A sleepy koala and a cool dude kangaroo

“I know I’ve seen them before and I’ve seen them in the wild, but this trip I want to see kangaroos and koalas.” I told Alison and David. So we went to Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley, WA’s wine region which lies northeast of Perth. It rained on our way there but the sun came out to greet us when we arrived. Alison wanted to see the owls. We were surprised to find them awake. There was one called “Barking Owl” which, when it opened its beak, made a yapping dog noise. With long, droopy feathers, it also somehow resembled a dog. 

We walked past the pink and grey Galahs (birds), however beautiful they look. Many live in the trees in and around Rockingham, including the park opposite Alison’s house. We could see them every day. 

A bit further on we found the koalas. We made it to the enclosure where you are allowed to touch them by the skin of our teeth before it closed. They were about to lock up. Inside was a line of cropped to head height eucalyptus trees, with lots of koalas nestled in the tops. Most were asleep, which is what koalas do best. The guide pointed out one we could stroke. He was called Geordie and had the softest fur. He ignored us as we gently stroked him and took photos. He carried on snoozing. 

 

There were lots of kangaroos in the walk through enclosure, most of them quite small. There was a mother with legs sticking out of her pouch. Others lazed about in groups, posing for the camera. I was amused by the albino one who looked directly at the camera with a “I’m a real cool dude” pose and expression. All he needed was sunglasses.


That evening I met up with Nikki. We haven't seen each other since we were at college together twenty-something years ago. It was great to see her and the conversation didn't stop all night.


Perth had been everything I wanted it to be. Now for the iconic train ride!