So the reason you’re going to Rottnest Island is to snap your perfect quokka selfie! Sure, the island has pristine beaches and an air of tranquility that soothes the soul, but let's be honest—it's those adorable, grinning marsupials that truly have your heart.
Pack your bags, hop on a ferry, get your bicycle and embark on a journey to the ultimate Instagrammable paradise where quokkas, sun, and serenity await!
You’ll see them on Rottnest Island, located just 20 minutes off the coast of Perth, Australia. It’s one of the only places you're able to meet them up close in their natural habitat, Rottnest Island. It's Australia’s most popular destinations and home of the quokka. (There are however and few other places around Australia you can see them in animal sanctuaries, list coming soon here).
We’ve split this article into a few options. Sure you can take a private plane, helicopter and boat, but the easiest, fastest and cheapest option is to take a ferry. We also don’t advise swimming to the island.
Rottnest Express is a great ferry service that runs from Fremantle, Perth to Rottnest Island, taking about 30 minutes. The service runs every 30 minutes (from Fremantle ports) during peak season and every hour during off-peak season, with tickets costing $64 for an adult return ticket.
If you board the boat from Perth City port (Barrack Street Jetty) it can take over 1.5 hours because of the speed limit on the city river on your way to Rottnest Island. But you do get a tour of the swan river, and remember you can bring your bike (additional fee) and luggage onto the ferry as well.
If you’re bringing over luggage for a day trip/multiple days, they can give you tags to put on your luggage for them to be delivered to your accommodation on Rottnest Island.
You can read more on their website as well request special assistance.
Use our discount code QUOKKA15 and get 15% off your entire booking with Rottnest Express.
Rottnest Express - Ferry Tickets | |
Adult Return | $64 to $112 same day return |
Child (4-12) | $39 |
Ferry & Bicycle Hire (one day) | |
Adult | $97 |
Child (4 -12) | $65 |
prices as of April 2023 |
SeaLink has a new fleet of boats, so you can expect a smooth sailing experience to Rottnest. They have disabled access, bathrooms, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and entertainment screens onboard.
Sealink offers four return services daily from Fremantle and Perth and an additional two services during peak periods. There’s food and drink onboard. Alcoholic beverages, light snacks, tea and coffee on all SeaLink Rottnest Island’s ferry services.
Sealink say to arrive 30 minute before departure so you can check tickets and luggage. Ferry travel time takes about 30 minutes from Fremantle to Rottnest Island.
Perth central to Rottnest Island takes around 1.5 hours due to river speed limits.
For you environmental people, SeaLink’s boat is an ‘Enviro-Cat’ design, meaning the ferries use lower fuel per passenger than a small four-cylinder car. This makes the ferries one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable vessels in Australia.
SeaLink Rottnest - Ferry Tickets | |
Adult Return | $49 (weekday speical) to $86 same day return |
Child (4-12) | $32 - $44 |
Ferry & Bicycle Hire (one day) | |
Adult | $80 - $116 |
Child (4 -12) | $52 - $64 |
prices as of April 2023 |
Fast Ferries are the best way to get to Rottnest Island from Northern Perth,
In fact, this is the only ferry company who runs from Hillary’s Boat Harbour (Northern Perth coastline) and not from Freemantle. They operate a spacious, high-speed catamaran and offer a variety of travel packages for exploring the island
Travel time from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island is approximately 45 minutes each way. Time varies depending on sea conditions and the type of vessel used for the trip.
Interestingly they have some packages that offer ferry, bicycle hire, food snacks on the island. Check their package offers as they differ from the other company offerings, e.g, Fast Ferries have a skydiving over the island package.
Free shuttle pickup from various Perth City Hotels, they have a full list on their website.
Rottnest Fast Ferries - Ferry Tickets | |
Adult Return | $80 to $96 same day return |
Child (4-12) | $50 |
Ferry & Bicycle Hire (one day) | |
Adult | $114 |
Child (4 -12) | $65 |
prices as of April 2023 |
All of the ferry companies can take bikes, surfboards and oversized images for an additional fee.
