Where to Find Wild Koalas in Adelaide
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The hair stands up on Zizi's back and a low growl emanates from her throat. I'm snapped out of my daydream and my heart pounds loudly. What has she seen? A koala! Yes, a real wild koala, looking every bit the cute cuddly icon.
Standing at the base of a gum tree, thick claws gripping the trunk, he watches us as closely as we watch him. My mind goes into overdrive. I struggle to make sense of the animal in front of me as cars and city life rush by. This was not what I had expected from my day, very nearly bumping into a koala.
Fascinated, Zizi eyes the creature, which is now making its up slowly into the branches of the tree. She pulls on the lead, keen for a closer look and a sniff around. I make sure she keeps her distance, but the koala doesn't seem fazed by us at all. Amazing.
Having had such an exciting encounter I am keen to replicate it, I decide to go "koala watching". Both my destinations have had koala sightings. The first is
Hazelwood Park in Burnside. Close to the Adelaide Hills, this park has a real variety of play equipment for kids and free electric BBQs. It is also dog friendly (dogs allowed on lead). Unfortunately I had no luck with my koala watching.
Next on my list is Brown Hill Creek 8km south of the city centre in Mitcham. This reserve has various walking trails and big shady gums that look like they might make good koala homes. There are sounds of trickling water as Brown Hill Creek meanders through the trees, making the walk all the more enjoyable. Unfortunately, my quest for a koala sighting was again unsuccessful. However locals say koalas are very often seen in the area. Perhaps I will have better luck next time. Brown Hill Creek has a parking area, picnic tables and water is available. It is also dog friendly (dogs allowed on lead).
#outdoor
#free
#animals_wildlife
#greater_adelaide
#burnside
#mitcham
%wnadelaide
111915 - 2023-06-12 16:00:54