By Evory Chong
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), home to quokkas, the happiest animals on the planet, is a vacation destination in Perth with pristine beaches, turquoise bays, bike paths, and nature walks. With their breathtakingly white sand, crystal-clear water that reaches your toes, and magnificent coves created by naturally carved rocks, Rottnest’s beaches are like a little piece of paradise. In just 5 hours flight, you may also view seals floating or dolphins bobbing from specific spots, as well as humpback whales breaching (they migrate from September to November). Of course, the quokka, a friendly mammal with an angelic smile, is the main attraction. The Western Australian icon is not only the focus of innumerable celebrity selfies, but she also gave the island its name when Dutch sailors confused the quokkas as large rats in the 17th century.