Early in February, we had a family outing to the nearby Symbio Wildlife Park to see both Aussie wildlife and some from other countries. We lucked into feeding times for many of them, as you can see from the koalas munching leaves in the tree. The kangaroos however had already had a good feed, and could not be enticed to eat anything from our hands : ( The giant monitor lizards were decidedly active as it was not a very hot day. A friendly, perhaps too friendly, sulfur-crested cockatoo was very interested in sharing our lunch! Often the Tasmanian Devil hides out under cover, but he showed his behind to us as he waited for food. And the fairy penguins, which used to visit the Taylor family farm in Victoria annually from Antarctica, were a new and playful addition to the Park this year.
Our next day trip was to Jamberoo, an over-the-top water park. Evie (my 5 year old granddaughter) and I braved the ski lift up to the top of the park. On the ride up we had stunning views of the surrounds, as well as the “action park.” The wave pool was a big hit, as well as the jump pool (not pictured) where you could slide or jump off (artificial) cliffs into a deep pool.
Continuing on the water theme, I accompanied Evie to her swimming lessons shortly thereafter. Learning to swim, including learning basic lifesaving skills, is highly important in Australia because 80% – 90% of the population live in coastal areas. Going to her lesson brought up so many memories of learning to swim in private lessons as well as in PE class, where we also learned lifesaving. An unusual feature of her swim school is the family of llamas in the enclosure next to the pool. One of them was rather fascinated with my hair, apparently!
February is the beginning of the school year in Australia, situated as it is in the Southern Hemisphere. As the end of summer approached, Evie started Kindergarten: backpack, school uniform and hat, and all. She has a much more interesting walk to school than most, I’d say! Horses, community garden, playground, beach, and finally school.
Near the end of February, we went camping for a weekend with some friends of Jon and Angela’s. The campground at Lake Conjola NSW had tent and caravan (trailer) camping, cabins, and fun activities for the kids. Everyone enjoyed the pool and cafe! The river offered fishing and kayaking, and the nearby beach and lagoon were great for surf and monstrous sand dunes.
My tent was the cute little orange one
Cooking communal brunch…
and enjoying a group pool swim.
Kayaking on the Conjola River
We saw kangaroos in the bush areas…
and in nearby residential areas.
Conjola Beach for the brave ones…
and sand dunes for the daring ones.
My final family outing in February was when I joined Angela’s rellies in taking a visitor from USA on a drive through the stunningly beautiful South Coast of NSW, where I am blessed to be staying in Woonona. Below you can just see the coast road where it juts out over the ocean, and our picnic spot on Austinmer Beach.
