Melbourne and the Penguins

Up and away early this morning, we took a stroll around town before most people were up. It was quiet as we meandered our way towards the Yarra River. Here we saw a few sculptures and bridges. We then headed into the centre and discovered the Queen Victoria Market. By far one of the best. There were some lovely things to see and we committed a few prices to memory. We will be returning at the end of our travels. We only bought a drink this time. Making our way back towards the hostel, we wandered through the main commercial streets and will probably return to them tomorrow.

Phillip Island Nature Parks - The Penguin Parade

At about half past eleven we made it back and gathered a few things together for our tour this afternoon. We then hurried down to the seven eleven and subway to pick up some food: ate half and stashed half. The bus was timely and we headed off. First stop was A cattle farm with a few kangaroos, a cafe and wombats. It wasn’t really anything special.

Then we motored on to a Koala park. We only had 30 minutes here and I could have spent a few hours hunting out the marsupials in the trees. Got a few photos but it felt a little staged. I'm sure we’ll have better sightings.

On leaving we did spot a kookaburra on a sign. Becky assures me that it was real although I found it a bit hard to believe.

We then drove on towards the main attraction at Penguin Parade. We passed a number of wallabies and a hawk which was quite fascinating then pulled up for the show.

Becky and had put up for the full works and were whisked to the front where the little penguins came within about 10 feet of us making their way up from the surf. Basically these mini penguins weigh approximately a kilo. They head out into the sea to fish and return to their burrows at night to socialise, mate and rest. They don't always come in as they can sleep out at sea for a week or so and they don't all go out but they waddle back and forth now and then.

Tonight the little poppets started to emerge at about 6pm and made their way up across the beach under the cover of fading light to avoid predators. One or two would sprint solo up into the rocks. After seeing a few rafts (a collection of penguins surfaced at sea) retire up the beach we moved on over boardwalks passing some stragglers as we went to a second spot where they came even closer.

Each penguin would call out for its mate to be reunited back at base. It was really a lovely sociable and natural time. At around 7pm we returned to the visitor centre to get our coach.

Even as the coach was leaving, we were still spotting the littliees heading home. This gave justification to the sign which I couldn't resist photographing. Understandably photography of the penguins was not permitted we would have needed a flash and too many flashing lights is bound to traumatise the animals) but 1 managed to purchase a few photos from the shop.

After disembarking we paced it out back down to the Yarra River to witness the visual display of torches which occurs each hour in darkness. The first time we saw this was distant at 9pm the final time tonight was at midnight and walking beneath the flames we could really feel the heat. I'd advise anyone who finds themselves homeless for a night in Melbourne to kip on a bench here and be warmed each hour.

So around the Casino we fitted in a couple of quick geocaches and then headed in explore the complex. We've not really experienced this before. We held off committing any monies to chips but were quite overwhelmed by the vast number and selection of tables, machines, cinema screens and shops. So much security too. Just as l'd imagine Vegas but the gambling didn't really tempt me. Now back at base after a quick snack at Macdonalds (must try to eat a little more healthily tomorrow).