There’s an option at the booking checkout for this equipment.
Bikes are stored on the ferry, front or back depending on the ferry vessel. However, due to limited space on-board vehicles at peak times and equipment requirements for specific journeys are limited, so make sure you book well in advance.
If you plan on bringing a bike please do so before the boarding as the ferry staff need to load luggage and check passengers-in. Just allow for more time before departure, so there’s no rush.
If you have luggage, like camping gear, coolers, suitcases, etc to bring to the island for accommodation the ferries can help you with the delivery so you don’t have to carry it by yourself.
Make sure you have all you need in your day bag as luggage is inaccessible until it get delivered to your island accommodation.
The ferry company will give you bag tags when you get your tickets, or ask for them. Attach it to your bag and drop them infront of the ferry luggage basked/collection point. Then get on the ferry and your bags will be delivered to you accommodation on rottnest island by the late afternoon.
Same goes for the return journey when you leave Rottnest. Leave your bags outside you accommodation and have your luggage picked up and delivered directly to your ferry. This means you don't have to worry about carrying your bags around with you on the island or lugging them onto the ferry.
There’s a weight limit and size of bags you can bring so check with the ferry company before using the service. There may be an additional fee for this service depending on the ferry company and the number of bags you’re transporting.
Yes you can charter your boat to Rottnest Island. Since you can choose your own schedule and don't have to wait for a ferry. But, it also requires more planning and some flexibility in terms of where you pick up or drop of before travelling with them.
Exclusive Boat Charters and BlueSun2 offer private boat charters to Rottnest Island for events, parties and weddings.
We haven’t researched prices, so best of luck on your Rottnest trip.
The most convenient and breathtaking way to travel to Rottnest Island is by flying. You can fly from Perth’s domestic airport, which is located on the edge of the city.
Google “Rottnest flight service” as there are a number of companies offer trips and scenic flights.
The best time to fly is early morning and late afternoon, as this gives you more time to enjoy your day at Rottnest Island.
There’s also helicopter service if you do some Googling.
Quokkas are so alluring because they’re perplexing! While looking at them, your brain tries to compare the quokkas to animals that you’ve seen before. But, quokkas are incomparable! It’s easy to wonder, wow, “how are they even real?”. The smiling face, the cuteness, it's all too good to be true.
But, it’s true. They exist,
Quokkas are small marsupials that belong to the kangaroo and wallaby family. Imagine a kangaroo-shaped animal that’s the size of a cat with a face of a teddy bear. The Quokka is known as "the happiest animal in the world" due to its perpetually smiling face and friendly demeanor.
These adorable creatures, which can grow up to 40 centimeters in length and weigh up to 2.5 kilograms, are most active at night and can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and coastal regions. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants and grasses.
Only found in a small area in Western Australia and the majority of quokkas live on Rottnest Island with a population of around 12,000. These unique, endangered animals have become a symbol for happiness.
Quokkas were first discovered by Europeans in 1658 by a Dutch ship, but the origin and history of quokkas is somewhat unclear. You can go visit them on Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia. We’ll be releasing a Visiting Quokka/Rottnest Island Travel Guide soon. Put the quokkas on your bucket list.
Quokkas are small marsupials that belong to the kangaroo and wallaby family.
They’re native to Australia, and live in habitat that consists of forests, bush and grasslands, or coastal areas with dense vegetation and thick shrubs or trees that provide protection from predators such as foxes, dogs, cats and dingoes.
Quokkas are herbivores and eat plants, shrubs, fruit and grasses.
They have a lifespan of about 10 years.
Quokkas live in groups called mobs, which can be as large as 50 individuals. Mobs are usually made up of female quokkas and their young, but they also include adult males. When they’re not eating or sleeping, quokkas spend most of their time grooming each other.
