Behaviors of Koalas

It was my first ever encounter with koalas while on a hike in the Great Otway National Park. Koalas are native to Australia (they live only in Australia), they inhabit eucalyptus woodlands and found only in coastal areas of South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. They live up to 18 years in the wild. They are irresistibly cute with their round fluffy ears, soft fur, and spoon shaped noses.

Koalas eat mostly eucalyptus leaves which are limited in nutrition and high in toxins causing that the bears sleep up to 20 hours per day! Because they get so little energy from their diet they spend only 4 minutes per day in active moments and 15 minutes on social behaviors. The rest is napping between chewing.

They typically eat and sleep in the same tree as long as a day. They descend to the ground only to walk to another tree so I guess this counts as 5 minutes of active movement per day. 

Koalas were hunted for food by Aboriginals which is understandable. But as Europeans arrived they hunted heavily for bears for their fur and over 2 millions were killed which is horrid. Today koalas live in many protected areas and conservation parks but their population is decreasing caused by their habitat destruction. 

They make numerous facial expressions and this one gave me a moment of an eye contact, and as he was sitting on a very low branch I could admire his thick fur and cute ears. They look very cuddly but they have very sharp teeth and claws. Apparently they can run as fast as a rabbit which is difficult to imagine. A beautiful creature. 

Camping in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

We returned from the five days camping trip in the Fleurieu Peninsula (map here), 3 hours drive south from Barossa Valley and Adelaide. The temperature droped by 20 degrees to my relief. There was so much beauty and so many different landscapes we experienced each day. I wish I have taken more photos of the locals but each time I was mesmerized by the ocean and light or just another wild animal near by. We spent these five days hiking, exploring and swimming in less windy coves; we found stunning beaches, cliffs and the wildlife. I keep feeling how happy and lucky I am to be able to travel, to come to this grant land and spend some time with my amazing friends. So here is the trip from the beginning..

Giving a wash before leaving, this trailer contains a spacious tent, a bed and a kitchen, Australian way of camping is full comfort in the wilderness.

On the way south we stopped at the Sellicks  beach for a swim and lunch. My friends are not naked, they are actually preparing lunch in their camping kitchen.

A typical road in South Australia is aligned with eucalyptus trees.

 We tried to remove this gum tree off the road but too heavy, we found another access to the camping ground.

Our set-up in and home for five days in the Deep Creek Conservation Park 

 Kookaburra, native Australian bird, its calling sounds like a human laughter

Facilities at the Deep Creek camping ground: solar panels for heating water, a huge water tank that collects rain and this water is used for shower and washing, all very efficient and ecological. 

Afternoon stroll at the Watipinga Beach

Stunning Rapid Bay in the morning hours. Fishing right of the beach is very popular here.

A seal near the Granite Island. She stayed with us for 20 minutes and she loved to be adored.

Driving to the Cape Jervis.

A stop for a tea in Cape Jervis (it was quite windy out there).

Hiking a part of the  Heysen Trail along the coast, one of the longest trails in Australia.

 Kangaroos, fascinating beings to watch 

Blowhole Beach

Going for a dip in the Southern Ocean at the Blowhole beach. 

Second Valley Beach 

A pack of dolphins seen from a cliff. They kept cruising along the beach and feeding probably on a small fish.

On the trail to the Tunkalilla Beach 

 Susi and Sam with Tunkalilla beach in the background

Tunkalilla beach streches for 4,5 km and we were alone.

My best self, outdoor with my camera. These are always one of the happiest moments of my life.

I have four more days in Cockatoo Valley with Susi and Sam before heading to New Caledonia. Temperatures are lower, we relax in the garden, run some errands and maybe tomorrow we head for a hike. We see what comes.