We were sad to see Linda leave us to catch her flight back to the US. We went our separate ways after breakfast, Maryln, Anne and Judy to the museum, and Anne and I taking the bus for another tour of town.
Anne and a local guide
While looking a a city map, a friendly local, one of quite a few volunteer guides roaming the city center, came over to help us plan our sightseeing and tell us about the history of the city. We then strolled along Melbourne’s golden mile, admiring the lovely shops. Melbourne has some interesting buildings, both Victorian and ultra-modern.
Soon after one o’clock, we were picked up for our tour to Phillip Island.
Wombats!
We stopped for tea and scones with real farm cream at the Warrook Cattle Farm, and had a close encounter with the ducks and kangaroos running around.
Kangaroo Island kangaroo
At last, we came face to face with the big grey kangaroos we were expecting to see all over Australia!
Koala sleeping
We had a delightful time at our next stop at a Koala Center where, from walkways, we could have a close look at the dear creatures sleeping in the trees.
Then, it was off to the Phillip Island where, along the rugged coastline,
Rugged coastline of Phillip Island
we saw a number of wallabies finding shelter against the wind, before we turned off to see the penguins. We were led to platforms with seating from where we had a grandstand view of the waves breaking gently onto the beach.
Stands to watch penguins
Entrance to Little Penguins
We did not have to wait long when, suddenly, little heads were bobbing together in a wave coming on shore, and out waddled about twenty little penguins.
Penguin parade (from internet)
They marched together towards the sand dunes and their burrows, parting ways as they reached their destination. This happened a few times, and we could walk along the gangways, accompanying them on their paths, but not getting too close.
What a magnificent event! Rangers counted about 600 penguins on average crossing the sands early evening. No photography was allowed since the flashlights would harm their eyes.
It was back to Melbourne, but first, a stop at Cowes for dinner at an Italian restaurant, Isola di Capri. After a great day, we got back quite late. This was our last night in Australia, and we were quite sad to pack up. We were heading home to the USA early the next morning.
