On a weekend in early October, we decided to go on a short road trip to a unique island called Phillip Island. It is known for its breathtaking beauty of unspoilt, rugged coastline, endless beaches and native wildlife encounters.
Phillip Island is home to hundreds of little penguins who emerge from the sea at dusk after a day of fishing, to return to their burrows. We were lucky enough to watch in wonder as these little penguins, no bigger than a 2L jug of milk, suddenly emerged from the water in groups and together waddled across the beach, as quickly as possible, to avoid birds of prey. We then wandered along the carefully built boardwalks and followed the penguins back to their homes. It was fascinating to watch these penguins in their natural environment. We had never experienced anything like it before. The ‘penguin parade,’ as it is named, was amazing and something we will remember for a very long time. To protect the penguins, there was no photography allowed, which means we don’t have any pictures to share.
We were able to take a few pictures in the visitor centre as well as on the viewing platform before the penguins arrived on the beach.
Waiting for dusk when the little penguins come out of the water to return home to their burrows.
The visitor centre had a fantastic display about the penguins.
Waiting…and cold…
We had to check under the car for penguins before leaving the parking lot as some of them have their burrows in this area.
Another highlight of our weekend was visiting the Koala Conservation Centre where we were able to spot koalas in their natural habitat. We walked along the treetop boardwalks, listening for the laugh of the kookaburras and looking up in the eucalyptus trees where the koalas slept.
The treetop boardwalks made it easier to spot the sleeping koalas.
Can you spot the koala?
A rainbow lorikeet in its natural habitat.
Reid makes a very convincing koala.
Not only did we get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native wildlife, we also explored the rugged coastline at The Nobbies. On a clear day, we were told you can view one of Australia’s largest seal colonies, who have made their home just off the coast of Phillip Island on Seal Rocks. Unfortunately, the morning we spent at the Nobbies was rather foggy and windy. However, we were able to wander along the cliff top boardwalks to discover that there were little penguins living in this part of the island as well. We were also able to see the ‘blowhole,’ which is sea cave that thunders when the sea swells. The waves coming into and rushing out of the cave create a thunderous sound and make a spectacular mist show for viewers.
Seal Rocks in the distance.
It was cold and windy but worth the hike.
We found little penguins underneath the boardwalk.
The rugged coastline and the ‘blowhole.’
We moved on from The Nobbies and further down the coast. We discovered unspoilt beaches that seem to go on forever. We wandered along the beach and came across Forrest Caves which are unique sea caves that were formed from years of erosion. Alexis and Reid had so much fun playing in the tide pools and running along the beach trying to run away from the waves. It was such fun to watch them explore and experience such beauty at Forrest Caves.
The sea caves at low tide.
Exploring the caves.
Playing in the tide pools.
Finally, we went to try out our race car driving skills at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Phillip Island is host to many events like the Australian MotoGP, the World Superbike Championship, the Classic Car Festival of Speed and many more. We didn’t exactly get to try out one of the ‘Hot Laps’ but we settled for the Go Karts. Alexis and Shane rode in a tandem Kart and probably did not get up to speeds that satisfied Shane but it was thrilling for Alexis. Reid and I watched as they ‘raced’ (depending on who you ask) around the 750m scale replica Grand Prix track. Regardless, it was an exhilarating experience!
A random group of kangaroos next to the parking lot.
Alexis is ready to try out her race car driving skills…and posing like a kangaroo…
The track was a replica of the real Grand Prix circuit.
Getting suited up to race…
Tandem Go Karts
I think they came in 13th place…out of 15.