Mystical Tilligerry Habitat

Today, we drove 267 km south to Tilligerry Habitat in Nelson Bay in search of wild koalas. We will be staying here for a night as well.

On the highway near Port Stephens, we could still see the black burnt trees from the recent bushfires on both sides of the road. And there was still a hazy smoke in the air that we could smell.

Fortunately, we haven't seen any burning bushfires yet, and we hope it stays that way, even as we get closer to Sydney...

We arrived at Tilligerry Habitat around 4 pm, and according to the guidebook, the chances of seeing wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees here are more than good.

The center was already closed when we arrived. However, there are great self-guided walking tracks here. There was no one else besides us, so we set off on our own. The smoke from the bushfires was still in the air, but otherwise, it was a very special atmosphere: quiet, lonely, a very special place in the middle of nature. Tall eucalyptus trees, large green ferns, banksia trees where colorful lorikeets chattered away. Small lizards scurrying around between our feet.

And then a special view of an enchanting bay, with large, uprooted giant trees and black swans gently swaying in the shallow sea. Just like us ...

This place and the tranquility had an almost mystical quality, very beautiful.

Unfortunately, we couldn't spot any koalas anywhere...

Tomorrow, we will be going on a very special walk!