They’re social animals and usually spend time together to make sure everyone is healthy. Quokkas are also very active, which means they need a lot of food to keep up their energy levels. They can eat up to two-thirds of their body weight in just one day!
Quokkas are nocturnal which means they usually sleep during the day and are active at night.
Quokkas are a vulnerable species. This means that they’re at risk of becoming extinct due to human activities or natural causes. The main threats to quokka survival are habitat loss, predation by cats and foxes, vehicle collisions and disease outbreaks.
They are territorial and have a home range. Quokkas are known to be curious and confident, which is why they are often found on beaches or near houses sniffing for food.
Quokkas are herbivores , which means they feed solely on plants. With a diet consisting of grass, leaves, shrubs, fig berries, stems. They’re not picky eaters, but when food is scare during the dry season, they will eat almost anything they can find in their environment.
Please, the most important thing, do not feed them any human food because our food is full of added preservatives and chemicals which will make quokkas sick. Ultimately causing them to die. Let the wild be wild.
If you've never seen a quokka before, you life is now about to change for the better. They’re a very rare and unique animal which is probably why. The quokka is a tiny animal that makes hearts melt all over the world. So powerful things come in small packages!
Now, why are quokkas so cute? The quokkas big smile is their most icon feature, brown fur, and big eyes. But perhaps most importantly—and what makes them so irresistibly cute—is their tiny hands and how they hold them. Also, they hop around like rabbits.
Their small size and rounded features give them a playful and innocent appearance that is hard not to love.
One of the most striking features of Quokkas is their perpetual smile, which is caused by the alignment of their mouth and their fur. This "smiling" expression has led to them being dubbed the "world's happiest animal."
Their cute appearance is further accentuated by their behavior. Quokkas are known to be curious and approachable, they have been known to come close to humans, and even approach them, This friendly behavior makes them even more endearing to those who encounter them.
Quokkas are also known to be active and playful, which adds to their cuteness. They are often seen climbing trees, foraging for food and interacting with other Quokkas, making them a pleasure to watch.
We know you want to meet them! Quokkas primarily live on Rottnest Island (a small island off the coast of Western Australia). They also live on the mainland as part of fragmented colonies in isolated forests in parts of south Western Australia.
If you want to see these adorable guys in person, you can visit Rottnest Island by taking a short ferry ride from Perth. A perfect day trip.
The origin and history of the quokka is unclear, but it was possibly first discovered in 1658 when the Dutchman, Volkersen, wrote that it resembled an Asian civet cat, but with brown hair.
In 1696 de Vlamingh described the quokka as "a kind of rat as big as a common cat". He named the Island 'Rotte nest' (meaning 'rat's nest') and the name of the Island was eventually adapted to 'Rottnest'
The quokka may have been introduced to Rottnest Island in the 1830s by British settlers from mainland Australia, but have become extremely venerable on mainland Australia due to introduction of predators like foxes and feral cats.
Quokkas are having a pretty tough time out there. We wish it wasn’t the case.
The conservation status of the quokka is vulnerable and endangered. The IUCN Red List considers it a vulnerable species, with a decreasing population trend that meets the threshold for "endangered" classification.
Quokkas are protected by law in Western Australia and are considered a vulnerable species, with their population declining due to habitat destruction and introduced predators. Efforts are being made to protect and conserve Quokkas in their natural habitat.
One major threat to the quokka's survival is predation by feral cats, dogs and foxes. Feral goats also compete with native herbivores for food particularly during droughts.
Quokkas have experienced drastic population declines across their range due to human activities such as coastal, urban development and land clearance for agriculture . Fragmented colonies are mainly due to road construction or again, clearing land for pasture and crops.
If you love quokkas, there are a few organisations working to save quokkas.
Quokkas are truly unique and special animals that have captured the hearts of many with their adorable appearance and friendly personalities. It's important that we continue to protect and conserve these amazing creatures for future generations to enjoy.
