More than 1,600 people are expected to join in the celebrations at the inaugural Quokka Birthday Party on Rottnest Island at this weekend.
The crowd, which will include families and hundreds of children, will enjoy a range of activities including a quokka detective scavenger hunt, movie screening, walking tours and tips on how to take the perfect quokka selfie.
A special birthday cake will be cut by Rottnest Island Authority chairperson John Langoulant.
The popularity of the event meant all Rottnest Island Authority accommodation was booked out last night (Saturday). Tonight’s (Sunday) accommodation is about 80 per cent full. It is the busiest September weekend outside of school holidays ever.
Weekend visitors will also be given the opportunity to learn from experts on key quokka facts and what is in place to protect the quokka.
The Rottnest Island Authority works tirelessly to protect the quokka and recently completed the first part of its quokka monitoring program, which is supported by the Rottnest Foundation and Margaret River Chocolate Company’s chocolate quokka.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“This weekend is going to be a wonderful way to celebrate the happiest animal on the planet.
“It is great that so many families have taken advantage of the special travel and accommodation deals to join in the festivities for our much-loved Western Australian local – the quokka.
“In addition to all the fun activities, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about this unique animal and its native environment through special walk tours and forums.
“The quokka party is set to become a popular annual event. We have already had accommodation bookings for next year’s birthday celebration.”
