Yesterday we spent the day at the Australia Zoo, which is about an hour north of Brisbane. A day at a zoo was not originally on our itinerary, but I posted a query on an Australian facebook page asking what was not to be missed during our time in Australian and so many people recommended the zoo that we decided to add it. It was a good choice–it is a beautiful zoo with lots of different animals that we have not seen elsewhere. We also had perfect weather, so just a great day all around! The zoo is dedicated to continuing the conservation mission of Steve Irwin–who died 20 years ago this week, believe it or not. We got to feed and pet kangaroos, pet a koala, see a giant tortoise walk around (we’ve seen them before, but never seen one actually moving), see the beautiful Cassowary–a bird that will chase and kill you in the wild!–and see so many crocodiles, which will also chase and kill you in the wild.

Today we are leaving Brisbane and flying to Airlie Island, gateway to the Whitsunday Islands! We are looking forward to some beach time and snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef!