With its remarkable limestone reef, diverse marine life and several iconic dive sites including underwater caves, the waters around Rottnest Island are a diver's paradise.
Why is Rottnest Island significant?
For nearly a century, the island served first as a prison and then a forced labour camp for Aboriginal people. Almost 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys from all over Western Australia were exiled at the Rottnest Island Aboriginal Establishment from 1838 to 1931.
What is a fun fact about Rottnest Island?
It's home to the world's larget population of quokkas.The quokka, or kwoka in Noongar, is native to Wadjemup and family groups can be found almost everywhere on the island. With no natural predators, quokkas thrive in the natural habitat on Rottnest Island.
When did Rottnest become a tourist attraction?
1907A brief history of tourismIt was 1907, though, when the island became a recreation and holiday destination. It's a role that the island has played ever since, only shutting to the public in wartime, in 1914 and from 1940–1945.
Does anyone live on Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island is an island about 20 km off the coast of Perth with a permanent population of around 300 people. It receives around 500,000 visitors a year, and up to 15,000 visitors at a time during peak periods and is best known for its adorable quokkas.
Why is Rottnest Island so popular?
How many quokkas are left?
7500 – 15,000 quokkasHow many quokkas are left in the world? There are only about 7500 – 15,000 quokkas left in the world, and most live on Rottnest Island off the southwest coast of Australia. The smiling marsupial is protected because it is vulnerable to endangerment due to deforestation.
Are quokkas as friendly as they look?
Although quokkas are happy to see us and are approachable, it doesn't mean we should pat or cuddle them. They're still wild animals and can bite! So it's best just to watch how cute they are from a distance and take some photos of them.
Do any animals eat quokkas?
Natural predators of quokkas are dingoes and birds of prey; introduced dogs, cats, and foxes have led to significant population declines on the mainland. While not exactly a foreboding presence, nor possessing a formidable bite or kick, it appears the quokka's strategy is to avoid conflict in the first place.
What can quokkas not eat?
You can be fined for feeding them'Human' food that is high in salt can really dehydrate and worsen quokkas' health – so though these cute creatures may approach you whilst at Rottnest, avoid feeding them at all costs.
Why can’t you touch quokkas?
It's important, for their safety and yours, that you don't touch the quokkas. Touching quokkas can make them sick, spread disease, and even cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent. Like any animal, they can be protective of themselves and their young so please keep your distance.