Another Visit ......

 7 January 2026

Another wonderful visit to Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, found close to the Gold Coast's northern beaches, for the Hungry Hikers first hike of the year. We were only four, but a happy crew as we oohed, aahed at the wondrous sight of so many wallabies and kangaroos happily grazing throughout the park. Our necks quickly became sore from craning skywards in the hope of spotting at least one of the 250 known resident koalas, perched high in the many eucalyptus trees.

We were relieved that the traffic south flowed smoothly. The tradies are still on their Christmas break. Arriving at 6 am, we were greeted by a cool breeze and took the koala trail, about 3 km in length. We were well along it before Laurel spotted our first Koala. Further on, I saw two strange bumps on a tree. Their position made me think they weren't just burls. I stepped off the path to gain a better look and suddenly realised they were Twany Frogmouth Owls, perfectly camaflouged. 

Not much further on I spotted our second koala who stretched his arms a couple of times. We completed an 11 km circuit and drove to Jabiru Park beside a waterway, for delicious refreshments and a glass of bubbly to welcome the New Year. It had been hot by the completion of our hike, but here, a strong wind was blowing to refresh us. 

We walked through a variety of vegetation and along a couple of wonderful boardwalks.

It is always difficult to identify a wallaby from a kangaroo when the kangaroo is young. It's quite obvious in this photo that we are looking at a kangaroo. 

x - One can learn something new every day. I went to Iphoto fauna identifier and even the smaller ones were identified as Eastern Grey Kangaroos. Surprised, I did a google search and discovered that the majority of the marsupials in this area are kangaroos. 

How to tell the difference? Click if you are interested.

https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/kangaroos?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=186694121&gbraid=0AAAAAD3ZXIt7HrrsNEHTx2NCTXGZ0J-SU&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsY3LBhCwARIsAF6O6XgcgZCJTwMvV912ER_ScCoFqztSOe_Fuo4BAoebZHOZTS85JtHkM48aAtG2EALw_wcB

https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/wallabies

Each time we moved out into  clearing we were amazed at the number of roos grazing. A beautiful sight in the early morning light.

Mother and joey were quite playful.

Koala 1

The Twany Frogmouth Owls

Koala 2

A Striated Heron

Cheers!

Note the windswept hair.

We were also christening our Chrissy gift from Jayne, insulated wine holders. Now we need to bring them each week, just in case someone brings a bottle of bubbles!

Many of you will have recognised Coombabah from my previous visits. I hope you have enjoyed our return visit as much as we did. Our marsupials are truly special and amazing.

I would love to read your comment.