We hit the streets early to do a walking tour of downtown Melbourne. The downtown area is filled with old Victorian arcades and tiny alleys with sidewalk cafes.
We finished our self guided walking tour in time to jump on the tour bus taking us to see the famous “Little Penguins”. Our bus driver, Ross, actually knew a few things- so the ride down to the coast was interesting. The houses along the seashore were spectacular and the water views were beautiful. Our only disappointment was that we weren’t able to stop at the Giant Worm museum. We passed by and had to rely on Bryson’s description of these 12 foot long earthworms (only 6” in diameter).
As with all “bus tours”, they had to fill the day with activities. Our first stop was at the Warrook Cattle Farm and a chance to see kangaroos up close and personal. With soaring temperatures and glaring sun, the roo’s were doing just what you’d expect—nothing! No bouncing kangaroos hopping across the fields. Most of them were just sacked out under the shade of a tree. All the “ducks” were finally loaded back on the bus. We’d forgotten how much we detest these group tours. There’s always someone that shows up late-or is just completely obnoxious. This tour was no exception. We had “the horrible Heb”- who actually had the nerve to ask the driver/tour guide to stop talking so he could sleep. We not only had the “HH”, but also a group of Chinese tourists who completely disregarded every instruction the driver gave us (including the one telling them not to leave cigarette butts on the ground because the penguins eat them and die).
Our next stop was the Koala Conservatory in Cowes on Phillip Island where we actually got to see these adorable little creatures in their natural environment. Like the kangaroos, most of them were sleeping- although, sleeping is their normal state. Koalas are basically one of the laziest creatures on earth. Their day is spent eating eucalyptus leaves- and snoozing.
We finished our self guided walking tour in time to jump on the tour bus taking us to see the famous “Little Penguins”. Our bus driver, Ross, actually knew a few things- so the ride down to the coast was interesting. The houses along the seashore were spectacular and the water views were beautiful. Our only disappointment was that we weren’t able to stop at the Giant Worm museum. We passed by and had to rely on Bryson’s description of these 12 foot long earthworms (only 6” in diameter).
As with all “bus tours”, they had to fill the day with activities. Our first stop was at the Warrook Cattle Farm and a chance to see kangaroos up close and personal. With soaring temperatures and glaring sun, the roo’s were doing just what you’d expect—nothing! No bouncing kangaroos hopping across the fields. Most of them were just sacked out under the shade of a tree. All the “ducks” were finally loaded back on the bus. We’d forgotten how much we detest these group tours. There’s always someone that shows up late-or is just completely obnoxious. This tour was no exception. We had “the horrible Heb”- who actually had the nerve to ask the driver/tour guide to stop talking so he could sleep. We not only had the “HH”, but also a group of Chinese tourists who completely disregarded every instruction the driver gave us (including the one telling them not to leave cigarette butts on the ground because the penguins eat them and die).
Our next stop was the Koala Conservatory in Cowes on Phillip Island where we actually got to see these adorable little creatures in their natural environment. Like the kangaroos, most of them were sleeping- although, sleeping is their normal state. Koalas are basically one of the laziest creatures on earth. Their day is spent eating eucalyptus leaves- and snoozing.
Back on the bus and off to the Nobbies to make a quick dinner stop and then the highlight of the day, the march of the Little Penguins. These tiny creatures leave in the morning to head out to sea to collect food for their babies. At dusk, they all head back to the beach and make their march back to their nests. Things are not good for the little penguins- the food supply is dwindling and many of the parents can’t find enough food to feed their babies. It was heartbreaking to see the little birds, obviously hungry, looking for their parents- completely dependent on them for their food.
It was time to head back to the bus- and our long drive back to Melbourne. We, of course, were the very last drop-off. It did give us the chance to talk a bit more with Ross who had us howling with stories of tourists from hell. Imagine-one tourist blamed the bus driver for the lack of penguins on the nightly march.
It was time to head back to the bus- and our long drive back to Melbourne. We, of course, were the very last drop-off. It did give us the chance to talk a bit more with Ross who had us howling with stories of tourists from hell. Imagine-one tourist blamed the bus driver for the lack of penguins on the nightly march.
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