Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie

This young koala is climbing too high for its own good, according to its volunteer caretakers. But he seemed under control to me with his two thumbs, three fingers and long claws gripping the thin branch of the eucalyptus tree. There are about ten residents coalescing at the koala hospital at present, recovering from incidents ranging from car accidents to curvature of the spine. The wild koala population is "threatened", and has decreased by an estimated 90% in the last decade due primarily to loss of habitat from urbanization and also natural causes like bush fires. Even local residents keep a rope in their pool in case a koala gets in and needs help getting out. Koalas are not bears, rather they belong to the marsupial family along with the kangaroo and wombat.

Flying fox bat, Port Macquarie

We spotted thousands of huge bats in the trees on a walk through the rainforest near the coast. The grey-headed flying fox is the largest bat in Australia. It relies on sight to locate its food (nectar, pollen and native fruits) and thus has large eyes. The flying fox has a dark-grey body with a light-grey head and a reddish-brown neck collar of fur. 

Mark with his python, Point Stephens

Owner of Samurai Bungalows YHA, Mark has loved snakes since he was a little boy, hiding them in his shirt. Of the ten most poisonous snakes in the world, Australia is home to eight. But Mark says they just don't bite him. He probably knows the difference between the ones that can be handled and the ones that cannot!

Kookaburra, Port Stephens

Kookaburras, native to Eastern Australia, laugh after dusk and dawn outside the bungalow. In the morning, these large stocky birds are hunting lizards and other small creatures, unperturbed by a photograph. 

From Wikopedia:

"Laughing Kookaburra" uses its laugh to establish territory amongst family groups. One bird starts with a low, hiccuping chuckle, then throws its head back in raucous laughter: often several others join in. If a rival tribe is within earshot and replies, the whole family soon gathers to fill the bush with ringing laughter.

Interesting experience in the Australian bush!

Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens

Hiking a jeep trail through the eucalyptus trees, we emerged at the Tasman Sea and an unspoiled, clothing optional beach. There were only a few semi-modest bathers amidst miles of sand dunes. Since the tide was fairly low, we hiked over the head to reach One Mile Beach on the other side. Bottle nosed dolphins were leaping in the ocean a little ways out from the surfers.

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

Four hours north of Sydney sits a peninsula discovered by Captain Cook for England in 1770. We're staying at a hostel situated within a koala bear habitat near the beach. Hope to see one in the gum trees soon.

Glenferrie Lodge, Sydney

Built in 1908, this lodge is a great value located on Kirribilli Point, an exclusive neighborhood directly across from Sydney, and only ten minutes by ferry from Circular Quay.