Happy Quokka Birthday! Just when you thought a quokka couldn’t get any cuter, the next generation of joeys have emerged from their mother’s pouches, taking the adorable factor to the next level.
This weekend (September 12th–13th) is Little Quokka’s Big Birthday Weekend on Rottnest Island.
“The return of Quokka’s Big Birthday Weekend celebrates the arrival of quokka joeys with two days of wildlife encounters, outdoor activities, live entertainment and hands-on fun,” said Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook.
“I’d encourage families to get along to the Quokka birthday celebrations, and this is made easier through free same-day travel and island admission for kids.”
Things to do in Perth
What’s on across the weekend
Celebrate the wonder of nature and new life on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island with a weekend program of workshops, activities, and festivities for the whole family.
Around the Thomson Bay settlement, children can build native bee hotels from recycled and natural materials, make maps of Wadjemup from found objects, add to a collaborative 3D quokka sculpture, and take part in sensory play activities. Island rangers are running quokka talks and guided nature sessions across both days, and the event precinct has live entertainment, children’s shows, storytelling, yoga, and mindfulness activities.
Children aged between five and 12 can also collect a Wadjemup / Rottnest Island Nature Passport from the event information point, which replaces the Nature Play book handed out in previous years. You can download the full program and event map here..
Getting there
Getting to the island has never been easier, with free same-day travel and admission to Rottnest Island for children 16 years and under.
Ferries depart from Fremantle, Barrack St Jetty, and Hillarys Boat Harbour multiple times per day. The main operators are Sealink, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and Rottnest Express.
Where is it?
On Rottnest Island, obviously…The event is located in the heart of the settlement, across Thomson Lawn and the terraces in front of the Visitor Centre — just a two-minute walk from the main jetty.
Register for a free ticket
Join the celebrations on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th. The event is free, but registration is required.
The famed quokka
Rottnest Island’s photogenic ambassador skyrocketed to international fame after high-profile celebrities, including Roger Federer, Margot Robbie, and Chris Hemsworth, posted selfies with the adorable marsupials on social media.
Native to Western Australia’s Rottnest Island, a Class A Reserve with pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and plenty of sunshine, it is no wonder the quokka is world-renowned as the happiest animal on earth.
