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| Such a sweet, sleeping koala |
One of the best places to see koala bears on Australia's Kangaroo Island is at Hanson Bay Sanctuary's Koala Walk. Feral cats have had a detrimental effect on the population of small mammals on the island, so this area of 250 acres is fully fenced to protect the animals.
We took our time strolling along the avenue of gum and eucalyptus trees peering up through the leaves and branches in search of the cuddly animals. Hubby was the best at spotting them with my girl also proving herself to have keen eyes. The boys were too busy trying to poke each other with long sticks.
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| 50% of the people in this group are looking for koalas. |
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| Seek and ye shall find. |
All in all, we saw 9 koalas, 4 wallabies, 5 kangaroos and a few colorful birds. The sign out front stated that 23 koalas had been found that day. All were free to roam wherever they liked, not confined to pens. These animals didn't seem to consider us dangerous. They certainly weren't motivated to move whenever we approached. Most of them were asleep. In fact, we decided that the easy life of a koala spent up in the trees napping all day combined two of my oldest son's favorite pastimes.
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| I finally identified this Crimson Rosella when I saw a stuffed animal version at a gift shop. |
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| Tiny Tammar Wallabies are the size of large rabbits. |
We spent about an hour here, taking our time to slowly wander around and look for animals. A big tour bus pulled up while we were at the sanctuary. They were in and out in 15 minutes once they had "See a Koala" checked off their To-Do list. Take as long or short as you like.
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| Eucalyptus acorns |
Unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to go on the Nocturnal Tour which starts at sunset and lasts 90 minutes. I bet it would have been quite fascinating.
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| What happens when I vaguely suggest, "Why don't you pet it?" |
The Sacred Dwelling Space exhibit by Evette Sunset, an environmental sculptor, caught our eye from afar. The five teepee-like structures were formed from woven branches with a line of stones curving out from the base.
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| Sacred Dwelling Space Although I'm not quite sure who dwelled here. Probably not koalas. |
There's also a cafe on site with a yummy looking dessert case as well as baguette sandwiches, schnitzel, fish'n'chips, cheeseburgers, vegetarian food and espresso. Staples like water, milk and bread are also available — handy since the nearest grocery store is an hour away.
As we drove off on the main South Coast Road, lots more wallabies hopped across the road in front of our car. Drive slowly!
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| Kangaroo Crossing |
Where on Kangaroo Island
South Coast Road, Karatta, South Australia
7 km before Flinders Chase National Park
When
Open 7 days a week, opening at 8 a.m.
Reservations required for the Nocturnal Tour.
During the day, you are welcome to stroll Koala Walk yourself, taking as long or short as you like.
Cafe open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost in AUD
Self-guided Koala Walk
Ages 12 years and up $6
Children under 12 years $3
Guided Nocturnal Walk
Ages 19 years and up $24
Ages 12-18 years $19
Children under 12 years $14
See Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary website for more information on tours.
Related Posts:
It's the Great Penguin, Charlie Brown (Hanson Bay)
Major Fail: Sitting Together on the Airplane
Kangaroo Island Highlights
Why My Kids Love the Sydney Opera House
The Allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday on Budget Travelers Sandbox and Friday Daydreamin' at R We There Yet Mom? Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.
