Brisbane Australia Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Tour 2024. Holding a Koala!

[@AlanDreezer]

Myself and my wife Carolynn have watched every episode so far and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your journey. We always say before the start of every episode “it’s time to watch our friends” because that’s how you make us feel with your incredible warmth. We honestly feel like we have got to know you both and as cruise fans ourselves watching you experience these amazing places makes our week every week! Thank you Mike and Nancy for sharing this with us long may it continue ❤

[@livingphase2]

Wow, thank you! Thanks for coming along with us and we hope to see you on the Seas someday

[@hannahzander9541]

Hats off to the people providing sanctuary for these precious animals.

[@livingphase2]

We agree. And as far as us holding them, we feel like we were just soft human trees for the koalas to hold onto. From our perception, the koalas were very well taken care of there.

[@altorre5739]

@@livingphase2 A Lone Pine, il n'y a que des gros koalas mâles. Je ne sais pas pourquoi.

[@europe_traveler]

@@altorre5739 Hmmm, didn't know that. Thanks

[@sscott6122]

I really enjoy how you two appreciate the joy of each other’s experiences! It is fun to watch! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@livingphase2]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hw5551]

OMG I loved the Koala park. glad you got to hold one. LOVE the idea of sharing recipes and them cooking some up. that's awesome.

[@timvirginia]

You were the perfect person to hold the koala, Nancy- your kindness shines through!

[@livingphase2]

Thank you so much!

[@therahughes1018]

It's so wonderful when one of your life's dreams comes true. Good for you.

[@livingphase2]

Yes! Thank you!

[@JustAnotherQuantumWaveFunction]

@9:55 That is the cutest picture.

[@livingphase2]

Thank you!

[@cappaman73]

At the precise moment in time that Nancy was holding that Koala, I don't think there was a happier person on the planet ! 😊

[@livingphase2]

Agree! 😄

[@tejas57]

I live about 20 mins from lone pine and its easy to take places like this for granted. to see the smile as you hold a koala (something i see daily) is no nice to see - its nice to see this through tourist eyes

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much for your kind words.❤️

[@cindydavis9846]

I love watching your journey as well! My husband and I just got back from an Alaskan cruise. I will tell you we are almost your same ages, and it was so great, but we are exhausted. I am so impressed with your energy. Thanks again for sharing your trip

[@livingphase2]

Mike and I get very tired as well. Sometimes we just don’t show it on camera. 😉 Thanks for following along on our journey.

[@cindydavis9846]

@@livingphase2 Thank you for telling me that. I continue to what your wonderful videos.

[@arthurscruises9310]

Brisbane is worth a second visit. So much to see. Your correct with some states in Australia have banned koala holding. Here in South Australia, where i live, you can hold them but only in a private session, and they are very expensive.

[@livingphase2]

We absolutely want to return to Australia and New Zealand for a much longer visit. And the koala holding was amazing!

[@DanielaBoha]

Hello Mike and Nancy....WOW Nancy..you got a haircut..you look beautiful...10 years younger..really 😀 😉 ❤❤❤..the glow and the smiles on both of your faces is just contagious 😀 😄 😉 ❤❤❤❤so happy for you 2 that you have this opportunity to enjoy and visit so may places...every time i watch a new video i smile with you ❤❤❤

[@livingphase2]

Thank you so much for all these kind words and thank you for following along on our journey.😀

[@tulaandtherabbittadventure19]

I love that you were able to mark off a huge item on your bucket list! You are just beaming on the pics.

[@livingphase2]

Oh thank you!

[@Bundydream]

I am born and bred in Brisbane. I have a photo of myself when I was about 6 years old at Lone Pine holding a koala. I am 60 now. It was so nice to see how much you loved Brisbane and the koalas and kangaroos.

[@livingphase2]

We absolutely loved it and look forward to coming back when we can spend more time.

[@pattieb8214]

Nancy, I thought I was going to cry watching you hold the koala. I feel the same about giraffes. It's a once in a lifetime dream and that showed on your face. Congratulations!

[@livingphase2]

It really was an emotional experience. A dream come true

[@nzingasrebellion2374]

Fun! My hubby and I visited Brisbane in 2022. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was such a amazing experience for us too. Thanks for taking me back 🥰

[@livingphase2]

Thank you for sharing your memory with us. It was a very special day.

[@vickiesalisbury5629]

I'm so glad you got to hold the koala!!

[@livingphase2]

It was amazing

[@thedrunkenelf]

I live in Brisbane it’s nice to see it from a tourists eyes

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much for watching and following along on our journey.

[@christineoneill9307]

Brilliant Tasmanian Devil moment 😆. If you stop in Melbourne, go to Healesville Animal Sanctuary. Huge number of native Australian animals.

