National Aquarium: Australia Wild Extremes

 When you leave Shark Alley at the National Aquarium, you are directed toward an upward moving escalator which will conveniently deposit you in the lobby and the gift shop!  Now, the first time I visit any zoo or aquarium, I endeavor to purchase a coffee mug as a souvenir.  I already have a lovely one that dates back to my first visit some 30 years ago.  Occasionally, I will purchase a second mug if I discover a newer version that is compelling.  At $28.95, the one I have from 1994 is still lovely enough!

Outside the gift shop there is one final set of escalators.  They lead to another glass pyramid, and another recreated ecosystem.  This one?  Australia.  Of course, it goes without saying that an area as modest as a huge glass pyramid on the roof of a building isn't going to be "Australia" any more than it could be the United States.  However, it offers up a little slice with a smattering of fish, reptiles, birds and fauna.  If you are a fan of turtles--you'll definitely want to add it on to the experience as there are 7 or 8 different species featured here.  Without further ado.

Shingleback Skink, Tiliqua rugosa

Hosmer's Skink, Egernia hosmeri

Plains Death Adder, Acanthophis hawkei

This bridge leads you past a 35 foot high waterfall on your right, and a wall of glass on your left.

The falls actually plummet down this faux rock face to a large pool at the very entrance of the National Aquarium.

The pool is home to some magnificent specimens of North American game fish like Rainbow Trout, and from this perspective has no association with Australia whatsoever.  

On the other side of the bridge the wall bears marks similar to those left on stone faces by the Aboriginal people of Australia for millennia. 

Woma, Apidites ramsayi

Mary River Turtle, Elusor macrurus

A pair of Masked Lapwing, Vanellus miles

Parting shot.