Just when they thought that all the invasive species had been eradicated on Macquarie Island, one sneaky little mainland mammal made it through all the tough biosecurity.
Kelly Koala managed to dive into chef Annette’s backpack, and with so many bags of luggage, Kelly managed to evade detection until on board the Nuyina.
Once on the ship Kelly made herself at home, but drew the short straw and had the top bunk, and with her tiny little legs getting down that tricky ladder was a challenge.
Being a very gregarious little creature, she soon made friends with other expeditioners and enjoyed many games of Monopoly Deal, winning most of the hands no less, and the diet of all you can eat biscuits was a welcome change from boring gum leaves. She sends a big shout out to plumber Pat for introducing her to Caramel Crowns.
Once on station chef Annette wasn’t all too happy about discovering the stowaway, so Kelly was put to work quick smart in the kitchen. It was soon discovered that for a koala she was a dab hand in the kitchen and it didn’t take long before winning praise for her extensive culinary delights, stealing Annette’s thunder wherever possible.
Kelly settled in quickly and couldn’t complain about the accommodation in Cumpston’s Cottage, even if she had to share it with the chef. She enjoyed life on station, darts with the crew, Friday night drinks and it didn’t take long before she was getting to know all the local wildlife, though some of them were not at all friendly.
Once field trained Kelly was off to discover life south of station and headed down to Brothers Point to experience her first 'jolly', though she did find the pack somewhat cumbersome, not to mention all those hills, and if she never walks up Doctors Track again it will be too soon, phew!
Our little stowaway has had a marvelous adventure but it won't be long before she is heading home via the Antarctic, and who knows what the French will think of a koala on their ship.
But Kelly is looking forward to some fine French cuisine before heading back again to a diet of nothing but gum leaves.
Our intrepid little marsupial has had quite the trip, but is ready to be back home and regale her friends with her epic stories of being the first koala (and hopefully only koala) to visit Macca.
Annette, Chef
