Australia



Australia is a commonwealth nation, formerly a British penal colony in its earliest years, which also occupies an entire continent, the smallest of the world's seven. Native animals include such uniquely indiginous creatures as the kangaroo and the koala (both of whom have been adapted as Muppets on various occasions). The Australian counterpart to the cable station Nick Jr. has broadcast various Muppet series, including Open Sesame (a compilation of US Sesame Street segments) and Play Along With Ollie, featuring a new specifically Australian Muppet, Ollie.

Fraggle Rock
Uncle Traveling Matt appeared on location in Australia in various episodes of Fraggle Rock. In Episode 115: I Don't Care, Matt learns of a stick you throw away (the boomerang). In Episode 124: New Trash Heap in Town, he observes a herd of kangaroos, coming to the conclusion that they serve as transportation systems. During the filming of these segments, Dave Goelz discovered local puppeteer Ron Mueck (born in Melbourne), who served as assistant puppeteer and later joined the Workshop in London.

The Muppet Show

 * In Episode 210, Gonzo the Great recalls the time he worked with a kangaroo who could tell time, but was always wrong because his watch was on Australian time. The kangaroo had never actually been to Australia, however, having come from Sidney the Agent.

Bear in the Big Blue House
Ojo's Uncle Koala sends her postcards from Australia.