Science in the City

With the first completely unencumbered day in Townsville, Scott and I decided to visit the local wildlife preserve called the ‘Billabong Sanctuary’ which hosts a number of animals from the region, educates members of the public and raises funds for needed conservation efforts.  Besides the opportunity to see a number of exotic animals, the Billabong is among the few places in Australia where a person can legally handle a Koala.  Without missing a beat, we were lined up for our chance to enjoy the unique opportunity.  Besides the koala, we saw wombats and reptiles, cassowaries and wallabies, saltwater crocs and black swans.  It was an amazing morning which exceeded all expectations.

After the Billabong, we rested a bit at JCU in preparation for our first experience watching NRL footie with the Australian Rugby League match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the visiting Cronulla Sharks.  With two tries for Matt Bowen, freshly returned from injury, the local guys beat up the out-of-towners 24-4, and we got to enjoy a very local family scene.