[@livingphase2]

Thank you for this tip as we certainly do plan to return to Australia and spend more time there.

[@moiraw1111]

Glad you enjoyed the Sanctuary which is roughly 30 mins drive from my home in Brisbane 🦘🐨🐊

[@livingphase2]

It was wonderful, and a dream come true.

[@honeymcdonald9120]

Welcome to Australia!!! I live north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast (Kangaroos in garden at the moment:)). I'm so sorry it is so wet, it's just been an awfully wet Autumn. ps Brisbane is pronounced Briz bun. not bane - Nancy did it right, but Mike - nope. LOL

[@livingphase2]

Thanks for the clarification and I find it absolutely fascinating that you have kangaroos in your garden. In Michigan we have to deal with the deer in our garden.😀

[@52aberdeen1]

Ohh Nacy your face Lite up with GLEEEEE , !!! ❤❤❤❤

[@livingphase2]

I was just about crying it was so wonderful

[@christineoneill9307]

I forgot you are probably finished visiting Australia. 👍🏻

[@livingphase2]

Yes it takes us a while to get the videos edited we absolutely loved Australia

[@margaretsofocleous1999]

I am so enjoying your travels 😊

[@livingphase2]

Glad you like them!

[@SHYsArt]

oh love the new hair cut, thank you, hugs.

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much!

[@Qnotkay7]

Some of those Kangaroos are wallabys ;)

[@livingphase2]

Yes you are correct, they were the shyest of the bunch

[@angelasofia7726]

OMG! Awesome!!!!

[@cheralyndewet897]

Such cuteness 😊

[@livingphase2]

Thank you!

[@anneellison8188]

Great video!! Loved the Koala and kangaroo portion. But I especially liked the Tasmanian Devil part!

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much!

[@leeanneproffitt4375]

Thank you for answering my question also I am so glad to see how happy you were nacy when you were holding a kola

[@livingphase2]

It was an incredible thrill for me to have an opportunity to hold the koala.

[@katewright5691]

Nice video. The Australian animals are very unique creatures. Those Big Reds have formidable strength. I like the appreciation and gratitude you show during your travels.

[@livingphase2]

Thank you very much!

[@89Braveheart]

❤❤❤ loved the koala snuggles and video. Great info about where and the time needed to make plans if cruising in.

[@livingphase2]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jemmills7792]

what a great vid you guys.....the dear Koalas were just lovely to see...I have fed roos many times but never held a Koala.....how lucky were you Nancy xx

[@livingphase2]

We really do feel so blessed to have this experience

[@johnvelez6246]

I'm having so much fun following along with your trip. Thank you for making these videos. I look forward to seeing them!

[@livingphase2]

Glad you like them!

[@greenbutterfly-8]

Wonderful Time for Everyone

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much!

[@kimstarck284]

I was able to hold a koala in Tasmania in 1993 and it was a highlight. So happy you were able to meet one.

[@livingphase2]

It was wonderful!

[@johnhunady3526]

As we watched the narration of your wonderful tour and holding the koala, we noticed that your current location is just out of Dubai on the next leg around Africa. As always we enjoy all your videos and thank you for sharing these memories with us.

[@livingphase2]

That is correct we're just leaving Dubai and spending the sea days on our way to the Seychelles Islands catching up on more video editing and uploading

[@michaelturner1973]

Oh Nancy, I feel your excitement! Back in January we went across to Raymond Island which is a tiny island in Victoria near Lakes Entrance where the koalas roam around. We saw so many and one in particular was very keen to get his photo taken. I wish I could send the photos through to you! I was super excited to see them and I’m Australian! We saw a cute little echidna 🦔 too! Katie.

[@livingphase2]

Sounds like a wonderful time and a very interesting place.

[@yogerke]

Omg we went to the lone pine sanctuary! Such a great experience! We also held koala and his name was spoon! Love knowing

[@livingphase2]

Thank you!

[@lisasinclair161]

I'm right there with you! I went to Australia in 2018 and ever since my grandparents gave me a clip koala and told me that they held one, it was one of my life goals to do the same. It was literally the best day!!

[@livingphase2]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful memory of yours. We absolutely loved reading it.

[@desertsunset8025]

Koala love ❤️ is real !

[@livingphase2]

It is!!!

[@CarolineFH]

Really cool they took a guest recipe to offer in the Windjammer!

[@livingphase2]

We think so too!

[@ElaineCarter-b4x]

Love the dress

[@livingphase2]

Oh thank you.🥰

[@carollang6090]

Would you please do a video about what you carry in your backpacks? I've so enjoyed your videos. Thank you for all you share. Continued happy travels!

[@carollang6090]

The Tasmanian devil... 😂

[@livingphase2]

I could do a KZbin short on what we carry in our backpacks. It’s things like our selfie stick, a hat, extra sunscreen, some toilet paper. Things we find to be necessities.

