoise bays and fine sandy beaches. If you have a flat tyre or just don’t feel like pedalling your bike anymore, you can hop on the Island Explorer Bus; your bikes will also be collected at the bus stop.

You’ll never get bored here whether you’re snorkelling, sunbathing or surfing. The bravest can even jump out of a plane and enjoy a breathtaking view during a parachute jump. Rottnest Island is also perfect for simply relaxing, you have countless white sandy beaches and turquoise bathing bays to choose from, you really feel like you’re in paradise here.

The Quokka – famous selfie artist

Now, let’s get to the real star of the island: the cute quokka. Almost half a meter tall and round, with brown plush fur and teddy ears, the quokka has become a real highlight for tourists.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 quokkas live on Rottnest Island.

There are countless selfies on social media, and in every photo, the little kangaroo seems to be happy and grinning into the camera. I’ll tell you one thing: it’s not difficult to capture an animal snapshot because the little animals are curious and shy. They skillfully put themselves in the spotlight and let their laughter shine.

Attention – not just cute!

But caution is also advised because no matter how cute they are, quokkas still have sharp claws and teeth – please remember that this is not a cuddly toy.

Do not give the animals water or food, nor pet them; this is the only way the quokkas can stay healthy and independent.

The animal stars are nocturnal. But the quokkas have adapted to humans and adapted their sleep rhythm, following the motto: Why look for food yourself when you can have it served to you? So please follow the rules and do not feed the animals – even if it is difficult.

Kidnapping prohibited

Yes, I admit it… Unfortunately, it’s hard to turn your back on the big, round eyes and leave them behind on the island. Kidnapping a quokka is punishable by a fine of 300 Australian dollars, so you might as well forget about the idea of a new pet. The animals don’t just live on Rottnest Island but also the Australian mainland on the west coast, although they are rare there.

Discover the home of the Quokkas

Well, are you looking forward to your next island adventure, or are you already in Australia and looking for the next travel highlight? Then explore the west coast, take a city trip to Perth and go to Rottnest Island! The island is one of my favourites on the Red Continent, not just because of the quokkas. Do what the Australians do and treat yourself to a break on the picturesque island. Sniff the salty sea breeze, relax on the beach or search for the cute quokkas. I’m excited to see your snapshots!