Quokkas, small marsupials native to Western Australia, have gained global recognition for their unique appearance and cheerful demeanor. Often described as the “happiest animals in the world” due to their characteristic smile, these cat-sized creatures are a popular subject for photography and a significant draw for tourism. Their curious and approachable nature sparks widespread interest in observing them in their natural environment.
Quokka’s Primary Home
Rottnest Island, located approximately 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth, Western Australia, serves as the primary stronghold for the quokka population. This island sanctuary is home to an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 quokkas, making it the largest known wild population globally. The island’s car-free status and the absence of introduced predators like foxes and feral cats have allowed the quokkas to thrive.
The island’s environment, ranging from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens, provides a diverse and suitable habitat. Quokkas are herbivores, eating leaves, grasses, and plant stems, which are abundant on Rottnest. They are primarily nocturnal, spending hot days sheltering in dense vegetation, often returning to the same resting spots.
Beyond Rottnest Island
While Rottnest Island hosts the most visible and numerous quokka populations, smaller, more fragmented groups exist on the Western Australian mainland. These mainland populations are rarer and more challenging to encounter, numbering around 4,000 individuals. They are vulnerable to predation by introduced species such as red foxes and feral cats, as well as habitat loss due to land clearing and bushfires.
These scattered mainland populations can be found in isolated pockets of forest and coastal heath between Perth and Albany, including areas like the Perth Hills, and parts of the Jarrah and Karri forests. Another island population is on Bald Island near Albany, benefiting from a lack of predators, with an estimated 600 to 1,000 individuals. Beyond their natural habitats, quokkas can also be found in a limited number of international zoos and wildlife parks, where they can be observed in captivity.
Ethical Quokka Tourism
Visiting Rottnest Island to see quokkas involves adhering to specific guidelines to ensure their well-being and the safety of visitors. Ferries provide the main mode of transport to the island, with services departing from Perth (Barrack Street Jetty), Fremantle, and Hillarys Boat Harbour, with travel times ranging from approximately 25 to 90 minutes depending on the departure point. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the island by bicycle or bus, as it is largely car-free.
Strict conservation rules apply to interacting with quokkas. It is illegal to touch, feed, or interfere with them. Violations can result in on-the-spot fines, around $300 AUD, with potential for further prosecution, including fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for animal cruelty. These regulations prevent disease transmission, protect quokkas from harmful human foods, and ensure their natural behaviors are not disrupted. Maintain a respectful distance and allow quokkas to approach out of their own curiosity; avoid flash photography to prevent startling them.