Hop aboard to see the `real’ Australia

KOALAS, KANGAROOS & WOMBATS ARE

ALL PART OF KANGAROO JACK TOURS

By On With The Show’s SHIRLEY BROUN

VISITORS TO AUSTRALIA often have `getting up close and personal ‘ with some of its native animals such as koalas, wombats and kangaroos as a top priority on their `must do’ activity list. 

David Zaffina with 6-month-old Common Wombat George.

David grew up along the Surf Coast and is a passionate supporter of the local environment.

Recently he teamed up with Airbnb Experiences in the Torquay/Great Ocean Road region effectively allowing this inquisitive community to share in his passion and learn more about the native wildlife together the local indigenous people and their history.

Tour highlights include the the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the not-for-profit Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, an organisation that carries out amazing work in rescuing and rehabilitating injured native Australian wildlife.

Having travelled the world working for companies such as the Disney Cruise Line, David said he was inspired to start up Kangaroo Jack Tours because of the great interest in Australia by the many people he met. 

David Zaffina with an Eastern Grey Kangaroo.

“Everyday guests would ask me about Australia and I found myself becoming an unofficial ambassador for Australia, sharing my stories about growing up on the Victorian Surf Coast and the amazing beaches, stunning coast line, rainforests and native wildlife we have here all within a 45 minute driving distance. My passion for Australia and our amazing wildlife was born,” he said.

“When I saw that Airbnb Experiences was launching in Victoria, in particular Torquay and the Great Ocean Road I jumped at the opportunity to be part of it. What better way of sharing my passion for Australia than sharing my local knowlege of the Victorian Surf Coast and personally showing visitors from overseas why the Victorian Surf Coast is my favourite place in the entire world. There is nothing like it.”

David says he loves taking groups to experience native wildlife up close.

“You just can’t get that experience at a zoo.”

He added the experience is very affordable, saying:

“I want as many everyday tourists as possible to have the opportunity to see our amazing coastal home and get up close to feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus in their natural habitat.

“They also get to have a personal koala encounter petting the koala guided by the professional park ranger in a safe environment that protects the koalas’ health and well-being and provides an educational understanding of the importance of animal conservation and protecting their natural habitat.

David admits his favourite part of the tour is introducing members of his small groups to Jo.

“Jo is our resident Eastern Grey Kangaroo. She is so beautiful and friendly and just loves to be patted and to eat straight from the palms of our hands. I love her so much.

“The other part of the tour I love is giving people the opportunity to learn how to throw a boomerang and seeing their faces light up when they make it come back.”

Learn more about the tours on offer Downunder at David’s Website: www.kangaroojacktours.com 

Ken Witter (of Spokane) with koala Anne.

Tourists Jade (LA) & Imani (Chicago) with David Zaffina and 1-year-old Minnie, the Common Wombat. 

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