|
 "What a find! INALA, situated on one of Australia's lesser-known islands (Bruny Island), is a haven of tranquillity, a sanctuary for many of Tasmania's endemic birds, and a central base from which to explore this wonderfully scenic area. There is something for everyone here: historian, bird-watcher, bush-walker, naturalist, orchidist, fisherman, surfer, photographer, gourmet. Host, Dr. Tonia Cochran, will help personalise your stay, whether it be a one-day tour of Bruny Island by 4 wheel drive, or a week-long exploration of Tasmania.
 We spent 3 glorious days on Bruny Island, based at INALA. Scenically, it is grand! Birdwise it is top quality. A few steps from the front door of the cottage and we were amongst
a stand of white gums, home of the Forty-spotted pardalote. We viewed
numerous of these birds on several occasions.
 A walk over the property was
most rewarding. Olive and Golden whistlers, Tasmanian thornbills,
Black-headed, Strong-billed and Yellow-throated honeyeaters were but a few
of the quality birds to be seen. A walk in two patches of rainforest
resulted in seeing a pair of Pink robins nesting, and, after several tries,
Tasmanian Scrub-tit. Swift parrots were sighted as they busily fed on
Tasmanian Blue-gum. Yellow wattlebirds often joined them! A White goshawk
patrols the property and delighted us with his flight as we had our
breakfast. The weather was perfect and the expertise and organisational
skills of Tonia made this a memorable visit."
Celia M. Browne & Denise Moore
Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA.
"I heard about INALA from my birdwatching travel agent (from Toronto,
Ontario, Canada). Although he hadn't been there himself, he had heard great
things about INALA from several birdwatchers who had. We were not
disappointed. INALA boasts the presence of all 12 of the Tasmanian
endemics, and trails through the property allow ample opportunity for
birdwatching or other wildlife or botanical pursuits. Accommodation consists of a well-equipped 3 bedroom cottage (including laundry facilities and an eclectic library) in a peaceful setting for a relaxing and rewarding
stay. The food was excellent! Tonia is very personable and knowledgeable
regarding Australian (as well as sub-Antarctic and Antarctic) flora and
fauna and offers personalised tours of Bruny Island, Hobart and environs. Guests should feel free to make their wishes known as she will do her best
to accommodate them. Feel free to contact me at rebel2@rogers.com, if you have
any questions."
Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
Prince of Wales Animal Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA.
"Our first impression (of Bruny Island) is that it must be a really
beautiful place. This impression was right, for on our tour we discovered
such a lot, and our guide, Dr. Tonia Cochran, told us about the flora and fauna and history of the island. We found that our guide had an excellent knowledge about all, and that she makes her tours with passion. We were really very surprised about her so kind character and her way to explain to us what we were seeing. Our physical well-being was also (catered for),
with nicely-prepared and excellent food. On arrival at INALA, our
accommodation, at once we were very enthusiastic about the idyllic
situation amidst pasture and bushland.
 The peaceful atmosphere was still
emphasized by a creek that meanders around the house and by the grazing
cows (on the pasture) and native fowls (the endemic Tasmanian native hen)
running around the house. We felt us like at home, but with the special
extra, the touch with the real nature. A very great adventure was for us
the tour, which were planned and prepared and executed in the best way. And
we wish really so much to come again to Bruny Island and INALA."
Elmar and Margrit Storz
Rottweil, GERMANY.
"INALA- A place of refuge in an intact nature with all facilities of modern
life.
The owners are Tasmanian native hens and possums; people are only guests.
The host, Tonia Cochran, is amiable, helpful and familiar with every tiny
detail of the nature of Bruny Island. A unique and fantastic chance to be
introduced by her to the wonderful world of birds, animals, plants and
flowers. INALA and Bruny Island- magic words for both of us. It makes us
think of big Eucalyptus trees, different bushes, heathland, waterplaces,
rainforest. It makes us think of tree-ferns, grass trees, orchids,
christmas-bells, banksias and the native pepper-bush, from which the Black
currawong takes the upper berries, Tonia the lower ones.
 We remember
possums in the night, especially the white (albino) one on Tonia's roof,
penguins and shearwaters. And it makes us think of all the little
honey-eaters, firetails, robins and pardalotes- not to forget the nesting
Brown goshawk and the Wedge-tailed eagle. It reminds us of Tonia's
wonderful cows around our house, the native hen with her chickens, just the
whole nature on one place INALA. And it makes us dream of a wonderful night
under the southern sky, full of stars and the Southern Cross. INALA, where
Tonia is a wonderful guide who can explain every little detail, who sees
everything with her binocular eyes - JUST A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH!
Margrit and Hanspeter Gadola
Zurich, SWITZERLAND.
"I was one of a bus group that visited INALA recently (for a property
tour). We were fortunate to have the opportunity to do so, and I wanted to
thank you, both for the time you spent with us, and for creating the place
in the first place. I'm sure the highlight was my friend and I sitting on a
log, our lunches on our lap, watching the Forty-spotted pardalotes feeding
low in the young Eucalyptus viminalis in front of us. We couldn't believe
our luck! Thank-you for making it possible."
Annabel Hoskins
Gunnedah, NSW, AUSTRALIA.
"Dear Tonia, It seems so long ago and far away that Barbara and I were discovering Tasmania and Bruny Island's magical specialness. Your homeland has captured my soul and someday will bring me back again. Continued success in preserving your wonderful place on our planet."
Fondly, Judy Koblentz
New York, USA. |
