Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), Western Australia

Separated from the mainlind approximately 7,000 years ago, this small island in Western Australia off the coast of Perth is part of a group of islands on a continental shelf. Coral reefs, salt lakes, woodland areas, coastal settlements and surf breaks, this unique island is a slice of natural diversity and is an wonderful day trip from Perth.

The Island’s most famous citizens are the quokkas, a cute Australian marsupial that inhabits the island. The best time to see the quoakkas is in the mid to late afteroon. In the autumn and winter months you are likely to catch quokkas with young in their pouches, a true highlight of any visit.

Quokkas aren’t the only wildlife to on the island, you can watch Humpback and Southern Right Whales that frolick in the waters around the island and visit the colony of fur seals who call Rottnest home.

The island has a rich and troubled history which was used as an Aboriginal prison throughout much of the 1800s and as a forced Aboriginal labour camp in the early 1900s. The island remains a significant place for Aboriginal people and we recommend finding more about the history of the island before visiting to understand its cultural history and importance.