Finally, I spotted the “smiling quokka” that Jay Chou raved about!

This enchanting little island, just a stone’s throw from Perth, is a true gem with its crystal-clear, jelly-like waters, incredible snorkeling spots, and the irresistibly cute quokkas (short-tailed wallabies). It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Western Australia!

I’ve got your one-day travel guide, transportation, tickets, and itinerary all sorted out!
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[How to score cheaper ferry tickets?]
It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance from the Rottnest Express official website.
Don’t forget to use the discount code: telethon
for an instant price cut!
For a perfectly paced day, aim to depart between 7-9 AM and return between 4-6 PM.

[Where to set sail from?]
I recommend boarding the ferry from Fremantle Shed B. If you’re driving, park at the nearby Wilson Zone 3 for just AUD 12 for the whole day.
The scenic ferry ride takes only 30 minutes.

[Island Transportation]
Top Pick: Quokka Coaches’ Island Explorer bus
Enjoy the hop-on hop-off service with fixed stops
If you’re up for a challenge, rent a bicycle and cycle around the island.
But be warned — the terrain can be quite hilly and tiring!

[Must-see spots]
Stops 5, 6, 7 – Dive into the jelly sea, a snorkeler’s paradise!
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a towel, and wear your swimsuit to dive right in! It’s incredibly refreshing!
Stop 11 – Sea lion lookout!
I caught a glimpse of a sea lion’s tail twice, but it was so fast I couldn’t see its head!

The staff mentioned that you might also spot dolphins here!
Stop 19 – Island accommodation + quokka haven!
If you plan to stay overnight, this stop has plenty of hotels to choose from.
Quokkas are abundant around stops 1 and 19!
They are most active from noon to afternoon, perfect for those quokka selfies!

[My itinerary for reference]
6 AM Wake up & grab some breakfast bread -> 8 AM Arrive at the pier, find parking -> 9:00 AM Board the ferry -> 9:30 AM Arrive on the island, snap photos with quokkas
-> 10:30 AM Buy bus ticket, start exploring: 5, 6, 7, 11, 19 -> 3:00 PM Return to stop 1, rest and enjoy a snack -> 4:30 PM Take the ferry back to Fremantle and cap off the day with a delicious seafood feast at Kaili Restaurant
Got questions about car rental, itinerary, or discount coupons? Just message me with the keyword: “smiling quokka” / “car rental”, and I’ll get back to you pronto! [selfieR]