Unusual Animal Experiences

SEE THE TURTLES AT MON REPOS

Every summer, visitors to the Bundaberg area can witness the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland as they make their annual pilgrimage to nest on the beach. The Mon Repos Conservation Park is strategically placed and deemed the most significant location for Loggerhead turtle nesting in the South Pacific Ocean region. To protect the nesting turtles and their hatchlings, the beach at Mon Repos is closed from mid-October to the end of April. During this time, ranger-guided night-time turtle encounter tours are available through the Mon Repos Turtle Centre. The best time to visit to watch the female turtles lay their eggs after dark is from mid-November to February, where each turtle lays roughly 130 eggs per clutch and up to four clutches each season. From mid-January till late March, you can also witness the spectacle of the birth of the tiny hatchlings who begin to leave their nests and start their life in the sea.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre, 141 Mon Repos Road, Mon Repos QLD

Bookings required at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/mon-repos/ about#bookings TIP: Get in early, this experience is always in high demand.

OBSERVE THE OSPREY CHICKS

Located at Griffin on Brisbane’s northside, Osprey House is a true environmental treasure trove of information and hands-on displays set amongst the trees and mangroves and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. A visit to Osprey House can see your little (and big) kids bird watching, walking along the boardwalks, learning about the environment and enjoying a picnic in the purpose built seating areas. You can even observe the osprey chicks in their nest up high on the ‘Osprey Pole’, with live streaming video during daylight hours. Housed in a timber structure to blend in with its natural surroundings, the building and boardwalks at Osprey House are easily accessible by wheelchairs and prams and are mostly shaded, making it a perfect destination at any time of the year.

Osprey House, Dohles Rocks Road, Griffin QLD

Plan your visit at https://www.ospreyhouse.asn.au/

SPOT KANGAROOS IN THE PARK

Not only does Spring Mountain Reserve in Greenbank have a fantastic large playground area, fitness equipment, shaded picnic tables and a ninjastyle obstacle course, but the local kangaroos rate it as one of their favourite places to visit too! Most afternoons you can see several kangaroos hanging out on the grassy open space, not far from the playground itself. Surrounded by farms and forest and situated beside a waterway, Spring Mountain Reserve also features over 2.5km of fantastic bike paths to explore; perfect for a family picnic or adventure!

Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank QLD

Read our detailed park review at https://www.brisbanekids.com.au/springmountain-reserve/ TIP: Don’t get too close! These kangaroos are wild and do not like being approached.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KOALAS

On Saturdays and Sundays, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary serves up an extra-special treat with their ‘Breakfast With The Koalas’ experience. Pre-booked guests enter the park a little earlier than usual and also get to enjoy a magical breakfast with an Aussie icon! The experience includes a gourmet breakfast (choosing from a set menu of five options) within the sanctuary’s Koala Habitat, where you will be surrounded by koalas and have the opportunity to learn more from their keepers. Koala cuddles are also on the menu, with a souvenir photo included to remember this special morning. Ticket prices include admission to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the day and start at $69 per person. Children aged 13 years and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 27 Millers Drive, Currumbin QLD

Available on weekends. Bookings essential at https://currumbinsanctuary. com.au/what-to-see-and-do/encounters/koala-breakfast TIP: If you can’t make it to Currumbin for the early start, you might like to try Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s ‘Grazy Arvo With The Koalas’ instead.

Sat 5 Mar 2022 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

QSO.COM.AU/HP5