The annual Koala Count was held on 18 June. Twenty-seven people, including eight children turned up eager to participate in the survey to find koalas along Grey River Road in the National Park.
The group left from Aireys Inlet Hall and on the way made a diversion at Separation Creek to view an Elephant Seal which had hauled onto the beach for a rest. The Elephant Seal, a female, had been tagged as a pup on Macquarie Island in 1998. She is apparently in good condition. An Exclusion Zone had been established to protect the animal which is certainly an uncommon visitor to our shores.
Elephant Seal
We continued on to Kennett River where we had morning tea.
The weather conditions were perfect for walking and koala spotting.
It’s high up
Checking trees on Grey River Road
Our enthusiastic observers had recorded 12 koalas by the time we reached the turning point.
And here’s another one
We then climbed on to the ridge and had lunch overlooking the ocean and Grey River township.
Lunch overlooking Grey River
We saw another five on the way back, finishing up with a total of 17 koalas.
Based on records over the years, it would indicate that koala numbers are declining. We noted however the forest trees and koalas we did see appeared to be in very good condition.
We had a most enjoyable day. It is always a pleasure to spend time in the national park and appreciate all it has to offer.
K. Traynor
Seal photo: Geoff Gates
Koala photos: Chrissy Freestone