Adventures Around The World

Despite the terrible weather we had the entire time we were in Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, we did make it out to the Great Barrier Reef for a snorkel. (So yes, Scott finally used his snorkeling mask he has hauled all over the world!)

Although the weather made for cloudy and dark water, we still saw many amazing fish and different corals. Looking forward to coming back to the Whitsundays to see the beautiful beaches and seeing more amazing marine life. -J🇦🇺

We had a long layover in Brisbane, so we booked a tour that included a river cruise from the central city to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary—apparently, the first (since 1927!) and still leading sanctuary for these endangered animals.

The cruise featured prerecorded interpretative commentary, which was more interesting than we had expected. While you’re not passing important attractions on the ride, you do learn about the river and city. Most of the scenery, at least after you get out of the central city, are the backyard docks of residences—some historic, some elegant, but most nice but ordinary.

But you’re not here to learn about the river cruise—you’re here for the koala photos. So let’s just get right to it. -S🇦🇺

Look, I’m calling this guy Einstein, I don’t care what the sanctuary says his name is.

I get it, Mr Koala, that’s how I feel trying to get up some days, too.

I really like this quick snapshot of a young worker transporting a koala from one area to another, using a bribe of eucalyptus. She seems young and idealistic, dreaming of working here because she cares about koalas and wants to see the species survive. But her downward glance gives away her feelings now…even with its important mission, it’s also essentially just a zoo, one with captive wildlife, paraded for tourists to enjoy.

Anyway, I don’t think that’s actually how she feels. But that’s sorta the feeling we had during our visit. We were excited to see some koalas, at what we’re told is a premier koala sanctuary, but arrived to find a tourist-focused zoo—complete with additional tickets you can buy to feed the various animals.

A koala rests while the joey looks for some mischief.

A more complete view of “Einstein,” from the first close-up.

Koalas have interesting “hands,” which include three fingers and two opposing “thumbs,” designed to better grasp tree branches (the substantial claws help too).

This odd beaked owl is not an owl at all, but something called a tawny frogmouth bird. It was uncaged and free roaming in the back “nocturnal” lot, so I’m not sure if it was part of the sanctuary or not.

The sanctuary had a number of other animals found in Australia (including the farm petting zoo variety), including a reptile and insect exhibit. This was one of my most favorite photos of the day.

I forgot the name of this lizard, but it was one of my favorites at the sanctuary.

These damn lizards were everywhere. In the more popular areas near the snack bar, you had to watch where you stepped to avoid them.

Joey hanging on tight as mom starts off for another branch.

It was fun watching this young one scramble around before eventually bailing for a snuggle with mom.

Uh oh…looks like someone has gotten into the stash of “medicinal plants…”

Yep, this one too. It’s sleepy time.

Oh dear, and this one, too.

This guy’s double toenail caught my eye when I saw him. Apparently koalas have a unique adaptation where their second and third toes are fused together and appear as a single digit, but each ends in two separate claws.

A Tasmanian devil.

This is a pademelon, and it’s a marsupial that’s related to kangaroos and wallabies, but is much smaller.

A wombat sleeping in a log. Did you know that wombat poop is a square cube? Apparently that’s so it doesn’t roll away, as they use it to mark their territory.

Supposedly, this is an authentic Australian dingo…but it sure looks like a regular ol’ dog to me. 🤷‍♂️

There were plenty more animal photos, but I think we’ll leave it there at 20.