Hello everyone,

 Well, I am still in Melbourne. Today I went to Phillip Island to watch the Penguin Parade. Phillip Island is about 120km south of Melbourne, connected to the mainland by a bridge, so no boats there thankfully!

It was a late start which was great as I was really tired after the Great Ocean Rd. We left Melbourne and headed towards an animal rescue sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing endangered Australian fauna. Most of the animals mothers have been knocked over and they have been orphaned.

I got to hold a wombat and learnt some new things too. Did you know that they have a boney plate on their back end to protect them from predators? I didn't!!! Also saw my first Tasmanian devil. I've been to loads of zoos and wildlife parks during my time in Oz but the devils have always been nowhere to be seen - so there you go - have a look at my piccies to see what he looks like. They also had loads of koalas too, for more great photos, I really think they are one of my favourites :)

After a stroll along the beach to walk off the lunch we visited a seal colony called the 'Nobbies,' no idea why but that's Oz for you, have to have a nickname for everything possible! Unfortunately there were no seals in sight, however they have built an entire conservation centre at the sight dedicated to them, so I have to believe they do live there sometimes!

We then headed to the parade. Sitting down on the sand, we watched the sun set and the tide start to come in. Then a little black figure was spotted in the surf - there he was. Waddling out of the surf was a little penguin, they are little by the way, the seagulls on the beach were bigger. So one little penguin starts across the sand and checks it all out and if he thinks its ok, then the rest start to come out of the water and run up the beach. We saw about 200 that night, its a definate sighting although numbers vary from 50 - 000's depending on the season - its soooo cute.

These penguins are only found on the south coast of Australia and Phillip Island has the largest colony and has built a conservation and education centre as a result. So where do they go once they have crossed the sand? They have little boxes in the hillside (see piccies). Literally, as you walk back to the visitors centre they are everywhere, feeding, fighting, walking around. They even have signs to check under the car before you drive off!

If you have a look at my pics, you'll notice that there are no penguin pics, sorry bout that, you are not allowed to take pictures at the parade. They say it hurts the penguins eyes but I think there are other reasons too so I have sent you all a postcard instead :) - hope they get there soon.

So all in all a great wildlife day, obviously right up my street but also for anyone who wants to see some australian wildlife.

Off to neighbours tomorrow

Mx