Luckily we have a solution because you can’t just buy a house, pack up and move to Rottnest Island. However there are ways to temporary live with the quokkas.
Unless you want a very long expensive holiday staying in the tourist accommodations then the only other way to live on Rottnest Island is to get a job on Rottnest Island
So if you had no intent of working on the island, just so you could live there then I’d recommend you to stop reading this article.
Now that there gone, let’s dive into some value.
Tourist accommodation types are limited and mostly expensive
However, staff accommodation options
Currently, Rottnest Island is a tourist destination with limited accommodations available, there are hotels, cabins, dorms, rental houses and camping options. Ranging from expensive to a tent.
But the staff that work on the island pay cheaper staff rates to live in houses and cabins that you share with other work staff.
So technically the only way to live on Rottnest Island for long period of time at a reasonable price is to work on the island.
While there are many jobs available on the island, hospitality and tourism, most of these positions are seasonal and highly competitive. Also, keep in mind, Rottnest Island is only accessible by ferry, so if you’re sole plan was to find a job so you can live on the island. Make sure you find a job that permits living as a requirement, otherwise you'll need to be prepared to commute to work on a ferry and miss out on quality quokka time.
In the majority of cases, to live on Rottnest island you need to work on Rottnest Island. so this article will teach you about working and finding jobs on Rottnest Island.
“I want a job! So I can stay on the island and hangout with the quokkas” I hear you say! Luck is on your side, because it’s a little bit different to finding jobs on the mainland Australia. The work market here is changing all the time and with tourists coming through the island there's always something new happening.
As a breakdown, you can generally find work in the following industries:
The most important thing you’ll read in this entire article if you plan on living on the island you need to do a job that requires you to be working very early or very late on the island. Outside of ferry times. Meaning you have to sleep on the island to be able to work your job when there are no ferries. E.g in the morning such as cafe opening, hotel breakfast kitchen and restaurant, receptionist or cleaner or preparing the baked goods for the bakery. Any job that requires night time staff, e.g. bar, pub, restaurant, hotel. Essential morning work or essential night time work.
The job will then offer you special weekly rates for accommodation that only staff are allowed to rent and use. Far cheaper than the tourist options. Plus you make friends and family by working along side all the staff on the island.
So now you have the list of all majority of potential companies you can contact above. This article can only get you so far. Now it’s up to you, to execute and get in touch with them. Google them, find their website, look at their socials, see what they offer, do your reseach and get in contact with them. I wish you the best of luck.
Please make sure you do your research on the companies so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into and what the job requirements are. Stop wasting your time and theirs.
You don’t know unless you ask.
If you’re a tourist or a resident Different rules apply
Rules for getting jobs
When you’re on your work break or a day off you can enjoy all the island has to offer. Quokkas and beaches will become your life.
Look, If you’re generally a friendly person, hard-working and willing to learn. Then you’re more likely to get the job. HR are looking to hire people who they get along with.
The best way to stand out from the crowd is by showing them what value you can bring to their company.
Let them know why you would fit in well here, what skills or knowledge you have gained over your life that make you suitable for this job and how much passion you have for it.
If it’s your dream to work on Rottnest Island tell them that.
Some employees might be leaving soon and the company hasn't put up an opening available yet. Or maybe they want to replace a current that they don’t like, and you could be that replacement they didn’t know existed until you contacted them.
Asking is your best way, even if they say no now. You’re on their radar for potential jobs in the future.
Remember
Again please make sure you know that the job you’re going through means that you will be living on the island and not commuting daily.
Take all these tips and advice into account when you’re looking for a job on Rottnest Island, and don’t be discouraged if you can’t find one right away. Remember: it takes time to build up your skills and experience, but once they are in place, finding work will be much easier!
Thank you for reading, follow for more
- @daxon
]]>The quokka is no exception to this, known as the happiest animal in the world. They’re adorable and extremely cute. For some reason we are drawn to their cuteness which is probably why this website for quokkas exists.
