Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems in Australia: From Free Phone Booths to Kangaroo Feeding
Australia is not just a land of beaches, deserts, and wildlife; it is a country rich with unique experiences that are often overlooked by tourists and even many Australians. We will explore some of these hidden gems and unique activities that are exclusive to Australia, starting with a visit to the Murray Mallee and Healsville Sanctuary.
Murray Mallee: Wombats and Wombat Poo
Visiting the Murray Mallee is a unique experience. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with one of Australia’s iconic marsupials. In this area, you can sit right next to a wombat hole and patiently wait for a wombat to drop its droppings and watch it roll down the tunnel. This experience is not only fascinating but also educational, providing a glimpse into the unique behavior of these slow-moving mammals.
Healsville Sanctuary: Kangaroo and Emu Feeding
Healsville Sanctuary in Victoria is one of the few places where you can truly come into close contact with some of Australia’s native animals. Hand-feeding kangaroos and emus (pronounced EEmYou, as our American friends might say) is a surreal experience. Kangaroos and emus are not just seen; they are fed and petted, creating a unique and unforgettable encounter for visitors. In winter, the sanctuary offers a magical experience with kangaroos and wallabies bounding around, while tree ferns are covered in snow. This juxtaposition of winter and wildlife is a sight rarely seen elsewhere.
Discovering Rainbow Lorikeets and Special Honey Treats
Another unique experience is visiting a sanctuary in New South Wales where you can be showered with wild Rainbow Lorikeets. These colorful parrots love to feed on a plate of honey and water-soaked bread, creating a spectacle of colors and sounds. I remember having a pet Rainbow Lorikeet named Queek who had a unique fondness for Leatherwood honey from Tasmania. The first time she had Leatherwood, she was initially hesitant but soon started eating it with great delight. Queue hissed and refused to eat regular honey, and her preference for the unique flavors of Leatherwood was clear.
Free Phone Booths Across Australia
A lesser-known but incredibly useful feature of Australia is the availability of free phone booths. Over 15,000 phone booths can be found in metropolitan areas, beachside suburbs, and small country towns. This means that if you find yourself in dire need of using a phone, you can simply pick up the receiver, dial, and talk without any need for coins or cards. Not all modern amenities can compare to the convenience of these vintage phone booths, especially in emergency situations.
While smartphones have become more prevalent, over 19 million calls are still made annually from phone booths in Australia. They remain a lifeline for those in need, particularly during natural disasters when network coverage is unreliable. For me, as a parent, these phone booths are invaluable. My children often use beachside phone booths to let me know when they are done swimming, rather than carrying their phones with them, which can easily get lost.
These are just a few of the many unique experiences that Australia offers. From the cozy experience of sitting by a wombat hole to the vibrant scene of wild Rainbow Lorikeets and the convenience of free phone booths, each interaction with these experiences offers a glimpse into the heart of Australian culture and wildlife.