Meet the Smiling Quokka on Rottnest Island

When visiting Rottnest Island in Western Australia, you’ll have the chance to meet and take photos with the world’s cutest little animal—the Quokka, also known as the smiling kangaroo! Their round, chubby bodies and perpetually smiling faces have captivated countless travelers, who are willing to take ferries, ride bikes, and queue up just to snap a photo with them. The healing power of Quokkas is truly unbeatable! Quokkas, often referred to as "short-tailed wallabies" in Chinese, are miniature members of the kangaroo family, roughly the size of a cat. They inhabit only a few islands in Western Australia, with Rottnest Island being their largest habitat, where they can be found almost everywhere. Known for their gentle and fearless nature, Quokkas often approach visitors and even photobomb pictures, earning them the title of "the world’s best selfie-taking animal." How to get to Rottnest Island? Transportation options: Taking a ferry from Perth or Fremantle is the most common way: * From Perth: Approximately 90 minutes (including a scenic ride along the Swan River) * From Fremantle: About 25 minutes, a shorter and more popular route * Ferry operators: Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest Island (advance booking recommended) Upon arrival, you can choose: Since private vehicles are not allowed on the island, cycling is the best way to explore. We opted for walking to track down the smiling Quokkas. Quokkas can be found almost everywhere on the island, with popular spots including: * Near Thomson Bay port * Settlement Village shopping area * Around campsites and wooded trails Best times for photography: * Early morning or evening: Cooler weather makes them more active * Midday: They usually rest in the shade, making them harder to spot Tips for taking the perfect Quokka selfie: 1. Lower your body angle: Squat or lie down to align your sight with theirs 2. Maintain a safe distance: Do not touch or feed them! Violators may face fines 3. Use your phone’s wide-angle mode: Capture their smiling face and yours together, even up close 4. Stay quiet and patient: If they’re interested, they’ll approach you on their own Useful reminders: * Feeding wild animals is prohibited on the island, and avoid using flash photography * Bring sunscreen, windproof clothing, and water (especially during peak season or summer) * The visitor center offers bike rentals, diving equipment, maps, and guided tour information * Book ferries and bike rentals early, as they’re highly sought after during peak seasons!