This morning we picked up our hire car for the big drive to Cairns. We have about 1700 km to go in about 2 weeks. Decided we would have a day at Steve Irwin's zoo, now called Australia zoo which is in Beerwah, about an hour north of Brisbane.
The zoo makes reference everywhere to Steve and his work with animals, in particular his innovative ways of catching problem crocs. One method he used was the 'jump on' method, where he jumped on the croc's back and held it down while his team captured the thing. When you think that some of these crocodiles grow to 5 metres in length and weigh up to 600 kgm, you realise what a nutter he was! Still, it's very sad that he's no longer around, but his work goes on.
Saw lots of Koalas, they were very cute, a young tiger cub, equally cute. Also kangaroos, birds, snakes crocodiles and giant tortoises. There were also large lizards everywhere, made you jump at times!
Stayed the night in Beerwah. Must be getting nearer to the Tropic of Capricorn as it was dark here by 7pm. However, Queensland time is also an hour behind that in New South Wales.
Queensland definitely my favourite! On our last visit went to see turtles nesting at Bundaberg - amazing. Probably wrong time of year for you - not sure.
ReplyDeleteLove Moloolaba and Noosa. Did not visit Australia Zoo sadly - missed out there.
Have not been to Cairns, the drive up is good and stopped off in Gympie on our way up to Bundaberg - very interesting, Sad though, some nutter set a youth hostel on fire and quite a few youngsters died. A most interesting Museum/Memorial to them - worth a stop for a cool drink!
Bundaberg is famous for its rum! Tell Andy to beware of the cane toads!!
Road kill is very sad - beware of kangaroos! I believe they are very dangerous, leaping out from the side of the road, especially at night!.
I would love to go on the train from Brisbane to Cairns - that probably won't happen now :(.
If you have time to read a book I suggest A Town Like Alice. I read it again(!)whilst I was there this time. I now have it on my kindle, in case I get the urge!
Are you going to Alice Springs and Ulhuru? I am so glad we made it - in spite of the flies!!!
Look forward to hearing more of you travels in one of my favourite parts :). How are you coping with the heat - should be warm at this time of the year.
Did you say you were going to do some sailing on the Great Barrier Reef? I will look forward to hearing all about that!
Kakadu and the Daintree Raintree Rainforest are supposed to be wonderful too.
We went to Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, from Gladstone. Natalie and Matt went diving and I did some wonderful snorkling!
Enjoy the drive and I look forward to hearing the next instalment.