Wilson's Promontory (and Philip Island)

Philip Island was good fun last week. Spent a long day looking around the Island by foot, seeing Seals, birds, the chocolate factory, having a lovely picnic by the beach. The highlight, and the reason most people visit Philip Island, was seeing the worlds smallest penguins aptly named the Little Penguins. The come in from the sea at dusk in little groups and waddle as fast as they can across the beach towards the dunes. They were very cute and good fun to watch, although no photos as apparently it doesn't do them any good. Well worth a visit!

We've just got back from an amazing weekend of walking and camping in Wilson's Promontory National Park, on the south coast of Victoria. We had the best time, with a group of 10 friends and are really grateful to Ant and Sarah for organising the trip. As we're coming towards the end of out time here in Melbourne, it was a great way to spend some time with friends we've made and remind us of what a truly amazing place we've been staying in this year.

Our weekend was nearly called off due to a freak storm blitzing through the area on Friday, but with so many English in the group we were hardly likely to let a little rain put us off. So we spent Friday night putting up tents in the dark, wind and rain, celebrating with a much needed beer, and getting very little sleep in the uncomfortable tents... What else are Friday nights for?!

Saturday started as Friday ended, with lots of rain, and some of the group were getting less enthusiastic about setting off for two days hiking through it all. However, after some persuasion from the local ranger, off we went. BEST DECISION EVER! Hardly saw a drop of rain for the rest of the weekend and completed some of the best walking in Victoria. There was a real variety of walking through forests, on boardwalks, beaches, rocks, gorges and cliff tops, which kept everyone happy. Very little navigation needed so it was just a case of how far we wanted to get.

We managed to do around 23 km on day one, a good 6/7 hours of hiking with heavy rucksacks. It was hard work towards the end, and the only reason we carried on was the fantastic scenery in places like Sealers Cove and Refuge Beach. It was totally worth it though, once we reached the idealic Little Waterloo Bay... White sand, crystal clear water, forest campsite, it was perfect! After putting up the tents (in the light, which was much easier) some of us decided to end the day with a dip in the sea. For some it literally was a dip due to the extremely low temperatures and we couldn't be quite sure whether the high-pitched screaming was from one of the girls or Tim as he crashed through the waves 'Baywatch' style. A good way for the sore muscles to recover though, and we were to feel the benefits on Sunday.

Had lots of fun comparing quality of camping gear, suitability of clothing and style of cuisine that different people had brought with them. Everyone chipped in and lent eachother things throughout the weekend and it made for a fun and relaxed atmosphere throughout.

Sunday was quite a bit shorter, around 12 kms, and a little less scenic along a very long uphill stony road, so by the time we made it back to the cars we were all exhausted. After the celebratory beers and much needed showers (bloody cold), we headed back to the city.

Pretty sore this morning (Monday 10th Nov) but we're prepared to put up with it. Have some brilliant memories of the weekend and so pleased we managed to fit in a good fun weekend away with friends before we head off for the rest of our travels. Same again next year??!