When it comes to capturing the hearts of Australians and wildlife enthusiasts around the world, nothing does the trick quite like a selfie with a quokka. These charming marsupials, native to a small corner of Western Australia, have become a symbol of joy and the unofficial ambassadors of Rottnest Island. And now, they've charmed their way into the Instagram feed of none other than Hollywood heartthrob Scott Eastwood.

Eastwood, a rising star in his own right and the progeny of legendary actor-director Clint Eastwood, recently graced the shores of Rottnest Island, a scenic 20 km off the Perth coastline. His visit to the island was part of a whirlwind trip to Western Australia, where he was spotted arriving in style, courtesy of Perth billionaire Laurence Escalante's private jet.


The actor, known for his roles in films like The Longest Ride and Pacific Rim: Uprising, couldn't resist the allure of the island's most famous residents. Taking to Instagram, Eastwood shared a delightful selfie with a quokka, captioning the moment with a playful nod to Julius Caesar: 'Came, saw, …. did the Quokka.'


The post quickly garnered attention, with Eastwood's 5.2 million followers showering the photo with praise. Comments ranged from pure adoration of the quokka's cuteness to envy over the actor's close encounter with Australia's happiest animal. One follower even suggested the selfie would make the perfect profile picture for a dating app, highlighting the universal appeal of these photogenic creatures.


Eastwood's quokka selfie is the latest in a series of celebrity snapshots that have helped catapult Rottnest Island into the global spotlight. The trend, which seems to have become a rite of passage for visiting celebrities, has seen the likes of Chris Hemsworth, whose quokka selfie amassed over four million likes, and K-pop sensation Lisa from Blackpink, whose post received a staggering five million reactions in just 12 hours.

The phenomenon has not only brought smiles to millions of social media users but has also had a tangible impact on tourism. Following the lead of global superstars like Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Roger Federer, and Kelly Slater, visitor numbers to Rottnest Island have surged by 30 per cent. It seems the quokka's irresistible charm is a powerful drawcard, enticing tourists to experience the magic of the island for themselves.


For our readers over 60, who may not be as familiar with the social media frenzy, a quokka selfie is more than just a cute picture. It's a celebration of Australia's unique wildlife and the joy these creatures bring to people of all ages. And while not everyone can hop on a private jet to snap a photo with these adorable animals, Scott Eastwood's viral selfie serves as a delightful reminder of the natural wonders that lie just a short trip away from Perth's bustling city life.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you had the pleasure of meeting a quokka on your travels, or perhaps you're planning a visit to Rottnest Island soon? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your encounters with Australia's happiest animal! And remember, while the quokka selfie trend is undeniably fun, it's important to respect these wild animals and their habitat during your visit.