Tourist's unwitting mistake at Aussie hotspot prompts warning of $150 fine

The British traveller was visting WA's Rottnest Island when she claims she was 'robbed' by quokka. But the cheeky act exposed her own key mistake.

Left: Tourist Ellie posing with quokka on Rottnest Island. Right: Two quokkas rummaging through bag stealing food.
Ellie was visiting Rottnest Island known for its famous quokkas when some began rummaging through her bag. Source: TikTok/thechaoticnomad

A tourist visiting one of Australia's most popular nature reserves has shared her recent experience with the island's famous quokkas, admittedly falling victim to the animals' sneaky tactics. Her mistake highlights important rules for visitors and a $150 fine they may not be aware of.

The British woman named Ellie, who's currently travelling around Australia, revealed she and her friend were "robbed" when visiting Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia this week. The picturesque island is known for its famous and cuddly population of quokkas.

In a video on TikTok, Ellie explained they had visited a bakery on arrival, hoping to fuel up for the busy day of exploring ahead. But while sitting down to enjoy their pastries "a crime was committed" Ellie joked. A bird had swooped and stolen her friend's brekkie.

"Clutching" onto hers in fear of it being taken too, she popped them in her bag before placing her belongings on the ground under the table. "Next thing you know, I feel a weight on my foot," she explained. "I look down and it's a quokka, but he's not alone".

She said that "half the quokka population is now under our table rummaging through my bag". The cheeky marsupials had been eyeing off her pastries.

While she did attempt to stop them, a few began "tucking into" the goods. And therein lies the tourist's mistake. According to Rottnest Island Authorities, it's illegal to feed a quokka or any animal on the island — and doing so can attract a $150 fine.

While Ellie didn't directly feed the quokkas, a spokesperson told Yahoo "visitors are encouraged to ensure food is securely stored and out of reach" at all times and that "feeding and touching quokkas is not permitted for the welfare of the animals".

"Ranger patrols are undertaken regularly throughout each day to enforce the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988, inclusive of feeding wildlife," they said.

  • Simply observe the quokkas as they go about their natural movements — quokkas are wild animals so ensure you observe them from a respectable distance.

  • Do not touch quokkas — touching quokkas can make them sick, spread disease, and even cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent.

  • Do not feed quokkas, including leaves — quokkas are listed as a vulnerable species, so it is illegal to feed quokkas (or any wildlife) as human food can make them sick. Even feeding quokkas leaves can disrupt their natural foraging habits.

Two images showing tourists posing with famous quokkas on Rottnest Island
Tourists are encouraged to take selfies with the famous quokkas at Rottnest Island in Western Australia, however touching or feeding them is not allowed. Source: Instagram

Online, others were quick to point out the woman's mistake with one admitting it was "a rookie error".

"The birds on Rotto are renowned for stealing food out of people's hands same as the Quokkas. Don’t leave food unattended there," one warned.

"Be more responsible with your bags the quokkas can get really sick," another said. To which Ellie replied, "we sat in a no quokka zone, they weren’t supposed to be able to get into that section... didn’t expect them to go rooting through my bag".

Previously, a holidaymaker visiting the tourist hotspot was tracked down by authorities after posting an incriminating photo to social media. It showed him holding one of the tiny, and famous, marsupials.

Signs erected around the island clearly indicate visitors can look but not touch the furry animals. He was swiftly issued a $200 fine.

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