Phillip Island

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Nine couples opted for a full, and I do mean full, day traveling to Phillip Island.

Our young driver, Mike, kept us entertained with facts and figures about Melbourne and then the countryside as we made our way to the coast.

A mid way stop included a dairy farm where this fellow looked quite dangerous but nothing happened when approached for a photo.

We carried on to the island which has an eclectic history of farming and other economic activities but now has become a very popular tourist destination.

There is a nascent winery industry so our tour included a tasting at the aptly named Phillip Island winery.

None of the offerings were my cup of tea but it interesting to listen to the host describing the process used and the different varietals.

Then it was off to the Koala Reserve where a large plot of land has been designated as a mini game park focused on protecting a small Koala population. An elevated boardwalk provided great views although given the bear’s normal habits (sleeping 20 hours per day), most were tucked into the trees.

Birds and wallabies were also in abundance.

Back into the bus and onto the town of Cowes on the north shore for a wander along the jetty and beach. The town has a heritage designation for the golden cypress trees that line the main avenue. The photos don’t do justice to how vibrant the boughs are.

And how can you not like a town with this type of attitude?

Back on the bus and off to Flynns beach which provided a moment to reflect.

From there we went to the Nobbies, a south coast boardwalk overlooking some awesome coves where the waves crashed ashore. The wind was fierce and one had to hold on to the handrail and hat at the same time.

Surviving the wind successfully meant one last trek to the conservation area where bleachers have been built to watch the nightly penguin parade. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of small penguins gather in the water as “rafts” to fool predators. They come ashore en masse and waddle up the hills to burrows. It was an extraordinary sight.

The parade starts at dusk so photos are not permitted. They do offer downloads of pictures taken by the conservation staff.

It was captivating. We lucked in to a larger than normal volume of penguins clambering across the beach and up the hills. Estimates exceeded 1,000 just past our viewing stand.

Our long day ended with the two hour bus ride back to Melbourne, arriving near midnight. Tomorrow is our first experience of golf on the famous sandbelt of Victoria. Four rounds in the next five days will have us playing top ten in the world layouts. Can’t wait.