Day 51 – Mooloolaba, Australia

Viking Sky anchored this morning in Mooloolaba, which is located along the shores of Australia’s Sunshine Coast, just 60 miles north of Brisbane. Mooloolaba is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and all-weather harbor.  Once again, we tendered ashore to the town.

Tim and I, along with most of the passengers on board, selected the included excursion today. “Koalas of Australia Zoo” was described as follows:

Celebrate the legacy of Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo and support the effort to save the iconic koala. Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is still operated by Irwin’s family and includes on-site rescue and conservation programs. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, including koalas, wombats, crocodiles, snakes and kangaroos. Upon arrival, set out to explore the zoo at your own pace. The focus of your visit is to see and support the koala. As part of your tour, Viking is contributing funds to the Irwins’ Koala Hospital, which cares for and saves the lives of koalas across Australia. This nonprofit has been crucial to the species’ survival, especially after the recent fires that have devastated their natural habitat. You will also have time to view the other animals as they roam the open plains or soar through the sky before returning to your ship.

The Australia Zoo, founded by Steve and Terri Irwin, encompasses over 700 acres and continues Steve’s mission of “Conservation Through Exciting Education.” I had not been to a zoo in ages, but I guessed this might be my only opportunity to see koalas, a priority for me.

The Australian Zoo

We had three hours to wander around the zoo and check out all the animals.  Tim and I focused on Australia’s native wildlife, so that made things a bit easier.

My priority, of course, was visiting the koalas, but on the way, we stopped to see the Aldabra Tortoises. 

Aldabra Tortoises

It was then on to the Koala Nursery, where the young ones live. I was so excited to see these incredibly cute creatures, and I was not disappointed.

Sleepy Koalas in the Koala Nursery

From cute to prehistoric, the crocodiles were next.

Crocodiles

I wanted to see more koalas, so we walked to Koala Island. Even more cuteness, and these guys weren’t quite as sleepy.

More Koalas in Koala Island

The path took us by the Cassowaries, the dinosaur of the bird world, and we even saw a chick. It seemed to be nap time for the next animals – one of the Dingoes and two Tasmania Devils.

Cassowaries

Dingoes

Tasmanian Devils

After a break for a light lunch, Tim and I headed to another section of the zoo. We saw the Wombats, who were enjoying their lunch, and Tim was drawn to the inhabitants of Robert’s Reptile House. I, on the other hand, had no desire to see the snakes. I did, however, almost step on an Australian lizard.

Wombats

Australian Lizard

I tried to spot a few birds in Grace’s Bird Garden, but most of the birds I saw today were in other places.

Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Cockatoo, Australian Brush Turkey, and Ibis

More cute koalas awaited us in the Koala Walk-Through, while wallabies and friendly kangaroos were available for pats and nibbles from the guests.

One Hungry Koala in the Koala Walk-Through

Kangaroos and Wallabies - I Can't Tell the Difference

The three hours passed quickly, and it was soon time to head back to the ship. I enjoyed the zoo much more than I expected. It was beautifully laid out and landscaped, and the animals had room to roam. I’m so glad I went despite how hot it was while we were there.

The Flora Was Also Beautiful - Staghorn Ferns, Crepe Ginger, and Pandanus Tectorius

Back at the ship, Tim and I attended Nitza Lowenstein’s lecture on “The First Australians, History, and Culture.” I need to catch up on several of the other talks on this continent.

The First Australians, World's Oldest Living Culture