12/21/2011

Lazy morning this morning in anticipation of late night tour to Phillip Island. On the way to Phillip Island, we saw much of the suburban areas around Melbourne and went through some beautiful countryside. Stopped at a working ranch and got to see kangaroos, wombats and several different birds up close. Got to pet a kangaroo and watched one of the kangaroos kick another traveler in the stomach twice and chase a small child. Got to hold a four month old ring tail possum. Then went to the Koala conservation Center and saw several koalas up close. After visiting the koalas, we saw the small town of Cowes and visited the Phillip Island Grand Prix track where they run motorcycle races. The town of Cowes was a small coastal city with many seagulls that seem to like Mik. They followed her everywhere. After eating in Cowes, we went to the penguin parade. We saw several wallaby on Phillip Island before seeing the actual penguin return from the ocean. Over 1700 penguins exited the ocean en route to their burrows. The process was remarkable. The penguins started arriving around dark and continued to exit the water for hours after having fished for the day. The "little penguins" were about 12 inches tall and are part of a small colony on Phillip Island. The conservation program is truly amazing.