Newcastle - Coff's Harbour - Port Macquarie

Deadbeat from NYE, we arrived in the rather bland beach town of Newcastle (which, btw, is the home town of "Silverchair"). Here we mainly rested and got organized again to drive further up Australia's East Coast all the way to Cairns, Port Douglas, and Cape Tribulation (Daintree Nat'l Park). Now there was really nothing mentionable about all the places in this post's title, except.... the Koala Hospital (www.koalahospital.org.au) in Port Macquarie.

We visited this great initiative to see and learn about koalas, which only live in Australia. The Koala Hospital takes care of wounded, ill, and disabled koalas. A lot Some koalas get hit by motorists, caught in bushfires, or get some form chlamydia which can cause the "wet bottom" syndrome and loss of sight. Yes, there were some seriously tough koalas in this place as they all had survived major struggles. The center is entirely run by volunteers and there is even a veterinary clinic present on the premises (see pics). We had a nice tour through the property and got introduced to the hospital's inhabitants. The guide explained that they try to keep or find other refuge for victims that cannot survive in the wild anymore. The ones that can get well enough are released into the wild again (and sometimes end up right back in the hospital later on).

We made a small donation because from everything it was clear that this was a well-run organization acting first and foremost in the interests of the animals. Oh, and before we forget... you probably all know the "cicades" that make the loud sjirping noises (like in Mallorca for instance). Well, there were thousands and they made so much noise our eardrums nearly popped. We got it on camera so if you want your ears popped, come over and watch the tape. And for more koala details, check Drs. Chel newest video in the next post. Koalas rule!