The story of this place
Rottnest Island is a 19-square-kilometre car-free island 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth, home to an estimated 10,000–12,000 quokkas — the largest quokka population in the world. The quokka is a small macropod about the size of a domestic cat, famous for its permanent 'smile' expression that has earned it the title of the world's happiest animal. Quokkas are most easily photographed around the Settlement area and near the main jetty, where they are accustomed to human presence. The island also offers extraordinary seascape photography: turquoise bays, white sand beaches and the iconic Bathurst Lighthouse. Cycling is the primary mode of transport. Underwater photography at the island's many sheltered bays reveals coral, tropical fish and the rare leafy seadragon.