WILD AUSTRALIA DIARY ENTRIES
WA Walk wildflower trails, Rottnest Island
November is the ideal time to enjoy Rottnest Island’s wildflowers, including carpets of purple-blue Rottnest daisies and coastal pigface. One way to enjoy the island’s 1500 wildflower species, many of which are adapted to windy and salty conditions, is along the 45km Wadjemup Bidi walking trail. The daisies are particularly abundant in the dunes behind Henrietta Rocks and Parker Point. For more info: Call the Rottnest Island Authority on 08 9432 9300 or visit rottnestisland.com
QLD See wild koalas, Magnetic Island
Although koalas in many places fared terribly this year, the population of up to 800 on Magnetic Island, a 25-minute ferry ride from Townsville in northern Queensland, remains relatively healthy. This is one of the best places to spot wild koalas up close. Look out for them dozing in trees on the 4km-return Forts Walk, which starts at Horseshoe Bay Road at the turn-off to Radical Bay. For more info: Call the Townsville North Queensland visitor centre on 07 4721 3660 or visit townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au
NT Find a Gouldian finch, Katherine region
Nitmiluk NP, Katherine Gorge and a spot about 50km north of Katherine on Edith Falls Road are all sites to potentially spot the endangered Gouldian finch. Early morning at waterholes and pools is the best time to see these gorgeous birds fluttering in to drink, with your chances enhanced on a specialist birding tour. For more info:
Call Katherine Visitor Information Centre on 08 8972 2650 or visit visitkatherine.com.au