Meeting Quokkas for the First Time in Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, off the coast of WA is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife and laid-back atmosphere. Ever since Serene told me about the Quokkas - the island's famously cheerful and unique marsupials, I have been eager to see them for myself.

When I learned that the cycling route around the island is only 22Km, I was tempted to explore this island by bike. Fortunately, I heeded Serene's earlier warning: although the distance is short, the island's rolling terrain can be surprisingly challenging. After experiencing the ups and downs from the comfort of a bus, I was convinced that cycling around the island might not have been as easy as I first imagined!

In the end, we took the hop-on, hop-off Island Explorer Bus that loops around the island. It stops at major beaches, bays and landmarks - including Wadjemup Lighthouse, Little Salmon and the West End among others.

The island terrain as I observed in the bus reminded me of Falkland Islands which I visited in late December 2019 (Read here). However, Rottnest has a distinct edge with its many stunning beaches and bays, featuring turquoise waters and white sands. It's no surprise that many visitors flock here to swim, snorkel and soak up the sun.

Getting ready to board the hop-on, hop off bus after arriving on

the ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island.

The bus also stopped at the Parker Point.

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I have always enjoyed looking at lighthouses. In Rottnest Island, the Island Explorer Bus stopped at Wadjemup Lighthouse - built at the highest point on the island.

The original Wadjemup Lighthouse was built in 1849 using limestone quarried from the island. It was the first stone lighthouse constructed in WA and the fourth lighthouse in all of Australia. It stood about 20 meters (66 feet) tall and was built largely using prison labor — the island was then a penal settlement for Aboriginal men, many of whom were imprisoned under harsh conditions.

The lighthouse was constructed to help guide ships safely past the island, as Rottnest’s surrounding reefs and rocky shores had caused many shipwrecks.

The current lighthouse was built in 1896, next to the site of the original one. It stands at 38.7 meters (127 feet) — making it the tallest lighthouse in WA. It was fitted with one of the most powerful lamps of its time in the southern hemisphere, using kerosene and later being electrified.

The lighthouse has undergone several upgrades over the years, including automation in 1986, meaning it no longer needed a resident lighthouse keeper. Today, it remains an active aid to navigation, helping vessels navigate the Indian Ocean coast and avoid the dangerous reefs around Rottnest.

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Attracted by the crowds of spectators peering through the binoculars at the Cathedral Rocks, we too joined the queue and were rewarded with a glimpse of a single long-nose fur seal resting on the exposed rocks.

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At the West End.

Serene, Nathan and Grace were drawn to the beautiful sea at 

the shore and spent some time dipping in and enjoying a swim.

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After spending quite some time in the moving bus which stopped at selected spots along the way, I still hadn't seen any sign of the Quokkas. Sensing my disappointment, my granddaughter Gracie reassured me: "Don't worry gung-gung, you will see them!"

Sure enough, we eventually spotted the Quokkas moving about looking for small pieces of food crumbs on the floor at the pavilion outside the restaurants and shops. Altogether at different locations and times, I counted a total of fourteen Quokkas.

Quokka are about the size of a domestic cat and each weighing between 2.5Kg to 4.5Kg. At first glance, they resemble large rats, but their movements quickly reveal their true identity as a marsupials more like miniature kangaroo.