In Rockhampton, I encountered tree-climbing "marshmallows" and the pastures of ancient giants.

At six o'clock in the morning, after counting 37 fallen leaves under a eucalyptus tree, I finally waited for the furry slow-motion star—a newly awakened koala was looking at me with its eyeliner-rimmed round eyes. This is the Rockhampton Koala Sanctuary, the only place in Australia where visitors are allowed to hold koalas. When the keeper gently placed the warm "cotton ball" into my arms, the pads on the little guy's paws transmitted warmth through my sweater, and the fragrance of eucalyptus leaves mingled with the sun-kissed scent on its body. Suddenly, I understood why Australians say, "Those who have held a koala will have good luck." The sanctuary is like a forest enchanted by sunlight, where more than 200 koalas weave a lazy fairy tale among the branches. Remember to visit the "kindergarten area," where the little koalas are learning to climb trees with their keepers, pretending to lick their paws to cover their embarrassment after falling on their bottoms. It's recommended to arrive early for the feeding experience and watch them munch on eucalyptus leaves in slow motion, as if time itself has become viscous. When the setting sun dyes the sky the color of a kangaroo's tail, be sure to drive 40 minutes to Blackdown Tableland National Park for a geological rendezvous. Magma from 300 million years ago solidified here into a chocolate-colored granite labyrinth, and the giant rocks eroded by the wind into strange patterns look like building blocks discarded by ancient giants. I discovered a natural viewing platform at the top of "Castle Rock." Walking barefoot over the slightly warm rocks, a sudden breeze brushed past my ears, carrying the sweet scent of acacia flowers—beneath my feet lay the endless Carnarvon Range, with layers of blue-violet mountain shadows tangoing with the sunset. Tips: 1. Koala holding experience is available daily from 10:00-14:00. Remember to wear long sleeves to avoid being scratched by their claws. 2. For hiking in Blackdown Tableland National Park, the Castle Rock Trail (3 km loop) is recommended. The light is most magical 1 hour before sunset. 3. Don't panic if you encounter rock wallabies; they are the true masters here. When you stand atop Blackdown Tableland National Park, watching the Milky Way pour out from the granite crevices, you'll suddenly hear the rustling of eucalyptus leaves in the koala sanctuary—the most touching love letters of this city are hidden in those furry encounters and the folds of ancient rocks.