Australia Holiday - Torquay to Phillip Island - paddling and penguins

Anyone for Tennis? - November 11th

One of Torquay's many beaches

Next day, after a hearty breakfast, we played tennis in the Torquay sunshine. Our host's were good players, we hit the ball OK but I struggled to serve. It was good fun though and was followed by a paddle in the sea. After lunch in Torquay Town we said our thanks and goodbyes and headed for Queenscliff and the 4 o'clock car ferry across the mouth of Melbourne Bay to Sorrento. Perfect calm and sunny weather made this a very enjoyable one hour cruise. It cost about £40. A very reasonable price really as it would cost that much in Petrol if we had driven round the bay in the Yaris. TW had announced that she wanted to see the Penguins at Phillip Island so we needed to step on the gas to get there before dark. We found time for some Fish and Chips at San Remo before arriving in good time for the Penguin march up the beach to their nesting area. Some of the Penguins travel 2 km inland through the Car Park so you have to look under your car before driving off! We saw a couple, thankfully not under our Yaris.  Penguin viewing is now much more organised than it was on my previous visit and there were loads more tourists. I don't remember grandstands last time. It was still good fun though. There were plenty of Rangers around to answer questions. Happily, there are also far more penguins. In the 80's the population was only about 8,000 but now its grown to over 30,000. As it was breeding time there was a large number coming ashore.

We are sailing - from Queenscliff

Getting close to Sorrento - Tee Shirt weather

TW chooses the Healthy Option for Lunch?

Apparently the organisers have bought surrounding properties and closed the road so its a lot safer for our little black and white friends. The Fairy Penguin is the smallest in the world and when they are in the water the untrained eye would think they were small ducks. When they hit the beach there is no mistaking their smart outfits as they warily start their waddle across the sand. They lean forward and run as fast as their wee legs will carry them. You can then wander on the board-walks and see them at close hand. Photography is forbidden which is fair enough. We thoroughly enjoyed it and it capped off a great day and a hugely enjoyable weekend. We headed for Cowes where we crashed out in a Motel. Zzzzz!