Phillip Island

Phillip Island, located south-east of Melbourne is a versatile holiday destination. if you are in for a one day outing or a fun filled vacation, this island could cater either.

We headed off hoping to spend a day and grasp as many things as we can. Anyone who wants maximum out of a day trip should head there as early as possible because then you get make most of your day. In fact morning is so beautiful. As it was summer, we expected the sun to come hard on us when it's noon.

We started from the Nobbies center, which is at the far corner of the island and the place is simply magnificent. It has well formed tracks or decks all around the center that enables you to walk around the tip of the island. the view of the sea from here is breathtaking.

Walking tracks and the scenery

Seagulls can be seen in abundance. Yes it is their home and we have to respect their privacy as a lot of birds were very protective of their nests.

Don't this guy look a bit cross

View from the Nobbies

More view

We walked about an hour or more and then decided to go book out tickets for the most popular event of this island, the penguin parade. We were lucky as they had seats left and the queue was growing fast. We took a 3 in 1 pass which allows as to visit the Churchill farm, Koala sanctuary and the Penguin parade with just one pass. After securing the passes, we took a map and decided to go sight seeing and take a dip in the sea.

So we decided to head first to see the Koalas. It was a nice sanctuary with walking tracks and bridges so we could be close to Koalas and take a nice look at them chilling on trees. It was fun walking trying to spot a fur ball on a random eucalyptus.

 After a sneak peek at the Koala information center, we drove to the Churchill Island heritage farm. We were lucky to catch the last bit of a Saturday market just outside the farm yard. They has quite a few local produce and lovely canapes and ice cream. 

Inside the farm were some unique events and historical settings.

There were horses to pet, sheep and hens and cows. The setting reminded of an old farm yard and it feels like traveled back in time.

There are many events to catch up like a horse cart ride, milking the cow, working dogs, sheep shearing, whip cracking. Then we saw this track which takes you around the farm land close to the cost line and walked down that just to make sure we didn't miss anything. 

Sea from the walking track

It was getting really warm and we decided it was finally time to take a dip and so we had a quick lunch and chilled for a while before heading to the Smiths beach. That was nice beach and the wind wasn't very high so the sea was calm. The water was still extremely cold but it was the ideal setting for a relaxing swim. We spent a good amount of time in the sea and got out reluctantly as it was getting late. We had to catch the penguin parade so, 'see ya lovely beach'.

On our way to see the penguins, we stumbled upon this sign of Swan lake and couldn't resist but go see what it is. So we took a turn, having a little time to spare, drove to the Swan lake. We has to park and then take a few minutes walk to the lake. It was the most fascinating view I have ever scene in wild. The viewing dock was nicely hidden on the band and saw we can watch the black swans without scaring them away. There were so many swans and some ducks too. We took some time to enjoy this breathtaking view and left the place thanking ourselves for taking the turn at the sign. It was worth it.

It was past 6 when we finally reached the penguin viewing grounds. There was a nice cafe but it was full with visitors and we has to stay in long queues to grab a bite before the parade starts. Tummy's filled and freshened up, we headed to the beach and took seats. It was really crowded and I was doubting for a moment, that this might scare away the penguins. We has to wait a bout an hour until the first little fellow appeared in between waves and marched bravely towards it's den midst the massive crowd watching. And then there were more and more. It was difficult to see them as it's dark, despite the flash lights. The crowd became uneasy when they can't see and people started to get up from the seats and shout in excitement. Despite several warnings of the attendants, people took photos and we could see camera flashes going here and there. It was a bit disappointing and the place was so over crowded. I felt guilty coming here and disturbing the precious wild life. So we decided to leave half way in to viewing. Even when we were walking on the bridges, we could see people acting irresponsibly, pointing at penguins already on the grassland, taking photos of their nests and shouting.
We really thought there should be a lot more controlling and organizing in letting people come see this phenomenal event, else there won't be any penguins coming this way in the near future. 

We finally manages to squeeze through the crowd in to the car park and headed home after a eventful day with umm mixed feelings.

Marysville hikes

Most of the beautiful nature trails and waterfalls of Yarra valley are residing in the Marysville which is an ideal place for day hikes and family picnics. No matter what age or fitness level you are in, you will find a walking trail that suits you. We visited Yarra valley and stumbled upon Marysville almost by accident.

Stevenson falls seemed the most popular attraction as it was very close to the car park and so we strolled along the formed track. The falls looked spectacular.

Stevenson falls

We stayed there absorbing the beauty and started our way back to the park, when we saw the sign for some more attractions that sounds like fun hikes.

We decided to go to the top of the falls first. It was a bit long way and few steep steps and without much effort, we were brought at the top. It looked way more beautiful from there and the bridge made it easy for the visitors to take a nice look at a safe distance.

Falls from the top

Top of falls covered! Next stop Keppel look out. According to the sign it's just a 4.5 Km walk so we started not knowing what to expect.

Regrowing

Soon we realized the climb was very steep and it was a bit exhausting but enjoyable. We met another lookout on the way.

Another lookout

At one place we really had to decide on the track as the arrows were not clear. Luckily we had the maps with us and managed to guess the correct path. We stopped at some place with a nice scene and had a snack enjoying the mild sun and the breeze and started again. After few more minutes we arrived at the Keppel look out which is a spectacular view of the surrounding.

We stayed there a good few minutes and started heading back to the car park over the circuit. It was a walk in the bushes and we enjoyed walking in the shades. The track had streams all along.

After about an hour, we reached the car park where we washed our selves and changed in to fresh cloths before heading home.

P.S. We paid a visit to the famous Chocolate factory on the way to indulge in a hot chocolate with a view.

Chocolatery and Ice Creamery

Hay rolls we saw on the way