PHILLIP ISLAND VIC

Now, back to our holiday in Melbourne, we visited Phillip Island which is located about 140km south - east of Melbourne. It's just about 3 hours drive from our accommodation in Maribyrnong. 

Approaching the bridge linking the mainland and Phillip Island.

According to the Tourist Information leaflet, this 640 meters or 2,100 ft concrete bridge was originally a wooden one.

Located not far from the bridge, we made a brief stop at this Visitor Information Centre to get  the latest tourism information and accommodation of the island.  

We selected this small but comfortable Motor Inn near the main township of Cowes.  

We had a surprise welcome by this flock of beautiful "Galah" gathered on the lawn of the Inn. 

The Galah is known as the Rose-breasted Cockatoo which is one of the most common and widespread Cockatoos in almost all parts of Australia.

One of the most popular attractions is the Phillip Island Nature Park featuring the "Penguin Parade". 

There was a huge crowd queuing up, waiting to enter the viewing platforms when we arrived.

At the platform, we were repeatedly reminded and warned by the Ranger in attendance that the use of camera or video cam is strictly prohibited.   

We were told that after dusk, the wild little penguins would emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows. 

The landing site for the penguins was next to our viewing platform. This was a premium site costing us AUD41+ per person. 

Just after dusk, it was show time. Waves after waves of penguins in hundreds or more appeared at the shoreline and started parading ashore. It was a good experience to see so many of these little penguins. I was tempted to use my camera to take this shot.  

This cute little penguin seemed to have lost it's way to it's burrow, we found it wandering around the car park area. The penguins here are the world’s smallest species and the only ones permanently found in Australia.

Next morning, the weather was not in our favour. The heavy downpour spoiled our plan to see the island's spectacular coastal scenery especially at the Nobbles Centre. We also have to skip the Koala Conservation Centre and the Wildlife Park. 

Cowrie beach in the rain.  

We were very disappointed for not been able to explore the surrounding of the Nobbles Centre.  It would be superb if we could take the boardwalks and enjoy the magnificent views of the the rugged south coast and the blowhole.There was also a good chance to take a closer look among nesting seabird colonies.         

We ended up watching the mini-presentations on the native marine and bird life inside the Nobbles Centre.

.....and shopping in the gift shop.

The view of the Seal Rock from the Cafeteria. 

According to the weather forecast, it would be raining for the next couple of days. We decided to cancel the day program and return to Melbourne. Before leaving, we had coffee with the delicious scones at the Nobbles Cafe.