Featuring the Adorably Unmissable “Quite Cute Quokka Encounter“
Planning a trip to Australia Zoo and wondering if you should book an Animal Encounter? This post goes over my experience doing the Quite Cute Quokka animal encounter. I also provide some tips on booking yours.
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Intro
If there’s one thing that can elevate your visit to Australia Zoo from fun to unforgettable, it’s booking an animal encounter! These up-close experiences give you the chance to interact with some of Australia’s most iconic (and adorable) animals in a way that a regular zoo visit really just can’t match.
During my recent trip to Australia Zoo, I chose to do the Quite Cute Quokka Encounter, and it was a heart-melting experience and the highlight of my day.
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Meeting the World’s Happiest Animal
What’s a Quokka?
If you haven’t heard of quokkas, they are known as “the world’s happiest animal”. Quokkas are small marsupials that are incredibly photogenic with the cutest smile that will make your heart melt.
Encounter Setting
My quokka encounter began with a warm welcome from a couple of zookeepers who guided us into the quokka enclosure. They directed us to seat on a couple of cushions laid out on the ground, where quokka food was already placed. The setting was calm, intimate, and perfect for interaction.
The Quokkas
The quokkas themselves were relaxed and hungry lol. At the time of my visit, there were two quokkas in the enclosure: one female and one male. They ate the food out of my hands and one of them kept asking for seconds! The other one was a bit more shy than the other, but I was able to still feed him. The male was definitely the shyer one, while the female was more willing to eat the food from my hands.
With the direction from the zookepers, we were also able to gently pet them too!
Keeper Commentary
Not only were we able to hand-feed the quokkas and gently pet them, we also learned all about their habits, unique personalities, and conservation status. The knowledgeable keeper provided fun facts and made sure us and the quokkas were comfortable throughout. We also asked the keepers many questions which they happily answered.
Encounter Inclusions: High Resolution Photos & Lapel Pin
During the first 5 minutes of the encounter, a staff photographer is in the enclosure with us snapping pictures. She directed us to look at the camera and also how to feed the quokka in a manner to get their adorable smile to show. These photos are included in the encounter price, and we collected them (via USB) and the included lapel pin after the encounter.
I do want to note that during my visit, the zookeeper asked that we keep our phones in our bags (which we put to the side in the beginning). Because of this, we were not able to take our own photos or selfies with the happy quokkas. I’m not sure if this is the protocol for every animal encounter, but just a note to not expect to take your own photos in case it’s a factor in making a decision to book an animal encounter.
However, it does look like most animal encounters include a staff photographer to take photos of you and the animal during the encounter.
Overall Thoughts
I really enjoyed my time with the quokkas, and after having learned their conservation status and how they primarily are found on Rottnest Island, this Queensland encounter was made even more special to me. Quokkas are one of my favorite animals so I’m really happy I was able to experience this and learn more about them.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Encounter
1. Book in Advance
To guarantee a spot and go on your desired date/time, then I recommend booking in advance. Some animal encounters can sell out quickly and they seem to open booking a month or two ahead. I actually “stalked” the animal encounter booking calendar to make sure I get the encounter I wanted on the date I needed. I was only in town for a couple days so it was imperative I book it on the day I could visit.
Because I had requirements, I actually reached out to Australia Zoo via their online Contact Form to let them know I wanted to book the encounter on a specific date. Booking was not yet available at the time I reached out, but they kindly put me on a waiting list and then contacted me to let me know the encounter was available to book. Awesome service!
2. Read the Animal Encounter Details Carefully
On each animal encounter webpage, there are “Details” that provides useful information, requirements and recommendations. Do carefully read through these as some encounters have unique recommendations. For example, the “Leapin’ Lemur Encounter” recommends to wear tops that covers shoulders since Lemurs may climb on them.
3. Check the Age and Group Restrictions
As mentioned, each animal encounter has their own “Details” section that provides useful information, requirements and recommendations. This section also lays out minimum age requirements and how many people can join. Do read and understand these requirements so that you (or little ones) are not disappointed.
For example, guests who want to experience the “Quite Cute Quokka” encounter must be at least 8 years old. Children who are between 8-14 years old also need to have an accompanying adult. But only a maximum of 3 people are able to do the encounter at a time.
4. Arrive Early
Arrive at the meeting point (at Guest Services) 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Arriving early gives the staff ample time to go over safety and any pertinent information before your encounter.
5. Be Camera-Ready
Most animal encounters include high resolution photos. So, be camera-ready if you do not want to be disappointed with the professional shots they take.
6. Respect the Animals
With any animal encounter, PLEASE respect the animals and listen to the zookeepers. They do a great job at making sure the animals are comfortable at all times where they’ll direct you to interact with the animals. Let the animals naturally come to you or let the guide bring the animals to you, and don’t force any interaction. Some animals can be skittish or shy too so it’s important to be respectful of their space and their natural behaviors.
The encounter is about mutual curiosity and gentle interaction. It is NOT about a photo op.
7. Wear Comfortable Bottoms
Some animal encounters may have you sitting on the ground, like the “Quite Cute Quokka” Encounter did. Because of this, wear bottoms you’re comfortable sitting on the ground or dirt in. I actually wore a short skort and although they looked uncomfortable, the built-in shorts were more than fine to sit on the ground, and decently cover me up.
8. Wear Socks or Closed-Toe shoes
Most animal encounters require you to wear “enclosed shoes” to go into the enclosure. So to be prepared, wear closed-toe shoes. Or, if you’re like me and want to wear sandals because Australia is hot, bring a pair of socks. If you do not wear (or bring) closed-toe shoes, you are able to borrow some shoes but no socks are provided. Socks aren’t required either but they add comfortability when wearing borrowed shoes.
Final Words
The Quite Cute Quokka Encounter was an unforgettable experience! Being face-to-face with such joyful little creatures, learning about their species, and supporting conservation work at the same time was something I won’t soon forget. An animal encounter at Australia Zoo is an unforgettable way to make your trip even more special. If quokkas aren’t your top pick, there are plenty of other experiences to choose from—koalas, wombats, red pandas, even giraffes! Bon Voyage!
Have you done an Australia Zoo Animal Encounter?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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