But why does this happen? Well, there are several psychological reasons why looking at cute animal photos can put you in a good mood:
The more you look at cute animals, the more likely you are to be kinder to others.
This makes sense—after all, we're not all born with a "help other people" gene. But it's also been proven in studies: according to National Library of Medicine paper.
"when we see puppies, our brains release oxytocin," which makes us feel nurturing and affectionate towards those animals (and then maybe even towards other humans). This explains why many people who work in animal shelters volunteer there—they're genuinely interested in helping animals!
It's like when you're feeling sad, and then you see a cute animal and it instantly makes you feel better. You know what I mean? Cute animals are just so adorable that it makes me happy to look at them"
But why is it that we're so drawn to cute animals? According to Independent The preference for cuteness may have evolved as a way of attracting attention from caregivers and fostering attachments.
It's true that positive emotions are contagious. When you're around someone who's happy and smiling, it makes sense that you'd feel happier too. And we can't all be around someone who's always smiling and happy all the time (do those people exists?). But looking at cute animals is another way of getting your mood boosted and feeling good.
Bonus Tip: Beyond the cuteness content. There are many health benefits to actually having a pet. They can help keep you active, they provide companionship during times when you may feel lonely, and they make you smile!
"Their little smiles always brighten up my day" - Jonty
"It makes me want to file to Australia" - Madelene
"Makes me feel like I'm back in Australia, and then of course, they are just a joy to watch" - Nadiah J.
"It make the world look better to me. Their little smile tell me it's worthwhile" - Isa
Watching cute animal photos has been proven to be one of the best ways to cheer up and put you in a good mood. It's like a pick-me-up, but with no negative side effects.
Cute animal photos are also great for helping us deal with our emotions and cope with stress. Now, not being bias here, but quokkas are the cutest animals on earth, and there’s no reason not to look at them when they make us feel good.
When we see something cute, it triggers a happiness hormone called dopamine—the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Released in our brain which makes us feel better about things.
It's hard to find anything other than food and drugs that have a similar kind of effect on people, so if you want an easy solution to instantly improve your mood for free, look at some cute animal photos on our @quokkahub Instagram gallery
The internet is full of cute animal photos, and it’s impossible not to be happy when you see them. There are so many different types of animals in the world, but there’s something about baby animals and their uniqueness that makes people fall in love with them every time. Possibly the rarity of the occasion, as we don't experience many baby animals in person.
Quokka’s are extremely cute but equally inaccessible as they’re only in one small place in the world. So if you aren’t planning on going to Australia any time soon then the only way you can see a quokka is online.
Seriously the last bullet point, can't stress this enough.
When you look at a cute animal, your brain responds the same way it does when you receive a reward by releasing dopamine—the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.
If the animal is real, like a receiving a physical reward then we believe this effect dopamine is greatly amplified by all our senses.
So what happens when you see an adorable photo? Because they aren't real, it doesn’t directly trigger our reward system—but they do trigger our brain's pleasure centers by triggering similar responses in the visual cortex (the part of the brain responsible for recognizing images) as photos of human faces do.
Looking at cute animals can help you focus better and be more productive, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers found that looking at adorable images of baby animals helped people concentrate on tasks that involved doing math or puzzles, and made them more willing to work hard for longer periods of time.
The next time you feel overwhelmed with work or stress, or if you just need a pick-me-up,go look at some cute quokka photos (our @quokkaub Instagram gallery of course), maybe go visit the quokkas in person yourself. Or surround yourself with animals. Like, visit your local shelter or join a local rescue group. You’ll probably find yourself feeling happier and more fulfilled.
- @daxon
]]>Is there anything cuter than a Quokka baby? Probably not, which means you're now on the cutest article on in the internet.
To start you have the choice of reading this baby quokka article or watching a baby quokka video. I suggest you do both.
A Joey!
Here’s a fun fact: The word Joey comes from the Australian Aboriginal language.
Joey simply means 'little animal'. Baby kangaroos and baby koalas are also called joeys!
