Roo tours to hit 80k mark

ANGLESEA Golf Club will mark a milestone next month by welcoming the 80,000th person to take part in its kangaroo tours.

The club expects to celebrate the 80,000th Roo Tour visitor on December 9, with the lucky participant to receive a special commemorative gift.

Known for its picturesque setting, Anglesea Golf Club has also gained national and international attention for its thriving population of eastern grey kangaroos.

 

The course is home to about 300 kangaroos during the summer months, making it a unique wildlife viewing destination on the Surf Coast.

The idea to formalise the experience into a guided tour began in August 2015, following growing safety concerns as curious tourists wandered freely on the course hoping to catch a glimpse of the native animals.

What started with a single six-seater golf cart has since expanded into a fully fledged operation, now using two 14-seater carts and running daily tours guided by a team of 25 local volunteers.

“Our kangaroo tours have exceeded all expectations,” club president Jules Rolfe said.

“Not only have they improved safety for both visitors and golfers, they’ve also become a vital source of revenue at a time when many golf clubs are facing declining memberships.”

Tours run for about 25 minutes and offer guests the chance to observe kangaroos in their natural habitat, while also learning about their behaviour and ecology.

The experience has proven especially popular with international tourists, who have travelled from more than 50 countries to visit the club.

“When tourists come to Australia, they want to see kangaroos — and there’s no better or safer place to do that than here at Anglesea Golf Club,” Ms Rolfe said.

“Our volunteers take pride in showcasing not just our unique wildlife, but also the beauty of the club and the surrounding environment.”

The tours run seven days a week, weather permitting. Bookings and pricing details are available online at angleseagolfclub.com.au or by phoning 5263 1582.