Furtastic Series Banner

Lonely Planet gives quokka hot spot the recognition it deserves

Better revisit your travel "to do" list, we say.
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It's safe to say there's an abundance of choice when it come to place to visit in Australia -- from urban landmarks like the Sydney Opera House to natural ones like Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef.

But according to Lonely Planet's New In 2017 list, there are two stand-out destinations you've been overlooking.

One of which is Pinky's Eco Retreat and Beach Club, opening in December 2017. It's located on Rottnest Island in Western Australia, famous for its shameful colonial history, as well as its beaches and the so-called "happiest animal in the world," the quokka.

The marsupial is internet famous, thanks to its adorable looks and gentle nature, making it a popular animal for selfies.

Just look at that face.

When you've got your fill of cuteness, the freshly-opened Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is another stand-out attraction.

It's not for the faint-hearted, however. The trek is 61 kilometres (41 miles) long, and will take approximately five days to complete.

The rewards are immense though, as you stroll "through forests and along clifftops, beaches and freshwater lagoons, passing abundant wildlife as well as photogenic natural formations like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch," according to Lonely Planet.

If the journey to Australia is too long, there's plenty of other new places on the list.

Like Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution, set to open in April. It's dedicated to the volatile time U.S. history, arguably fitting considering the country's political climate today.

There's also LAVA, a centre dedicated to Iceland's volcanoes and earthquakes, which even has an earthquake simulator for the uninitiated.

Or for the style conscious, Musées Yves Saint Laurent in Paris and Morocco are two museums dedicated to the fashion luminary.

Better revisit your travel "to do" list, we say.

Topics Animals

Mashable Image
Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

Mashable Potato

More from Furtastic
Kind mailman builds ramp for neighborhood senior dog
Original image replaced with Mashable logo


Cat named Pretty Boy is a caring midwife for a lucky, pregnant goat
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

Twitter is freaking out about the existence of hairless animals
Twitter is freaking out about the existence of hairless animals

Happy pups take owner for a joyous snowboarding ride in a winter wonderland
Happy pups take owner for a joyous snowboarding ride in a winter wonderland

Recommended For You
CES 2026: Meet Ami, the AI soulmate for the lonely remote worker
Holodeck of 3D-generated woman in a small tublar object.

I'm trying the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai at home — one minute I'm cheering it on, the next I'm cursing it out
Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum using green laser to highlight dust on hardwood floor

Hinge tests facial recognition scans in these countries
hinge logo on iphone

The lonely state of getting over someone you never dated
A couple kisses on a subway train while the man reaches his hand out to a stranger nearby


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!