[@carollang6090]

@@livingphase2 Wonderful! You must be a pro at knowing what to carry with you.

[@afinnerty01]

Your videos are always so enjoyable! When you show the videos in port Nancy is always smiling and exuding joy. Your joy is contagious to the company around you (and viewers too!)

[@livingphase2]

Thank you so much!

[@SaraBuschynski]

My friend Lori Heithoff had her recipe chosen . It was chicken and prunes

[@livingphase2]

We saw that as well later. Lori is a joy. 🥰

[@dboutier5636]

How wonderful that you got to do one of the things on your bucket list. It sure look like that koala loved snuggling up to you. I’m pretty sure there used to people holding them and animals know when they are being loved. I don’t quite get the people who wonder if you are bored with the food. There are so many choices on a cruise. At home I tend to get in a rut. Are some people out there eating 365 different meals in a year? Just at the buffet alone if you took one meat, two veggies in a starch I think it would be at least over 100 different combinations probably more stay safe Stay safe

[@livingphase2]

You're right, there really is plenty of variety in the food.

[@joanneyoung8571]

Utterly adorable…. Well worth the journey. Love it as always

[@livingphase2]

Thanks

[@jillfallon8497]

Lovely to see you enjoy your dream of cuddling a Koala in Brisbane. Thank you both for pronouncing Brisbane correctly....most don't. ❤ I've been following you from the beginning and am really enjoying my "virtual" 274 days on board Serenade of the Seas. I have a question. Do you know how many guests on board have reached Pinnacle since the world cruise began?

[@livingphase2]

There was a top-tier event a couple of days ago. Currently on board there are 79 pinnacles. We would guess it’s between 10 and 20 people who have reached pinnacle since we started.

[@kerrynfrancis2264]

We live just south of Brisbane, on the Gold Coast. Enjoy your visit to Australia 🇦🇺

[@livingphase2]

We have loved Australia and can't wait to come back

[@9OClockRant]

I’m so jealous.

[@livingphase2]

Oh, we don’t want anyone to be jealous. I hope you have the opportunity to hold a koala someday.

[@9OClockRant]

@@livingphase2 just the thought of the number of flights and the length of the flights to get there....I have plenty of relatives to visit.....it is in our goal to get there, but until then....let me just enjoy the "jealousy". 😉

[@kateyelo1505]

I’m so excited you came to Brisbane! We live here and love it, it’s a lovely place to live. Lone Pine has been open since my grandmother was a little girl, great choice. Loving all your videos!

[@livingphase2]

It really is an amazing part of the history and culture of Brisbane Australia

[@nancybarta8167]

One of my life dreams was to swim with the dolphins........glad you did one of yours!Im going to be so sad when this trip comes to an end.I would probably spend hours and hours on your balcony!

[@livingphase2]

It's going to be very difficult when it ends. Very sad like you said but then we'll go on to the next adventure

[@GinetteSt-Onge-d2w]

Another wonderful video! Thank you 😁very happy for you Nancy, you got to hold your koala❤️

[@livingphase2]

Yes! Thank you!

[@danatravis9240]

I just found your channel and I'm really enjoying it! You both seem comfortable in front of the camera and the videos have a nice flow to them. Well done!

[@livingphase2]

Thank you so much!!

[@sherriedentley600]

Koalas are Adorable!!!!!

[@livingphase2]

They absolutely are!🥰

[@toniasfreshflowers2345]

Love this update!

[@livingphase2]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sharonkubicek5231]

They're heavier than you think they are going to be aren't they? Pro tip...kangaroos like to have the area between their front legs scratched because they can't reach that area.

[@livingphase2]

Don't know if I'm going to reach in there. 🤣🤣🤣

[@Nicolethecorgi]

WOW what a cool experience!!!

[@livingphase2]

It was!

[@tatjanaanderlic7212]

I am enjoying . Kuala❤ Lep pozdrav iz Slovenije

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much!

[@CCB249]

How much fun! That was a great video!

[@livingphase2]

Thanks

[@karanallen2528]

Oh Nancy you got to do what I have always wanted to do but I haven’t been able to hold a Koala as yet.

[@livingphase2]

It was such a treat. I hope you get to hold the koala someday as well.

[@vanillaorchids1]

Are you the Nancy that had a PBS channel cough cough years ago. I used to watch you!

[@livingphase2]

No that wasn't me. But now I have to look it up. 😆

[@jennaf3332]

Love watching you guys 😍 question- has anyone missed getting back to the ship on time? What happens for them?

[@livingphase2]

To my knowledge, only one time on this cruise has someone missed the ship and they caught it at the next port. Thankfully, they had their passports with them at the time.

[@trishwilkerson7412]

This was great!

