Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville, Georgia

Located at 222 Bailey-Waters Road in Dawsonville, Georgia, the Kangaroo Conservation Center has offered visitors a rare glimpse at nearly a dozen species of kangaroos for more than 25 years. Through preservation and captive breeding, these marsupials - that come in all shapes and sizes - have thrived in a caring, nurturing environment. Guests to the center can tour part of the 87-acre trek, which features breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountain foothills.

The center holds the largest collection of kangaroos outside Australia. It has been featured on NBC's Today Show, Sunday Morning on CBS, Delta Sky Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, the New York Times and a host of other television, radio and print venues. The well-educated and abundantly trained staff takes their commitment to these adorable creatures very seriously, participating in ongoing training and continuing education programs.

Aussie Adventure Tours begin at the Australia Station, the center's main building, which is the location of the animal medical facilities, the dietary preparation quarters and the main arena. It is the center's headquarters, as well as the building in which the Wild Australia shows take place. The shows offer visitors a more personalized look at the animals who call the site home.

While primary conservation efforts involve the park's kangaroos, other Australian animals survive and thrive on the grounds, including wallabies, as well as indigenous birds and reptiles and more located in the Billabong Encounter. A billabong is a watering hole area filled with a wide array of wildlife. The Wings Downunder Aviary features colorful lories, lorikeets and blue-wing kookaburra.

The Aussie Walkabout, Fern Valley Trail and the Butterfly Garden offer guests the opportunity to appreciate the splendor of the outdoors. Seeing the animals roam the grounds among eucalyptus trees and kangaroo fences adds to the authenticity of the experience. The Walkabout and the trail are paths that are a quarter mile each and take visitors out to see what is going on in the kangaroo fields. Guests can witness joeys at play, as well as watch adult kangaroos jump and eat. The trail takes visitors through North Georgian woodlands, where they might catch a glimpse of white tailed deer or Eastern box turtles. Picnic tables and seating is available in the Butterfly Garden are, allowing guests to eat lunch or snacks, while visiting and taking in the aesthetics of the attraction.

The Aussie Outpost, which is a gift store on the grounds, has many souvenir options for purchase, as well as a wealth of educational items for sale. There is something in the store for visitors of all ages. Money made through gift store sales is used to further conservation initiatives.

The center's strong commitment to education and conservation make it an ideal location for family vacations, school field trips and student groups. To be admitted to the park, guests must be at least 5 years old. The Appalachian Trail starts only a few miles from the center's front gate.