Aussie meat pies, lamingtons, scones, damper and Bundaberg Ginger Beer ... what else do you need to celebrate Australia Day? How about a wombat, a python, a sugar glider, a bearded dragon or two randy young blue tongues.

The students at Central Queensland University Brisbane International Campus experienced all that is Australian on Tuesday, January 25. The Australia Day lunch introduced students to the local cuisine, native Australian fauna and the didgeridoo. Students and staff were delighted at the antics of a playful wombat, with a foot fetish.

Others were mesmerised by the velvety soft feel of the python. But everyone was happy to hear it had already been fed. The students appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to touch and interact with these animals without having to visit the zoo and peering into cages.

For Ranger Kathy controlling the animals and the students was an easy task. However, she had to pay closer attention to the staff, in particular to Uwe Therton, who tried to escape with the python. While, the IT Manager, John Osterman not only provided background music but also taught students how to play the didgeridoo.

From the feedback received it was a truly Australian experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students, not to mention the staff of Brisbane International Campus. You see education can be an interesting, enjoyable and delightful experience.

Photos: Student Muhammad Hoque meets a python and IT Manager John Osterman leads the didgeridoo band.