Kilcoy to Beerwah

This morning, we woke up to a day that was cool early but with a clear sky. It did stay that way until we left Kilcoy. We travelled through the undulating terrain to Beerwah. The weather was really nice but if you were exposed to the breeze it was cool. At least the day was rain free.

Before we left Kilcoy we had a coffee, only fair, in a nearby café close to where we camped. I am sure that we have become real coffee snobs. We know we are not alone in that but I guess that is what happens when we get consistently great coffees at In the Pink in Lennox Head.

On arrival in Beerwah, we stopped to ensure we were on the correct road to Australia Zoo by asking at a shop near where we parked.

Australia Zoo, what a place to visit! Our recommendation is that if you are going to it be there early. They open by 0900 but we did not get there until around 1000. There is so much to see as well as watch the performances.  

The first show we watched was the Tortoises. The presenter, a young lady as most of them are, told us about the tortoises. She pointed out the various differences between the two large examples she had before us. One of the things she told us about was their enjoyment of being rubbed around the neck.

We then wandered along and observed the three Thai elephants walk into an area and then were given small treats by the visitors. There were several long lines of people of all ages waiting to give the elephants their treats.

Time moved along, the next show was the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show. This was wonderful. Another very talented young lady introduced us to the “Crocoseum” and warmed us all up ready for the show. This arena was where the memorial function for the founder, Steve Irwin, was held.

This show was wonderful in that we were exposed to some beautifully trained birds and animals as well as a crocodile. A variety of birds performed for us and the most spectacular were the King Parrots that flew around us at their high speeds before all going to their handlers. All the birds were beautiful especially the Macaw.

The elephants made an appearance and as we had already seen they behaved impeccably. Following was a visit of some non venomous snakes carried around by staff members. Earlier, a fellow, who played the fool, demonstrated the inappropriate way of dealing with snakes culminating with him getting ‘bitten’ on the finger. The presenter then demonstrated the correct method to perform first aid bandaging for a snake bite. She also had previously told us how to avoid confronting snakes.

The next item was the crocodile. It was encouraged into the arena in its water pond. The male presenter then encouraged it to move along by the tapping of his foot on the pond side and all the time moving toward a feeding area. A second male was present in the event of a problem occurring so the crocodile could be distracted. Eventually, after the presenter telling us much about the crocodiles, the croc’ reached the feed station where it was encouraged to rear up out of the water and catch its food from the presenter. This was done a few times and demonstrated the power of the croc’. Finally it was coaxed back to its enclosure.

It was then time to have an early lunch. The prices are quite high although the quality is good, e.g., a large cappuccino was $5.25, and a turkey salad wrap was $6.45.

Following lunch we viewed many animals and birds that included binturong, dingo, and Tasmanian devils that were mating, cassowaries and koalas.

Then we watched a display of the very active Otters. They are so active. The young lady told us of their habits and how they manage them. They are such fun to watch.

Then we wandered along and past through the kangaroo display area. So many shapes, sizes and colours. After that we saw where the elephants live and them being feed again.

Nearby were several varieties of Tigers. It is so good to be able to see them close up and in such lovely conditions.

As we returned back to the exit, we saw a red panda in its enclosure. Quite a colourful looking animal.

Next to see were more koalas in their trees and being fed. Almost next to them was the rainforest aviary. The colours of the large collection of birds were stunning. Seeing some of them quite close and to hear them was amazing.

Another display was of the reptiles. All were alive and being artificially warmed. I do not have an interest in them and avoid them. That pretty much concluded our visit to Australia Zoo. Time was getting on and we did by pass several exhibits in our haste to move on.

We departed the Australia Zoo for the Gowinta Farms Caravan Park. This may be one of the most pleasant and generous caravan parks. There are about 50 sites with concrete slabs and beautiful grass. The showers and toilets are very clean and modern. There is a big camp kitchen. There are a lot of campers here that are working here and some waiting for a position either in the field or packing shed. A highly recommended camp ground.

 Gowinta Farms are a large horticulture farm with strawberries and pineapples currently being picked. All rejected fruit is free to use. It may have a small blemish or be a bit small. However, the flavour is fantastic. One of the pickers told me that he has overcome the addiction to the fruit as it has a habit of causing him to urgently visit the toilet, usually in the middle of the night. We have a large supply and will take the advice on board!