PHILLIP ISLAND, VICTORIA - 9 TO 12 FEBRUARY 2022

 9 FEBRUARY

PHILLIP ISLAND

It was a bit of a drive – 4 hours but the roads were good and the scenery variable.

We stopped at Bairnsdale to get a component for the GPS – successful. We passed through some pretty towns and decided that we will do a dedicated Victoria trip on another road trip.

We arrived at Phillip Island settles into our camp area and wandered down to the beach for afternoon wine in the closing rays of the sun.

10 FEBRUARY

PHILLIP ISLAND

After breakfast, we had a short sit on the camp beach to decide today’s activities.

We drove to Smiths Beach firstly to check the surf. It was about ½ foot and onshore.

Next stop was Pyramid Rock. The road in was very corrugated but it was worth it. A boardwalk leading out the point with sweeping coastal views to the south and north of the island. The immediate coastline was rugged and looked difficult to access but the clear water looked inviting for a snorkel.

Bumpty bump and back to the main road and on to Kitty Miller Bay. The tide was low and the bay was lined with a sandy beach on the immediate foreshore then a vast low lying rock platform dotted with rocks. The two points of the bay were small cliffs. It was very pretty. Endangered birds nest in the area. Tread carefully.

Next were The Nobbies. There were board walks at various levels with nesting boxes scattered everywhere in the sloping hillside for penguins. The views of the coastline were magnificent with rocky inlets, rock pools, deep water, a large rounded headland and a small offshore island. There were large birds fossicking and we even saw a copperhead snake (venomous).

Two short stops to look at the coast and surf at Cowrie and Shelly Beach which are on the inland side of the island. Very pretty with very small waves.

Our last stop was Swan Lake for some bird watching. There was a boardwalk that led to two bird hides for viewing. A great idea! We saw cormorants, black swans, swallows, ducks, swamp hens and many other birds, as well as, a large kangaroo with a white stripe on either face cheek and a blue tongue lizard.

What a great day! Back to camp for resting.

11 FEBRUARY

PHILLIP ISLAND

We drove to Wallamai Bay to check the surf. The wind was strong and onshore but the wave size had increased. There was a major surfing contest.

We decided on a cycle at Owens Reserve.

The tracks were easy and groomed with a bit of uphill and downhill. We saw a couple of swamp wallabies and an echidna along the way. The scenery was scrubby.

12 FEBRUARY

PHILLIP ISLAND – SPIRIT OF TASMANIA

We packed and left for our rendezvous with the ferry to Tasmania.

Along the way, we stopped at the Chocolate Factory for coffee. The coffee was delivered by tray carrying robots. Unique!

Our next stop was CRANEBOURNE to buy a dongle. It was no problem but not cheap.

We drove to MORNINGTON PIER for lunch in the park. The views were great but the place was very crowded … Saturday. I had a walk around the headland, along the pier and the beach. On the pier there were kids jumping into the water and along the beach I saw a couple of large mantra rays in the shallows.

We had dinner in a nice park at ST KILDA We drove a little further to get ourselves ready for the ferry. Outside the beach toilets was a reasonably young girl sleeping on a mattress. She was friendly and we chatted a bit. A different life!

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA

We drove a short distance for the line up to board the ferry. It all went quite smoothly and before long we were parked on the boat, settled into our cabin and having a few drinks in the bar.