QUOKKA BABY IMAGE
Let’s give you a quick overview of what makes quokka joeys so amazing and then we’ll get into the details.
Now let’s get into the details
Mother quokkas only have 1-2 babies per year because baby quokkas are a lot of work
BUT mother quokkas can have up to 17 babies over the course of her life! (A huge, hopping family!)
And how much does a baby quokka weigh, or what does it look like I hear some of you ask?
To give you an example, after about 70 days of living. This is after birth and growing in mothers pouch. The bean sized quokka baby only weighs 35 grams.
Imagine about the size and weight of a a regular egg.
They are also born with no fur and grow it within the first 2-3 months.
All of the above facts are some great reasons why quokkas don’t make good pets. We talk more about why you shouldn't have one as a pet here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXSLkuwJZk
Daddy quokka is really nowhere to be found!
The male quokka doesn’t actually help to raise the baby, he has very little to do with the family, but he will protect the mother quokka from predators while she is pregnant.
Oh baby! Curious and not camera shy…
These little adventurous quokkas are anything but camera shy. Quokka joeys are both very curious and shy. They are always popping their heads out of mom’s pouch to see what's happening in the world and if there's any food to nibble on.
Every now and they they'll venture out of the pouch to have a scratch or stretch their legs. But
Check out this very rare video of the little joey falling out as he's getting too big to fit.
After 6 to 7 months in mom’s pouch, baby quokka gets too big and too heavy for mom to carry him. So it’s time to move out! Teenage quokkas live beside their mother snuggling up against here for another 6 months. This is their road to independence.
You'll always see the baby and mum side by side for months to come as
It starts all over again.
After about a year to 18 months quokka is all grown up and become sexually active. They'll start to find other quokkas to mate with and pretty soon it will be time to make more babies!!
Quokka Joeys start poking their heads of mothers pouch from August to September. Then start venturing out of the pouches from September to November. Their cuteness if indescribable, you'll just have to witness them yourself.
To see more happy baby quokkas check out the baby quokka video if you haven't already watched it. Warning: your heart may explode with happiness!
For daily quokka cuteness updates follow our quokka gallery on Instagram (Full of quokka smiles to melt your heart) https://www.instagram.com/quokkahub/?hl=en .
-Gabi
]]>You may have read or seen the meme stating "Think you're a bad mother? Quokkas throw their babies at predators to defend themselves".
Well in this video we find out what mother quokka really does and where this statement originated. Talk to the artist that started the whole idea and shed light on this tossing baby situation.
Watch our video and find out the truth.
For the latest quokka animal smiles media follow us ► http://www.instagram.com/quokkahub
In June 2018 Sad Animal Facts published this drawing that started the whole rumor.
Google's first recorded index date of this searched information aligns with Sad Animal Facts' publishing date of June 2018.
This was there conversation as seen in the video.
Allan Dixon - "We need the truth! Your fact about quokkas throwing their babies has gone viral and become believable. Can you please tell me the source of where you found this fact? Referring to your post from 2018. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj76DELAWEF/?igshid=1s8sprtdbeyis Thanks"
SadAnimalFacts - "Hey Allan! For sure, this is the study I’m referencing: https://ibs.bialowieza.pl/g2/pdf/1617.pdf The baby ejection is on page 720 (but don’t worry it’s not that long! The pdf starts in the 700s)"
Allan Dixon - "WTF! Maybe it's true. It seems to be a very rare occurrence. 🐻😓 But the one thing that you added was the word `throw` which took the whole meme out of proportion. I think people thought the quokkas physically throw the babies at the predators."
SadAnimalFacts - "Ah oh no! In hindsight shoot seems better."
Watch the full conversation unfold in the video above.
