What is a drop bear? Magnetic Island Koalas
Koalas are the quintessential Australian animal and a magnetic island is lucky enough to have a healthy population of wild koalas.
Magnetic Island. Beaches, water sports, and lazy afternoons. Yes, it’s absolutely all of those things, but it’s also a nature wonderland.
Of course, you do need to be careful because koalas can sometimes be confused for their more infamous and vicious cousins, the drop bear.
Drop Bears – Hiker beware
Beware the elusive and notorious Plummetis ferocis, a.k.a. The Drop Bear. Australia’s most fearsome predator.
These elusive beasts cunningly disguise themselves as koalas and are said to lurk high in treetops, waiting to drop onto unsuspecting tourists.
With razor-sharp claws and fangs, they feast on the fear of their victims and the occasional Vegemite sandwich.
Legend has it they can be found in the densest eucalyptus forests, where they thrive on the screams of startled hikers.
We suggest wearing a hat with forks sticking out of it and carry an umbrella upside down, because drop bears hate well-prepared prey.
While drop bears are terrifying and to be avoided, koalas are one of Australia’s most beloved and iconic animals.
Koalas – Australian icon
Phascolarctos cinereus is the scientific name but we know them as, the koala. These native Australians are arboreal herbivore marsupials meaning they spend most of their time in trees, consume vegetation, and carry and nurse their young in their pouch. Their fluffy ears and large noses are easily recognisable worldwide and tourists travel from afar to visit Australia, hoping to meet one of these cuddly-looking creatures. Thick grey fur is perfect camouflage for their main habitat; eucalyptus trees.
Koalas of Australia
When you say koala, everyone thinks Australia.
If you are koala spotting, search in eucalyptus forests and woodlands in the coastal regions of eastern and southern Australia.
Wild koala populations primarily live in New South Wales, Victoria, South Autralia, and of course, Queensland.
Koalas of Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is one of the best places in Australia to see Koalas in their natural habitat.
The Forts Walk is a popular hiking trail that is great for spotting wild koalas. Best to head out early morning or late afternoon when the koalas are more active.
Or opt for a local tour operator to help you spot them as well as educate you on these fascinating animals and the very important conservation efforts.
You can enjoy an interactive experience and possibly even get up close and personal with a koala under the supervision of a trained handler at Bungalow Bay Koala Village.
Head to Magnetic Island
A magnetic island offers a unique experience where you can see and potentially interact with these most beautiful animals in their natural setting. So make sure you make it as part of your trip to say hello to the koalas in Magnetic Island.
But remember, be careful of the drop bears. You never know where they’re hiding.
