Phillip Island and about

Governor's House

After walks through the Botanical gardens, and a visit to the Aquarium with nothing eventful happening,  it seemed appropriate to do a little touring while the kids were here, so we headed to one of the key tourist spots around Melbourne, Phillip Island.  It is located about two hours from Melbourne, on the Ocean.
The island is somewhat like PEI - you can drive there - across a bridge -...and like Canada - there is construction on every road in the summer ( probably all year here)

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, we made sure we went to the Koala Conservation centre -and were not disappointed.  After a five minute walk, thinking it would be nice to see at least one koala - we spotted one - then another - then - yes, we had figured out where and what to look for.



They are incredibly cute....but rather lazy.  Apparently they sleep for up to twenty hours a day.

Bush babies

We also saw a number of wallabees - only the beginning. It turns out they are everywhere - fortunately none ended up on the front of our car and they were limited across the highway.

wallabees -everywhere

Racing seems a popular pastime in Australia - though - the speeding tickets must be significant because no-one drives above the posted speed.  This speed track was being used for practice runs for some big race beginning several days after we left....The speed ( and sound) was incredible.






We saw signs that we don't seem to have pictures for - " pedestrians, give way to cars" in various locations - and it is a good idea - pedestrians have no rights in Australia we have determined.



We also managed a bit of wine tasting - seems that is standard procedure in Australia. Winneries just keep popping up beside the road, demanding a person stop.  Fortunately, given the need for a driver, the tasting is extremely limited, though we often find ourselves leaving with a bottle or two in hand for a later time.

Coast line

We went to watch the fairy penguins arrive in the evening.  They are really sticky about cameras, so we didn't get any pictures.  It was quite a sight to see -hundreds of little penguins arrive at shore every evening - returning home to their burrows....same shore, same homes each night.  Oh - and the  other picture -  Rich and Eric tried to get a close up of this guy by our hotel room - He didn't like it and took off after Rich - who made a mad dash for the door - leaving Eric to fend for himself.  We wanted this to be a wombat - ( nope- has a tail), maybe a possum ( don't they play dead when threatened....?)....but haven't decided what it was yet.

Shep everywhere

 We also managed to spend some time at a living history museum - though we were there in the morning, so missed the shearing, forging etc.  However, it was very interesting - and was the site of the first 'large' farmer to the island in the 1800s.

 Note the fountain - made out of cultivator blades - a project for Rich when we get home - also note the clothing - It has been a very 'cool' and wet summer for the Australians.  Even we were finding it a bit chilly last weekend - highs of only about 15 C.....amazing how quickly a person gets used to something a bit warmer.

Kylie -5 months

One can never have enough grade baby pictures.

Looking out at the point at Phillip Island -   and the adventure didn't end there.  On the way home we stopped in a town just outside Melbourne....and came away with another rug - to bring home -  Rich just can't pass up a good deal on handmade rugs....even large ones which are going to present some fun getting back home.  Hmmmmm

Ah well - next trip - a couple of farm tours and the Great Ocean Road.