Table of Contents
The Roo
Of course, that is a myth.
The kangaroo is a marsupial endemic to Australia. It is the largest of the macropod or large foot species; the smallest is the wallaby. A wallaby’s body measures 45-105 cm long, and the tail 33-75 cm. The medium-sized is creatively called a wallaroo.
Having large feet used for hopping, a kangaroo has powerful hind legs and a muscular tail for balancing. A kangaroo can grow up to 2 meters or 6 foot 7 tall and weighs 200 lb or 90 kg for a large male.
A male roo is called a buck, a boomer, a jack, or an older man. A female roo is called a doe, a flyer, or a jill. A young roo is named Joey. But when many more senior men troop to the city court, they’re called a mob!
The kangaroo also appears on the Australian coat of arms and currencies, making it one of Australia’s cultural icons. When you hear the word Australia, you immediately think of the boomers.
The Emu
Emus feed on plants, seeds, fruits, and insects, but could also go for weeks without eating. They’re not frequent drinkers, but when given the chance, they would drink to their heart’s content.
Do you know that a female emu fights with others for a mate? They can mate many times in a season, and lay several clutches of green and speckled eggs.
The male emu does the fair share of incubating the eggs until they hatch in about eight weeks, of which they do not eat, resulting in weight loss. A dad emu takes care of the young until they reach maturity after about six months. An emu can live up to 20 years.
The emu also appears on the Australian coat of arms and 50-cent coin making the giant fowl, which features prominently in Aboriginal mythology, a cultural icon.
Emus are peace-loving, but if you threaten them you could end up receiving a powerful kick. Thus, be gentle to these lovely, no flight risk birds that rely on their speed and powerful feet to avoid their predators.
So, if you visited the Grampians, don’t miss the pouch potato Joey and the caring emu dad. Or, while hanging out in the open, you could invite an emu for a few drinks!
Check out Wildlife Australia tours packages to the Grampians. For a start, you may want to book a 1 Day Grampians National Park Tour. Or, if you wish to stay longer, try our 3-Day Great Ocean Road and the Grampians Tour.
By Kelvene Requiroso, content writer and member of the SEO team of the Melbourne-based Get Lost Travel Group.
Related Tours
Looking to explore the stunning balconies lookouts in the Grampians National Park? Look no further than our 2 day Grampians Tour from Wildlife Melbourne Tours!
Join us for an unforgettable day trip where you’ll experience the natural beauty of one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Our tour takes you deep into the heart of the Grampians, where you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the park’s most magnificent sights.
Our tour includes stops at some of the most popular destinations inside the park, including MacKenzie Falls, Boroka Lookout, and Reeds Lookout. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and an array of birdlife.
With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, you will cruise along scenic roads, hike through gorgeous landscapes, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Australian bush.
This tour is perfect for adventure-seekers of all ages and fitness levels. So why wait? Book your Grampians day tour from Wildlife tours today and experience the best that this iconic Australian destination has to offer!
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