World, meet Dolly

Today we left the dazzling lights of Bowen and it's very big mango for Townsville (one of the more inspiring place names!). On the outskirts of town, we stopped at Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary.

This wildlife sanctuary (completely different to a zoo, obviously) held all sorts of native animals, from Dingos (hand reared and really cuddly) to Crocodiles (with jaws that sound like a car door slamming when they grab their food and really NOT cuddly). They also had kangaroos wondering around the park who were more than happy to be hand fed by the visitors. The only trouble was that there were also dozens of ducks and geese who were also after the seeds intended for the 'roos, and more than one of them got a boot (and kangaroo paw) in the ribs to send it on its way!

We also saw a Cassowary here - a sort of prehistoric Emu! I'd never heard of these creatures before and wouldn't have believed they existed till I saw one! Emu's body with a bright blue neck and head with a bony fin on its head! Amazing to look at and deceptively docile. We'll be hearing more about these guys later.......

It was here that Sophie and I got to hold a Koala and this may have been the obvious choice for today's blip if it wasn't for Dolly.

World, meet Dolly (pictured) - she's a very young Joey and has been hand reared since her mum died. This photo was taken next to the Koala enclosure, and judging by Dollies expression, I wonder if she has been munching on the odd Eucalyptus leaves!

In the evening, we headed into town and found the 'Brewery' ... Apparently this is a very famous bar? Pardon my ignorance! Either way, they did really good home brew!