Nature and Animals Archives

giant goldfish model Koriyama JR Station

Yamato Koriyama, the Cute Goldfish Themed Town Near Nara

August 15, 2026February 13, 2026 by Helen from Differentville

Yamato Koriyama is an easy 20-minute train ride from Nara. The town is famous for cultivating goldfish – and they’re leaning into their reputation with all sorts of goldfish-themed sights to spot around the town. Here’s what to keep an eye out for… The Station I started my walk around Yamato Koriyama from the JR …

Close up of a smiling dingo at Bargo Dingo Sanctuary

Don’t Miss The Dingo Encounter at Bargo Dingo Sanctuary

December 30, 2022December 19, 2021 by Helen from Differentville

If you’re looking for something fun to do to break the journey between Sydney and the Southern Highlands, we have the perfect suggestion – a trip to the Bargo Dingo Sanctuary where dingo cuddling is the order of the day.

John Forrest Tavern just outside Perth has it's own mob of roos that like to join you in the beer garden. What happened when we had a schooner with Skippy.

Where to See Kangaroos in Perth

August 6, 2026September 6, 2021 by Helen from Differentville

One of my fondest travel memories was visiting a beer garden in Germany frequented by deer – we drank steins, they nibbled grass – it was great. So when I read that the John Forrest Tavern and its beer garden of friendly kangaroos near Perth, Western Australia was probably the best place to see kangaroos …

view looking out of The Manly Wormhole Sydney. You see a cave opening and the bright blue sea behind it

How to Get To the Manly Wormhole

August 15, 2026April 25, 2021 by Helen from Differentville

The Manly Wormhole is a pretty rock formation close to the Sydney suburb of Manly, but, if you don’t have the right directions you’ll never find it. Here’s what you need to know…

Wild dolphin jumping photographed on the Dolphin Swim near Sydney

The Best Place to Swim With Dolphins Near Sydney

June 13, 2023November 3, 2020 by Helen from Differentville

Did you know that dolphins are attracted to people singing? Neither did I until I got chatting to my friend and journalist Niki Waldegrave about her experience swimming with dolphins in Nelson Bay about two and a half hours drive from Sydney. Thankfully she was so thrilled with her day out with the pointy-nosed ones and Dolphin Swim Australia she said she’d write it about it for me…so, here goes.

Walking alpacas on the Isle of Wight, UK

Walking Alpacas on the Isle of Wight – cuteness overload

August 15, 2026December 7, 2019 by Helen from Differentville

If you’re heading to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight then why not add a spot of alpaca walking to your itinerary. Here’s where to give it a try – and what you need to know before you do.

Purple spiky Corpse plant in Sydney Botanic Gardens

Is it Stinky? The Sensory Tour at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens.

August 15, 2026August 31, 2019 by Helen from Differentville

The Sensory Tour is one of the many tours held at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens – but it might be the most fun one. Here’s what you need to know…

Baby wombat with bottle in its mouth at Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary

Love Wombats? You Have to See Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary

January 6, 2023April 19, 2019 by Helen from Differentville

There’s a few places in Australia you can see a wombat – but not too many where you can actually cuddle one. Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary is one of them. Here’s what you need to know…

Grey cat walking toward the camera on Ainoshima Cat Island japan

How to Visit Ainoshima: Fukuoka’s Cute Cat Island

August 15, 2026March 23, 2019 by Helen from Differentville

Japan has several cat islands, but one of the easiest to reach is Ainoshima, which is a simple day trip from the major city of Fukuoka. Here’s what you need to know…

Rabbit outside an ivy covered building on Okunoshima, Rabbit Island, Japan

How to Visit the Adorable Rabbit Island, Japan (Updated in 2023)

February 6, 2026July 8, 2018 by Helen from Differentville

Its official name is Okunoshima but it’s better known as Bunny Island or Rabbit Island – a magical land just off the coast of Japan where over 1,000 bunnies run free, demanding snacks, cuddles, pats and selfies with the people who come to visit them every day. Yep, it’s as cute as you think.