Melbourne Day 7 - Meeting penguins at Phillip Island

6 June 2014

We had decided to buy the three-park pass which included entry to the Churchhill Island Heritage Farm, koala conservation center, and the penguins parade. I have to say it was a bad idea, as among the three, only the penguin parade was worth the money. 

The farm offered a few shows at different timing. At first we thought it was a challenge to visit The Nobbies, Koala Conservation Center, the farm and then arrive at Penguin Parade at 4pm to wait for the returning penguins. So as the nature lover, I made my first choice at the Nobbies which I couldn't sacrifice, though I should have prioritized on the three parks which we had paid. 

The Nobbies offers spectacular coastal viewing from the boardwalks and lookout points. We were lucky to have a clear and blue sky. It was also surprising to see a tiny kangaroo along the walk. 

Churchill Island, jtoff the coast of Phillip Island holds an important place in the history of European settlement in Victoria. The island has been farmed since the 1850's and in 1872 was purchased by Samuel Amess, former Mayor of Melbourne. The farm offers a few shows at different timing in a day.

We made our next stop at the Koala Conservation Center. Unfortunately the koalas sitting high up were all sleeping and hiding their shy face and so we got no picture of them at all. We however saw another kangaroo, a small one again, running in the woods.

On our way to Penguin Parade, we saw a stunning sunset over the field with a rainbow. The field was filled with golden sunlight and the view was breathtaking. Without stopping any longer, we left to Penguin Parade so that we could arrive at the expected time. 

Drizzle followed after the beautiful sunset. I had seen penguins in New Zealand at those free spots before, and now I understand why people rather pay to watch penguins, because there can see more penguins, and you have better view. The Penguin Parade is definitely worth the time and money. 

It was sad that photography was not allowed at all in the parade. I saw one standing outside of its tiny "house" once I walked pass the entrance. It was really closed to me and I was trying very hard not to take out my camera. We later spent two hours at the parade waiting and watching the penguins returning to their home from the sea. I saw over hundred of penguins, and yet I never felt bored at all. I loved to watch their funny walking and how timid they were to make a step. 

We stayed a night in a 6-bed dorm ($35 per person) at The Island Accommodation - Phillip Island YHA. Memory emerged, one that reminded me that few years ago I used to stay in backpackers during my Working Holiday in New Zealand. You must be wondering why on earth I will bring my parents to stay in such accommodation which may not be comfortable for them. One was for its affordability, second was for the limited accommodation options in this island, but most importantly was because I wanted them to have different accommodation experience. Everything was fine with this YHA, except for the unpleasant smell in room and the dirty kitchen after guests' use. There were TV room and game room but the bathroom had the top rank among all, which was surprisingly awesome, It was clean and big. I love the shower room that was equipped with nice hot shower and shelf to put your stuff.