Despite the Rottnest Island's unspoiled beauty, pristine beaches and crystal clear water, the number one reason people take the 30 minute ferry ride from Perth is a small marsupial known as the quokka.

"Quokkas are a really special species. They are a threatened species and you don't often see them in the wild but here in Rottnest Island we have 12,000 of them," said park services manager Karen Smith. 

On this day, dozens of overseas visitors said they made the trip to the island in search of a quokka selfie, motivated by the thousands of images on Instagram that feature some well known celebrities.

The quokka has no natural predator on the island, except for the odd poisonous snake, which is why they've been able to thrive here. It also helps to explain why the marsupials seem so natural and relaxed around people.

"Ultimately be patient and you will get that perfect photo," said Smith.

(Cover: Australian movie star Chris Hemsworth is among the thousands of people who have posted quokka selfies. /Photo by Chris Hemsworth)