The Wildlife You Can See When You Visit Rottnest Island

Friday 11th September 2026

Rottnest Island isn’t just famous for its turquoise bays and laid‑back holiday vibe — it’s also home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife.

Whether you’re cycling the island loop, snorkelling in one of its 63 beaches, or wandering through the settlement, you’ll find animals and marine life that make Rotto feel like a living nature documentary.

Here’s your guide to the incredible wildlife you can spot on your next visit.

Quokkas: The Island’s Most Famous Residents

Rottnest Island is the only place in the world where you’ll find large, thriving populations of quokkas in the wild. These small marsupials are famously friendly, photogenic, and often seen hopping around the settlement, under shady trees, or near walking trails.

Where to find them:

Around Thomson Bay
Under trees near the bakery (they love the shade)
On walking trails like Wadjemup Bidi
In spring, look for baby quokkas (joeys) emerging from pouches

Fun fact: Quokkas were once mistaken for giant rats — which is how Rottnest (“Rat’s Nest”) got its name.

A small quokka stands on coastal rocks at sunset, with calm blue water, anchored boats, and a distant shoreline in the background.

New Zealand Fur Seals: The Island’s Sunbathing Giants

Head to the western end of the island and you’ll find a thriving colony of New Zealand fur seals lounging on the rocks at Cathedral Rocks. They’re playful, noisy, and often seen flopping into the water or waving a flipper in the sun.

Best viewing spot:

Cathedral Rocks viewing platform (Geordie Bay side)

Tip: Bring binoculars — you’ll get a closer look without disturbing them.

A seal glides underwater through clear blue light, with sunbeams streaming down and seaweed-covered ocean floor beneath.

Dolphins: Playful Visitors in the Bays

Rottnest’s clear waters are a playground for bottlenose dolphins, often seen cruising past swimmers or riding the waves near the reefs.

Where you might spot them:

Salmon Bay
Parker Point
The Basin
On the ferry ride over

Dolphins are most active in the mornings, so keep your eyes on the water as you explore.

Whales: A Seasonal Spectacle

From September to November, Rottnest becomes part of the humpback whale migration route. You can often see whales breaching, tail-slapping, or cruising past the island’s deeper waters. Make sure you jump on board Rottnest Express’ whale watching tour to get a front row seat!

A humpback whale bursts out of the ocean in a powerful breach, water spraying around its body.

Birdlife: A Haven for Island Birds

Rottnest is home to more than 50 species of birds, including migratory visitors and impressive raptors.

Birds you’re likely to see:

Osprey — often perched on tall nesting towers
Pied cormorants drying their wings
Silver gulls (the classic Aussie seagull)
Terns diving for fish
Banded stilts around salt lakes
Rainbow bee-eaters in warmer months

Birdwatchers will love the island’s mix of coastal, lake, and bushland habitats.

Marine Life: A Snorkeller’s Paradise

With more than 20 snorkelling sites, Rottnest is one of WA’s best underwater playgrounds. Expect colourful fish, coral, and even the occasional stingray.

Common marine life:

Parrotfish
Blue devil fish
Western rock lobsters
Stingrays
Octopus
Coral gardens at Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay

Snorkelling here feels like swimming through a tropical aquarium.

A group black and white fish cruise the bottom of the ocean surrounded by seagrass.

Rottnest Island is one of Australia’s most wildlife-rich destinations, offering close encounters with quokkas, seals, dolphins, whales, birds, reptiles, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by bike, or underwater, the island gives you a front-row seat to nature at its best.