Thala Beach wallaby welcomer

At least that seems to be what this friendly local is saying. Certainly it's not the standard greeting you're used to getting as you check-in at your holiday destination.

However at one far north Queensland resort, Apple the wallaby has almost become part of the staff, endearing herself to all who meet her. We're told she's not on the payroll - yet! But her easy manner and friendliness makes her an ideal 'meeter and greeter', and a great subject for all those social media snaps.

Probably the only wild wallaby in the world with her own hashtag, Apple was given her name by a young guest staying at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, and she’s certainly the only one that calls Port Douglas home. Not content with making popular red carpet appearances on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter, #AppletheWallaby also has a couple of YouTube video clips under her belt. Naturally, like any self-respecting social media star, she also has her own web page.

(all pics courtesy of Thala Beach Nature Reserve)

Despite the demands of looming motherhood (she has a joey developing in her pouch), Apple makes multiple unscheduled daily appearances in Thala’s open sided lobby. She’s a natural crowd pleaser, gently bounding across the slate floor, pausing to preen and pose for guests and their cameras. Apple's nostrils twitch as she checks out the strange human aromas, her curiosity apparent. As she inches in close, her dark eyes shaded by lashes the envy of women worldwide, she rests her forepaw on a guest’s knee in a marsupial version of a handshake.

Apple is one of approximately 50 wild agile wallabies that inhabit Thala Beach Nature Reserve. A team of onsite Rangers keep an eye on Apple along with other wildlife that come and go through the seasons.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve sits on 58 hectares of beachfront native forest 15 minutes south of Port Douglas, 45 minutes north of Cairns, Queensland. Read more...

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