This year’s Quokka Birthday will run over the whole month of September – with free day ferry travel for children and The Perth Mint coming to the party with the release of the first-ever collectible quokka coin.
Expanding from last year’s weekend celebration, the 2020 Quokka Birthday will run all month, including a whole calendar of free activities, music, entertainment and special offers.
Same-day travel and admission to the island for children 12 years and under will be free throughout September – offering families the perfect chance to see spring quokka joeys emerging from the pouch.
The Perth Mint has also joined the celebrations this year, releasing its first-ever limited-edition bullion coin featuring the beloved marsupial.
The one ounce silver coin is Australian legal tender and is available for purchase from The Perth Mint and on Rottnest Island.
Half of the 30,000 special edition coins will be marketed overseas, promoting ‘the world’s happiest animal’ and Western Australia around the world.
This year, a Quokka Birthday Party will be held every Saturday of the month, with a DJ, musicians, party games and other activities for children and families.
Families will be invited to explore Rottnest to search for ‘Chokka’ the quokka – who will be placed in various locations around the island – as well as having chances to win prizes on the Quokka Detective Treasure Hunt.
There will be a sleepover party every weekend featuring evening bonfires and twilight quokka tours on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Wildlife Wednesday will offer wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers the chance to discover a different side to Rottnest Island with walking tours, photography workshops and wildlife talks.
To find out more and to RSVP, visit https://rottnestisland.com/quokkabirthday
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“The Quokka Birthday has been such a success that we are expanding it from one weekend to a whole month of fantastic activities and initiatives for kids and families.
“Children under 12 will be able to take a day ferry trip to the island for free all month – giving families a really affordable way to come and see the quokkas, and hopefully some joeys, and take part in some great free activities.
“Families will be invited to explore the island to find ‘Chokka’ the quokka, who will be placed in various locations around Rottnest, giving visitors a great interactive way to discover the destination.
“I commend The Perth Mint for producing its first-ever collectable quokka coin. It is terrific to partner with them to celebrate the 2020 Quokka Birthday.
“The quokka has become WA’s undisputed tourism icon so this is a terrific way to celebrate the ‘world’s happiest animal’ and promote the State around the globe for when international tourism can restart.
“Western Australians have Rottnest Island all to themselves at the moment, and there has never been a more affordable time to discover or rediscover our little slice of paradise.
“The Quokka Birthday is the best time for kids to meet a quokka for the first time, and the huge range of free activities and activations this month will make a trip a memorable visit for the whole family.”
As stated by Perth Mint General Manager Minted Products Neil Vance:
“Visitors to the Mint and many of our customers have asked for a coin featuring the much-loved quokka so we are delighted to bring this release to market and help to promote one of our unique and native attractions.”
