After surviving near-extinction, a Victorian island's bandicoots are giving tourists another cute reason to come for a visit.
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Phillip Island is renowned for its 40,000 little penguins, with people coming from all over the world to witness the parade of seabirds from the ocean to their nests.
Now, a bandicoot tour will open on the connecting Churchill Island.
Phillip Island Nature Parks will host tours five nights a week, starting from early March through to Easter.
The experience will give an insight into how the endangered eastern barred bandicoots live and interact in the wild.
Park researchers helped save the marsupials from extinction, reintroducing the species to the fox-free safe haven in 2017.
Mark Anderson from the Nature Parks said the island had a strong population of bandicoots.
"This exciting spotlight walk will give members of the community a rare opportunity to observe eastern barred bandicoots foraging at dark and going about their nightly adventures in the wild, as well as a hands-on role in our conservation efforts,'' Mr Anderson said.
Starting at sunset, the guided walking tours will follow the bandicoots as they forage for food and guests will be asked to help count the animals.
Australian Associated Press
