Today Ina and I were both eager to get on the road to Phillip Island. We left Melbourne around 9:45 for the drive. We had been told by Ina’s aunt that there were pelicans at the base of the bridge to the island. After a little over an hour (I think) we had arrived at the bridge. We decided to go have a look for the pelicans. We had already seen two in Sydney, but they pelicans outdid themselves.
Next we headed onto the island following the GPS to the information center. On the way we were going to pass by a race track used for GP Motorcycle Racing and some other races. I decided to go and have a look since we were passing by. The visitors center had almost nothing in it. You could ride in a car for a hot lap for $295 or take a go-kart around the track. On the way back out to the main road we saw some birds on the side of the road. We later learned that they were Galahs.
There were also a number of sheep farms and cattle farms on the way to the island and on the island itself. We made it to the Penguin viewing area and bought our 3-park pass. Upon entering the parking lot we saw a sign saying there was wildlife in the road. This turned out to be a family of geese, including babies. Ina ran from the car to go see them.
We upgraded to the Penguin Plus pass, which would put us onto a smaller viewing platform that night that 60% of the Penguins would walk by. We headed out to go see the Koalas. On the way there we noticed a few road signs warning us to look out for Kangaroos and koalas at dusk. This got us excited, and Ina to threaten to never speak to me again should I hit any animals.
At the Koala park the staff told us that there were quite a few sightings. We headed off to the paths eager to see a Koala. Koalas sleep 20 hours a day so once the rangers spot them they put up a sign making it easier for you to find them. There were two boardwalks that were elevated where a large number of Koalas could be seen.
We were super lucky to see this:
I really could use a Flip cam, or other HD video device. We also saw a Black (swamp) Wallaby, but I’ll save the wallaby picture until later.
We were both getting hungry and headed to one of the few towns on the island. We ate at a Burger's Edge where I had the Okker, I do love a fried egg on a burger. Unlike 5 Guys the buns here could actually hold all the toppings (a big gripe of mine). Ina stopped for some ice cream as I darted into a bike shop. Next we headed to the Churchill Island heritage farm. It is a pretty small farm/ living historic farm. We did get to see a live sheep shearing demonstration and a dog demonstration. Ina also made friends with a horse. There was also an adorable 1 month old cow.
We headed to Pyramid rock next. It used to be home to Little Penguins, but not anymore. It was quite windy and so I could not set up my camera for a shot of Ina and I so two single shots have to suffice.
We hoped back in the car and hurried towards where the Australian fur seals hang out. The island they live on is 1.5km off the coast. We paid to use an almost useless telescope, but you could pay $5 to control a camera closer to the island and take 3 pictures. We did not stay too long because it was almost time for the penguin parade.
The seal rocks are the thin ones in the distance on the left. Before we got too far down the road I had to slow down for a Wallaby. Ina got this perfect shot mid jump.
We were not allowed to take pictures of the penguins, and we could not actually see them come out of the water. They just sort of appeared from behind some brush. I think we must have seen about 600 go right by us. They are called Little Penguins, and are the smallest species. They are about 1kg and less than a foot tall.
The penguins burrow in the hills by the shore. After we had seen enough penguins (can you really see enough?) we walked along side a group as they went home. Fortunately there are a few burrows in the visitors center so we got to see a few. The pictures do not look so good though. We were also informed that the penguins are stupid and horny. They actually get confused by the season change and start to mate in the late fall early winter, thinking it is spring. We did hear some mating. Even rarer they lay eggs but then abandon them when they realize what season it is. On the way out there was a pretty unique warning sign, which Ina made me follow.
If you find yourself in Melbourne it is worth the drive to see the Little Penguins and the Koalas. Ina and I would both give the experience four furry paws and two flippers up. If you want a tour guide we will guide you for free. Also upgrade to the penguin plus, it is well worth it.
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