[@livingphase2]

Thanks so much!

[@debbiemoffat7723]

When I was a kid my parents and I went to Lone Pine and when we stopped for Lunch a kangaroo came stuck its head under my dads arm and pinched half his sandwich.

[@livingphase2]

Oh, we love hearing stories like this. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@deniselanglois6193]

So happy u got to hold a koala what an amazing experience- Nancy what is in your backpack it looks so heavy does it hurt your back? Does Mike wear one also

[@livingphase2]

No it's not very heavy usually when I carry the backpack it has my raincoat and rain pants and it. And also toilet paper you never know when that is not going to be available in a bathroom. 🤣🤣🤣 and yes Mike carries one too, fact he usually carries the bigger one and then I just carry a small bag

[@2tedmonds]

Nancy, I know my old eyes need a new prescription but it appears you have lost weight. 🤩

[@livingphase2]

Thanks. 😃

[@TracyVe]

Loving your videos. My husband and I have never cruised before, but after watching your videos, we've booked our first one! Do you book your excursions through Royal, a travel agency, or on your own?

[@livingphase2]

We book excursions through many different places, including the cruise line. We also use shore excursions group, Viator, and also other private tour groups. So wherever we see an adventure that we want to take. For your first time cruising, you're probably best sticking with royal just makes it very easy as you learn about cruising in the system. So glad you booked your first cruise and we were a wonderful inspiration. Hope you love it and we will see you on the Seas

[@LynnDavis-ln3bx]

🌟🐨🌟

[@petermcculloch4933]

I live in Victoria and Koala holding is illegal here.Having said that, the population is healthy and they are easy to find

[@livingphase2]

They are amazing creatures

[@JerryKitzman]

What phone service do you use to call a Uber and costs?

[@livingphase2]

We use AT&T and their international plan so if we turn on the phone it's a $10 charge for 24 hours for unlimited phone text and internet

[@BradSimmonds-j7o]

Kangaroos that are used to having human contact in sanctuaries and zoos prefer to have their chests scratched and rubbed rather than being patted on the head like you would do with a dog.

[@livingphase2]

Good info thanks

[@mikeyhau]

Good news on the koala chlamydia situation. A vaccine has recently been developed for the disease. If it can be successfully rolled out, this may remove one of the factors that has caused the decline in population.

[@livingphase2]

OK, your comment has just made our day. 😀That has been such a tragedy to the koalas. I’m glad to hear of some good hope here. Thank you for letting us know.

[@Dtiic5iyxixg]

Important note in case your viewers think you can feed all kangaroos and wallabies: Never approach a wild kangaroo! They can be vicious

[@livingphase2]

You are correct! Great point.

[@jholly5747]

Nancy and Mike, normally I do like the content on your world, Cruise videos, but you’re holding the koala video seemed a little disturbing to me. I like it too going to SeaWorld and watching the dolphin show or going to a zoo and be able to ride an elephant. Animals shouldn’t be used for our pleasure. It is unnatural for them to be held by a human or pooped or Prada. I too guilty of doing this when I was a child, as when I went to the Ringling Brothers Circus in Florida and was able to ride a camel. At the time it seemed like a really cool experience, but as I grew older, I only wanted to be free and to enjoy their time in the wild. I feel that in today’s world zoos don’t even have a place in the world. As the animals are locked up and closures dead by people and kids who think that is normal. You said that parts of Australia, such as New South Wales will be eliminating holding koalas. I think that is a good thing. Animals should not be used for human entertainment.

[@glenod]

this is an ignorant comment. koalas here in aus are listed as endangered. as part of conservation, you will find places such as lone pine sanctuary, australia zoo etc, take in injured and sick koalas ( from predation, natural disasters ( mainly bush fires ) and some times chlamydia ( which is a disease they suffer from ) ), look after them and mostly return them to the wild, others just cant be released. Only 3 states in australia is where it is legal to hold koala, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia and holding koalas is prohibited in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. i find it disturbing that in this day and age with google at your finger tips, you didnt spend 30 minutes looking up such places and doing at least one iota of education before posting this misguided and ignorant comment.

[@livingphase2]

There are many that feel the way you do. However I believe the more we interact and support wildlife Conservation facilities like lone pine. The more we can do for those creatures in the wild, especially endangered ones. Lone Pine has been a massive supporter of koalas in Australia for many many decades and their fees for things like holding the koala help pay for rescue, rehabilitation, and koala re-release into the wild from things such as the bushfires that they've had. If you're there you could see how much amazing and careful attention they get. Hope you can visit someday. 🙂

[@jholly5747]

@@glenod I have a right to opinion. As we’re looking up Google, I am totally blind and I’m just now trying to use a computer. I went to blind in 2022 from a stroke. So you can keep your comments and stick it up your butt.