Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island · Off Perth, Western Australia
Happy home of the quokka, selfie mecca of 'the world's happiest animal'
Know before you go
- Touching, picking up or feeding quokkas is strictly forbidden (heavy fines)
- don't use flash on them
- don't take any plants or animals away.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Rottnest (Dutch for 'rat's nest') is named after the rat-like quokka, a forever-smiling little animal found only in Western Australia. Visitors may not bring private cars onto the island, so bicycles are the main way to get around; pink lakes, pristine beaches and a century-old lighthouse make it Perth people's weekend 'happy island'. Selfies with quokkas (#quokkaselfie) are a social currency around the world.
Local customs
- You must buy a ticket to visit (about AUD 100 including the ferry)
- keep left when cycling on the island
- follow the guidelines when interacting with quokkas.
Religion & beliefs
- A secular holiday island with no religious character
- the Indigenous Noongar people call it Wadjemup ('place across the water where the spirits are') — please be respectful.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags
- Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
- If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard
- Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags
Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.
Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs
Uluru: climbing is not allowed
- Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture
- Climbing Uluru
The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure
Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared
- Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
- If in doubt, declare it
- Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them
You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.
Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia
Don’t DON'T
- Touching, picking up or feeding quokkas is strictly forbidden (heavy fines)
- don't use flash on them
- don't take any plants or animals away.
Locals appreciate DO
- Perth people appreciate visitors who care for the quokkas and don't feed them
- cycling around the island and snorkelling to see coral are locals' weekend routine.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Open all year; best in spring and autumn |
|---|
Travel tips
- Good all year, best in spring and autumn. The ferry from Fremantle takes about 30 minutes
- rent a bike to go round the island (about AUD 30 a day)
- stay a night to see the sunset
- bring sun protection.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Simple meals on the island: meat pies / bakery
- Seafood / burgers
- Coffee and quokka-themed desserts for photos
Simple meals on the island: meat pies / bakeries (such as Rottnest Bakery), seafood / burgers, coffee + quokka-themed desserts
| Where to eat | Restaurants and the supermarket on Thomson Bay's main street, restaurants in Fremantle on the mainland (before and after the ferry) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Feeding or touching quokkas is strictly forbidden (fines); keep food secure against seagulls and quokkas |
| Typical price per person | AUD 25–45 ≈ CNY 118–212 |
| Tips | Prices on the island are high — have seafood for your main meal at Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour and just a light bite on the island. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Finbar.concaig · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
JamesHenstridge · CC BY-SA 4.0
Calistemon · CC BY-SA 4.0
en:User:SeanMack · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Rottnest Island Authority official information
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