Rottnest Island in Australia

Discover with me the beautiful Rottnest Island off the west coast of Australia. Here vacation dreams come true, and you will meet a special star: the adorable quokka. The animal selfies of this always-smiling kangaroo have gone viral worldwide. It's time to get to know these little buddies in person.

On Instagram and other social networks, photos with these cute quokkas are an absolute trend. It's no surprise, as this little creature always seems to be in a good mood, happily grinning at tourists' cameras. And the fact that these cheerful critters live on a true dream island just makes it even better, right? Pay a visit to the quokkas on Rottnest Island, snap a cute photo, and explore the fine sandy beaches and unspoiled nature.

No doubt, Rottnest Island has always been a popular destination to escape the daily grind and let your soul unwind in a picturesque setting of sunshine and pristine sandy beaches. For a long time, this was mainly known only by Australians, with international tourists hardly aware of the island. However, that changed dramatically a few years ago when a cute photo was published, showing a round, brown creature joyfully stretching its arms as if to greet the whole world...

At first glance, it is hard to tell what this creature might be. Even the Dutchman Willem de Vlamingh couldn't classify the animal at that time and thought it was a rat the size of a cat. Thus, the island also got its name: Rattnest Island - which means Rat's Nest Island. Today, this beautiful isle bears the slightly altered name Rottnest Island - the rats turned out to be little kangaroos that have become the stars of the island. It's understandable, as who wouldn't want to take a fun animal selfie that radiates good vibes?

Australia's west coast is perhaps less known to many of you compared to the heavily traveled East Coast. However, here you can expect the real Australian adventure: here you will meet not just backpackers but many families as well.

Rottnest Island is located about 20 kilometers from Perth, the largest city in the western state. You will find many flight connections to Perth both domestically and internationally. From Germany, you can actually fly about five to six hours less to Perth than you would need for Sydney on the East Coast. Once in Perth, you can take a ferry to the popular vacation island. Alternatively, you can take a small plane to the island, although it's much more exclusive and also significantly more expensive. Like most visitors, I preferred the ferry, which also allowed me to take my bicycle to Rottnest Island.

Whether you prefer to stay in a hotel or at a campsite usually depends on personal preference and often budget considerations. On this popular vacation island, you have the option of pitching your tent or spending your honeymoon in a hotel. You can often witness a beach wedding, as the beautiful setting and year-round warm temperatures are perfect for pledging eternal loyalty by the sea. The island is also a popular holiday destination for families, where kids can romp around while parents relax from everyday stresses - a perfect mix!

Have you purchased a ferry ticket, sitting on deck full of anticipation, and heading straight for Rottnest Island? Then it's time for the best tips on how to truly enjoy your time on the island - whether you spend just a day here or a long weekend. At Pedal and Flipper, you can rent one of 1,300 bikes and explore the island, passing by many turquoise bays and fine sandy beaches. If you get a flat tire or simply don't feel like pedaling anymore, you can hop on the Island Explorer Bus, where your bikes will also be collected at the bus stop.

Whether for snorkeling, sunbathing, or surfing, you will likely never get bored here. The particularly brave can even jump out of a plane and enjoy breathtaking views while skydiving. However, Rottnest Island is also simply perfect for relaxation; you have countless white sandy beaches and turquoise bathing bays to choose from, truly making you feel like you're in paradise.

Now, let's move on to the real star of the island, the cute quokka. About half a meter tall and round, with brown fluffy fur and teddy bear ears - these traits have made the quokka a true highlight for tourists.

Countless selfies populate social networks, and in every photo, the little kangaroo seems to be happy and grinning at the camera. Let me share a secret with you, it's really not hard to capture an adorable animal snapshot, as these little creatures are genuinely curious and not shy at all. They know how to pose and show off their smiles.

However, caution is advised, for as cute as they may be, quokkas still have sharp claws and teeth - please remember that you're not dealing with a cuddly pet.

In fact, these animal stars are nocturnal. But quokkas have adapted to humans and changed their sleep rhythm, following the motto: Why search for food when you can get it served? So please adhere to the regulations and do not feed the animals - even if it is hard.

Yes, I admit it... It's hard to turn your back on those big, round eyes and leave them on the island - unfortunately. Kidnapping a quokka carries a fine of 300 Australian dollars, so you should probably forget the idea of adopting a new pet. By the way, these animals don't just live on Rottnest Island but can also be found on the Australian mainland of the west coast, although they are much rarer there.

So, are you ready for your next island adventure or already in Australia looking for your next travel highlight? Then explore the west coast, take a city trip to Perth, and head to Rottnest Island! The island is definitely one of my favorites on the red continent, not just because of the quokkas. Follow the Australians' lead and treat yourself to a break on this picturesque island. Feel the salty sea breeze, relax on the beach, or go in search of the adorable quokkas. I can't wait to see your snapshots!