Australia’s happiest animal gets a visit from Chris Hemsworth

Just in time for World Happiness Day (20th March), Australia’s happiest marsupial, the quokka, stopped to pose for a selfie with Tourism Australia’s Global Ambassador, Chris Hemsworth. The two also shared a somewhat romantic moment with a bite to eat.

John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia’s CEO said, “One of the things we talked about with Chris when he agreed to become our ambassador was how we could help in delivering his Australian travel bucket list. He made it clear then that Western Australia was one of the places he was keen to explore more deeply, and we’re delighted to have been able to assist with that wish.”

The shot was taken on the last leg of their recent WA adventure. Chris and his family arrived in Western Australia last week with their entourage, including Hollywood heavyweight Matt Damon, where the pair headed north to Carnarvon. The famous families spent the week surfing, fishing and relaxing at Red Bluff on Australia’s spectacular Coral Coast.

“With this trip, it’s great to have Chris and his family experiencing some of WA’s amazing beaches and spending time on Rottnest Island, mingling with our friendly local wildlife. In Chris and the island’s quokka, I think Australia has two unique and much-loved tourism superstars!” added O’Sullivan.

Early this month, Luke Hemsworth also enjoyed the tropical vibes of Queensland’s Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef where brother Chris celebrate his 34th birthday in 2017. Luke and his family spent the week waterside, paddle boarding and exploring the islands secluded beaches.

How business event groups can travel like a Hemsworth in Australia:

Visit Rottnest Island - Western Australia: Don't forget your selfie stick when you head to Rottnest Island. Just 19 kilometres (12 miles) off the coast of Perth, this awe-inspiring island is home to one of Australia's most photographed animals. The island’s resident marsupial – the quokka – is a small, furry animal with a cuddly appearance and permanent smile. In recent years it has become a social media star, thanks partly to some famous friends capturing their own #quokkaselfie, including Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie and now Chris Hemsworth. With 63 beaches, Rottnest Island is a great destination for water sports, including swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and snorkelling. Groups can complement their island visit with a stay at the newly opened Discovery Rottnest Island – an eco-glamping resort on the dunes of Pinky Beach.

Explore Aussie beaches: Australia has some of the most diverse, vibrant and pristine coastlines in the world. The quality of life in Australia is second to none, and the ability to easily find uncrowded beautiful beaches is incredible. Not only this, the beaches are home to some of the most unique marine wildlife.

Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef - Queensland: Orpheus Island is the ultimate in secluded, unspoilt tropical paradise. Located between Cairns and Townsville, the island itself is comprised of more than 1,000 hectares of national park and is surrounded by pristine fringing reef. Nestled in a sheltered bay on the western side of the island, Orpheus Island Lodge is the island’s only resort and lies without fanfare along a ribbon of serene beach and features laidback luxury accommodation. To follow in the Hemsworth boy’s footstep, groups can grab a paddle board and hit the calm and warm waves.

Explore the way a Hemsworth would: On the ultimate coastline trip: “I'd take a 4x4, fill it with food, fishing rods, diving gear, a tent and surfboards and take off exploring. I'm always looking for new places to experience. There's something about being off the grid and disconnected from the world and living amongst the elements that is incredibly refreshing. I prefer to not have a huge plan and just take it as it comes.” says Tourism Australia Global Ambassador, Chris Hemsworth.