If there’s one photo that sums up a trip to Perth, it’s a quokka selfie. These small, smiling marsupials have become one of the most searched animals in Australian tourism, and almost all of them live in one place: Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth. This guide covers exactly where to find quokkas, how to take a great (and legal) selfie, and how to plan the rest of your day on the island.

What Is a Quokka?

A quokka is a small marsupial, roughly the size of a domestic cat, related to kangaroos and wallabies. They’re best known for their rounded faces and upturned mouths, which make them look like they’re constantly smiling, earning them the nickname “the world’s happiest animal.” Quokkas are naturally curious and have little fear of humans, which is why they’ll often approach visitors on their own.

While quokkas can technically be found in a few isolated pockets of south-west Western Australia, Rottnest Island is home to the largest and most accessible population by far, with an estimated 10,000–12,000 quokkas living on the island.

Where to See Quokkas: Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island (“Rotto” to locals) sits about 18 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle and is reachable by a 25–90 minute ferry ride, depending on which departure point you choose.

Quokkas are found across the island, but visitors most reliably spot them around:

• The Settlement — the main hub near the ferry terminal, where quokkas are most habituated to people
• Pinky Beach — a short walk from the Settlement, often with quokkas resting in the shade nearby
• Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay — quieter spots with fewer crowds
• Bike paths across the island — quokkas often appear along the island’s cycling trails, especially in shaded, grassy areas

Quokkas are most active in the late afternoon and early evening, when temperatures cool down. During the heat of the day, they tend to shelter in shade and can be harder to spot. If you’d like a fuller picture of the island beyond quokka-spotting, our guide to the best things to do on Rottnest Island covers the beaches, snorkelling spots, and lighthouse walks worth adding to your day.

The Rules: How to Take a Quokka Selfie the Right Way

Quokka Selfies are hugely popular, but there are important rules designed to protect the animals:

• Never touch, feed, or pick up a quokka. It is illegal under Western Australian law and can result in significant fines. Handling quokkas can also make them sick, since human food and contact can transmit bacteria harmful to them.
• Let the quokka approach you, not the other way around. Crouch down slowly at a distance, hold your phone or camera ready, and wait.
• Keep noise and sudden movements to a minimum. Quokkas are curious but easily startled by loud groups.
• Never use flash photography directly at a quokka.
• Respect a quokka that shows no interest. Not every quokka wants to be in your photo — don’t chase or corner one for a shot.

Rangers do patrol popular areas, and fines for touching or feeding wildlife on Rottnest Island are enforced.

My Tips for the Best Quokka Selfie

1. Get low. Crouching or sitting brings your camera to the quokka’s eye level and produces a far better photo than shooting downward.
2. Visit early morning or late afternoon, both for better light and more active quokkas.
3. Bring a phone rather than relying only on a camera with a flash — quokkas tend to react less to phone cameras.
4. Be patient. The best quokka encounters happen when you sit quietly near a shaded, grassy patch and let the animals go about their day.
5. Check the island’s designated “no feeding, no touching” signage in busy zones, since ranger patrols are more frequent there.

Planning Your Day: Getting to Rottnest Island

Ferries to Rottnest Island depart from several points, including Fremantle, Hillarys Boat Harbour, and Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty (seasonal). Fremantle is the shortest and most frequent crossing, typically around 25–30 minutes — and if you’re departing from there, it’s worth building in time beforehand for our Fremantle Markets Guide, since the markets are only a short walk from the ferry terminal.

Most visitors explore the island by bike, which can be hired near the Settlement, since Rottnest Island is largely car-free. A day trip is enough time to see the main quokka hotspots, visit a beach or two, and explore the Settlement, but visitors who want to slow down and explore further bays often choose to stay overnight. If you’d rather have the route planned for you, browse our full range of Rottnest Island Tours, including guided cycling and wildlife-focused options.

• Book Rottnest Island Ferry Tickets
• Book bike hire on Rottnest Island
• Book a guided Rottnest Island Tour
• Book both a Ferry Ride and a Bus Tour on Rottnest (all in one)

What is the Best Time of Year for a Quokka Selfie

Quokkas can be seen year-round, but conditions vary by season:

• Spring and autumn (Sep–Nov, Mar–May): Mild weather, comfortable cycling conditions, and active quokkas — generally the best all-round time to visit.
• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot conditions can push quokkas into deeper shade during the day, so early morning or late afternoon visits work best.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler and quieter, with fewer crowds, though some ferry schedules are reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to touch a quokka? Yes. Touching, patting, or feeding a quokka is illegal on Rottnest Island and can result in a fine.

Where is the best place to see quokkas? The area around the Settlement and Pinky Beach on Rottnest Island offers the most reliable sightings, since quokkas there are more accustomed to visitors.

Do I need to book a tour to see quokkas? No — quokkas can be seen independently by taking the ferry and exploring on foot or by bike. A guided tour can be useful if you want route planning and commentary included; see our Rottnest Island tours page for options.

How long should I spend on Rottnest Island? A day trip is enough to see quokkas and the main sights, but an overnight stay allows more time to explore quieter bays and increases your chances of a quokka encounter without crowds. Our best things to do on Rottnest Island guide has a fuller breakdown for longer stays.