The Quokka Study - Expelling Baby Quokkas Document https://ibs.bialowieza.pl/g2/pdf/1617.pdf
Check for yourself and read the quokka study on page 720 (don't worry it starts on page 700 so not much scrolling)
The study states - "When a female quokka becomes aware of a life-threatening interaction with a predator she may expel her off-spring whose subsequent noise attracts the attention of the approaching predator. It seems likely that the predator would take the young in such circumstances"
There are no mentions of the word ‘throw’ in the entire document.
Have you seen the size of quokka arms and hands. If not look again. They don’t really have any arm strength, not much power or flexibility.
But they do have one good skill. A really strong grip.
Quokkas come from the marsupial family, which include Kangaroos and Wallabies. Both of which don’t throw their babies.
The word 'throw' was added in the Sad Animal Facts illustration which then took the whole expelling action out of proportion. Quokkas cannot throw their babies, but they can gently expelling them out of their pouch. This is more of a slipping out onto the ground situation.
So it is plausible for a quokka momma to expel her baby as a decoy and hop away to save her life.
Quokkas how could you!
-Allan
P.S. Follow along for daily quokka smiles on our Instagram @quokkahub
]]>The perfect quokka selfie photo = the perfect position of your body, face and camera in relation to the quokka + the right timed click of the camera.
Quokka facts to get you up to speed: Imagine an animal the size of a cat with the body shape of a kangaroo and a face of a smiling bear. That's a Quokka. Known as the happiest animal in the world. Only found on Rottnest Island in Western Australia. With a population of only around 12,000. These unique endangered animals have become a symbol for happiness. What beauties!
What you’ll need for a quokka selfie:
This will be the most in depth guide ever made about how to take quokka selfies. How can we be so sure? This guide is from the guy who invited quokka selfies! Allan DIxon (@daxon), so he definitely knows a thing or two about about it.
The only animal selfie video you’ll even have to watch. The perfect guide to taking Quokka Selfies.
These points make the difference between a mind blowing photo and an average photo. So pay attention!
Patience is the number one skill in taking the quokka selfie. Remember that it could take a long time to get the perfect shot so please know that the perfect quokka selfie is usually a slow art.
Slow and steady movements are key. Lie down on the ground to their level to show them you're not a threat. You'll have dirty clothes, but get quality photos being at their eye level.
Keep sound and noise to a minimum. We would advise not to talk out loud right beside them at the start. imagine how you would feel if a random stranger came up and started yelling in your ear. What would you do? Get outta there quick!
Personal space. Just like you, animals also like personal space. Give the quokka space and slowing introduce your presence. Don’t be all up in his grill the first second.
Time equals trust. If you spend a lot of time with an animal they’ll learn to trust you because all their experiences have been pleasurable. The same goes for quokkas so maybe just come back at a later time and try again.
Animals are unpredictable so any of the above might not apply depending on the circumstances and the animals current mood.
Before you try take a quokka selfie, give it some practice and take a selfie with your pet. (a kind loving pet, not one that will bite you)
Follow the steps below and apply them to your pet.
If you don’t have a pet, go find someone else's.
Or get yourself the most cuddle-able quokka pillow to take selfies with.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Early morning at first light and one to three hours after sunrise. Then again two hours before sunset until dark. 24/7 every day of the year. These are the perfect times for cool weather.
Quokkas are nocturnal meaning they sleep during the day and are awake during the night.
Wind and rain also make it harder to capture Quokka selfies as quokkas prefer to remain protected from the weather under the bushes.
Your camera app should already be open and ready to click before the encounter begins.
Approach the quokka from a low couching position from the front at a 45 degree. Your low position will make the animals curious as it’s not normal for a human to be so low.
If you try to approach from behind, it could make the quokka nervous. They can feel your presence and might feel slightly threatened. Meaning they hop away or hopefully just turn around to see what’s behind them.
At this point you can start lying down on the ground and slowly crawling towards them. Or crouch walk towards them. Further explained in the video above.
