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| Andrea from Outdoor Travel Adventures - Sept 2013, Australia |
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive when planning trips
to Australia
is: “Where can I hold a Koala? (I have to admit on my first trip to Australia this
was on the top of my list too!) The only state currently offering the
opportunity to cuddle a Koala, is Queensland.
For travelers that means you need to plan this when you are either in Cairns or Brisbane.
A visit to any one of these 5 wildlife sanctuaries will put on the path to a
koala cuddle sure to please you animal lovers!
From the Cairns
area:
The Kuranda Koala Garden
has a variety of wildlife for visitors to see including freshwater crocodiles,
snakes, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, and more. Kuranda
Koala Gardens
is located 40 minutes northwest of Cairns.
Most travelers plan a day trip to Kuranda and include a stop at the Koala Gardens.
The award winning Cairns Tropical Zoo is located within beautiful
tropical landscaped gardens and has the largest wildlife collection in Tropical
North Queensland. Cairns Tropical Zoo is located 20 minutes north of Cairns. If you really
like the idea of a close up encounter with a variety of species, try the Zootastic
experience. Only 4 visitors at a time are allowed in a private enclosure.
The CairnsWildlife Dome
is a spectacular all-weather wildlife immersion exhibit with an interactive
environment for humans and animals to mingle in a spacious natural setting. The area is enclosed by a 60-feet high glass dome on top of the iconic Reef Hotel
Casino. If you are short on time and want to cuddle a koala right in Cairns, this is the
place. The Dome also has a Zip Line and is well worth a visit!
From the Brisbane
area:
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary located 8 miles
south of Brisbane. One of the
world's first and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas. Cuddle a koala
anytime, hand feed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of Aussie wildlife,
all in beautiful, natural settings.
The Australia Zoo is a
wildlife adventure delivering conservation through education. It is
located 60 miles north of Brisbane
and is operated by Steve Irwin’s family.
These
programs raise awareness and educate visitors about the vulnerability of this
iconic Australian animal and its diminishing habitat. Koalas are very sensitive
animals and each venue follows very strict handling codes for koalas. Koalas
are not allowed to “work” more than 30 minutes each day or more than three days
a week at most venues. The rest of the day is spent sleeping (koalas sleep an
average of 16-20 hours a day) and eating.
When planning an Australia Vacation, be sure to use an Aussie Specialist so they can assist you in
incorporated the best location for the activities on your wish list.
Article By: Roseann Iovine, Premier Aussie Travel Specialist, Outdoor Travel Adventures
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