A few weeks ago we came accross the William Creek Hotel and the North Star Hotel in South Australia. This time, on the Stuart Highway between Katherine and Tennant Creek, we spotted the Larrimah Hotel, in the tiny hamlet of the same name. As for the other two, you have to stop in this pub. You will have no problem to recognize it: the Pink Panther is sitting outside along the highway. The Larrimah Hotel is a hotel, a camping, a pub, a museum, a zoo... but also one of the many unusual places that give the Outback part of its charm. There are certainly dozens of them scattered around the country. Feel free to share your own discoveries with us!

Lately in a few Northern Territory parks, we have seen many signs indicating the presence of crocodiles. Fortunately, our last encounter with one of these reptiles, which was in March, occurred at Wild Life Zoo in Sydney. Being in Darwin, we did not want to miss a visit to Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of the city. This centre dedicated to these fascinating creatures is above all a rare opportunity to get really close to them. The Big Croc Feed is a not to be missed attraction. Considering that Crocosaurus Cove is home to some of the world's largest crocodiles in captivity, it is quite an awesome show! If you feel like it (and you should do it no matter what), you can also fish for energetic juvenile crocodiles. The Cage of Death, Australia's only crocodile dive experience, is accessible at an extra fee (we did not experience it, but no doubt it must be as impressive as diving among Great White Sharks). Photo opportunities guaranteed!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Crocosaurus Cove.

The Tasmanian devil is the emblem of - guess what - Tasmania and one of its exclusive animals. Taz, found in the Looney Tunes cartoons, is probably the most famous Tasmanian devil in the world. We were fortunate enough to come across one in nature (a real one, not Taz!). It was somewhere between Launceston and Scottsdale. It looked like a big cat. This is quite a rare privilege to be able to approach one. If you are too impatient, the safest way to see a Tasmanian devil is to visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, located on the Tasman Peninsula 75 kilometres north of Hobart. The park contains a dozen devils. Check the schedule to be sure to attend the Tasmanian devil feeding. Enjoy the loud and disturbing roar and see the aggressive side of the little marsupial. The existence of this park is essential for the survival of the species. The Tasmanian devil is threatened with extinction due to a facial cancer which has already killed half of the population. The park is also home to other different animals. Approaching and walking among kangaroos is always a unique moment (if you are not Australian of course)!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park.

The Koala Conservation Centre is, along with Penguin Parade and Churchill Island Heritage Farm, one of the three attractions managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks. The experience is different from traditional zoos since the animals are not confined in pens. This allows visitors to get closer to them in their natural habitat. The centre is also home to a host of Australian wildlife such as possums and wallabies, the latter having lost all sense of fear, to the delight of photographers!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not-for-profit organisation that manages four tourist activities on Phillip Island: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and The Nobbies Centre. We experienced the first three. Moreover, it is cheaper to buy a 3 Parks Pass (The Nobbies Centre is free).
The Penguin Parade is an amazing natural phenomenon that occurs every night at sunset. On this occasion more than a thousand wild little penguins emerge from the ocean, march across the beach to reach their sand dune burrows. Penguin Parade is obviously the best place in the world to experience this event. A must see! As for the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, note that it is possible to adopt a penguin from the Penguin Foundation Phillip Island supported by none other than Kylie Minogue, David Suzuki and Michael Klim.

Photo: Phillip Island Nature Parks

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Phillip Island Nature Parks.

The Gold Coast is renowned in Australia and Asia for its theme parks. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best things to do there. The park is much larger than the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It is host to many different animal species, some of which are quite surprising such as these blue-tongued lizards (photo). It is recommended to allow four hours to visit the park. The bird show is certainly not to be missed. The bonus: the ticket includes the Green Challenge, a tree climbing course quite spectacular (but not tested by us due to lack of time but certainly not lack of desire).

What do you think? Have you been to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary? What's your favourite thing to do on the Gold Coast? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a wildlife park located a few kilometres away from Brisbane and actually it is the first and largest koala sanctuary in the world! The best way to get there, certainly the most pleasant and the most informative way, is to go for a river cruise aboard the Mirimar II. This human scale zoo seems isolated from the world: a paradise for animal lovers. On top of lazy koalas, make sure you do not miss the kangaroos, wombats and crocodiles. Having the opportunity to take a koala in your arms is undoubtedly one of the fondest memories you will have. You can check the price and opening hours here.

What do you think? Have you cuddled a koala yet? What's your favourite native Australian animal? What's your favourite thing to do in Brisbane? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.