Being low to the ground at their level will make them stand taller in the image. It also makes you seem less of a scary giant to the quokka. Less threatening in this case. But the disadvantage is that you’ll get dirt or quokka poop on your clothes. So wear clothes you do mind getting dirty. Of course the low angle is a suggestion and you can experiment with higher angles or far away. But being face to face with the quokka at its height helps produce and image with both the quokka’s face and your face being in focus at the same time.
The perfect quokka selfie photo = the perfect position of your body, face and camera in relation to the quokka + the right timed click of the camera.
When you are beside the animal with the camera you’re ready to click.
It can go a few ways. Let’s explain.
After capturing some selfies once the quokka hops away or completely loses interest get up and check your photos to see if you need another selfie session.
Hopefully they’ll be amazing
This happens when the quokka is eating a leaf, shrub, berry or licking its lips. They find food on the ground and sniff around to eat it. A perfect time to click a photo when this happens.
NEVER EVER FEED A QUOKKA HUMAN FOOD BECAUSE THEY WILL GET SICK AND DIE. No chips, burgers, wraps, pizza, biscuits, crackers, nuts, chocolate or anything sugary.
Let them maintain their normal diet of leaves, stems, berries and shrubs.
Imagine having an over clingy partner breathing down your neck. What would you do in this situation? We’re sure you would try everything in your power to get as far away from them as quickly as possible.
Depending on the quokka if they like your presence then stay and take photos, but if not, take a step back, give them space and let them take a break. Try to go in for a selfie again when the time is right. Usually when they are curious again.
The smartphone is great because it's smaller, portable and doesn't scare the animal when your phone is beside them. The DSLR, for now, can take better quality photos, but it's heavier, less portable and can sometimes scare the animal.
Some animals run away when I take out my DSLR. Maybe the animal is thinking "What is this crazy loud black box you're sticking in my face"
I've used Canon DSLRs for 8 years (2010 - 2018) and Sony DSLRs for 3 years (2018-2021). Both produce great results. My iconic quokka selfie was captured on a Canon 5D Mark III. Currently using Sony because of its outstanding video capabilities compared to Canon’s offering. Below is the best setup you should have to capture quokka selfies on a DSLR.
If you love Canon then get this as your DSLR gear
Canon 5D Mark IV camera body.
https://amzn.to/3lCN1ph
With a Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 II lens.
https://amzn.to/3inwmUS
The wide angle lens gives a wider field of view. Fitting you, the quokka and surroundings in the photo only at an arm's distance.
DSLR photo resolution and picture quality is amazing. The reason for this comes down to the camera sensor size and specifications. DSLRs will always have a bigger and better sensor compared to smartphones. Read up about camera sensors to deep drive into the technicals of why. Also, these cameras are what wedding photographers use, so they’re a big deal.
DSLR lenses can give you a shallow depth of field. This look is called ‘Bokeh’ and can only be naturally done with DSLRs which gives the image a professional feel.
Continuous Auto-Focus: If your DSLR has this option it could work great with the Quokkas quick movements. As quokkas might go to sniff your lens, the camera will adjust the focus on the quokka in real time.
Burst Mode: That moment of an open mouth quokka smile only lasts for a few seconds. Burst mode help for continuous shooting.
High Shutter Speed (1/400s or higher): Motion blur on the mouth of the quokka is a common problem which can be fixed with a high shutter speed. You will have to compensate by increasing aperture and iso to let more light into the sensor. Aim for sharper smiles.
For more details on the Quokka selfie watch the YouTube video at the top of this page.
Hopefully this will help you with your quokka selfie and animal selfies as a whole.
Best of luck and Smile on!
Follow more of Allan on his Instagram @daxon
Thank you
P.S. make sure you tag your photos #quokkaselfie and #quokkahub for us to feature you in upcoming aritcles and on our Instagram @quokkahub
If you're a million miles away from the quokkas then this is the only way to bring them into your home. Get the happiest quokka pillow on earth! This will bring the whole room to life and get your friends talking.
Take all the selfies you want. Soft, comfy and totally cuddleable.
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