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| Yarra River |
After the long slow train ride through New South Wales countryside from Sydney, we arrived Melbourne early evening. We were hosted to a Persian dinner by the relatives of my former office mate in a quaint restaurant in one of Melbourne's streets. It was early to bed for us after the dinner as we have a full 1st day in Melbourne.
Awesome Day 1:
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| Yarra River from Southbank |
Morning was free so we did a DIY rush tour of Melbourne. Walked to State
Library, Tram ride around the City. Stroll towards Yarra River and
Eureka Skydeck 88 and Federation Square. The beauty about exploring Melbourne (or any other 1st world city) is the availability of free (or almost free = cheap fares like $1/24hr) rides to major tourist sights. Boy, are we glad to take in the sounds, sights, smell and hulaballoo of Central Melbourne at practically no costs!
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| Melbourne streets |
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| View from the Southbank |
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| Clockwise: Federation Square; Indian Festival @ Fed Square; Skydeck; NGV |
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| View from Skydeck with the Olympic Complex and Melbourne's Art Centre with its "tutu" roof spire |
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| St. Paul's Cathedral, Flinders St. |
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| Flinders St., Melbourne, Australia |
After a quick lunch at Southbank, the afternoon was spent at the Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade.
We passed through St. Kilda St. on our way to Warrook Cattle Farm in Gippsland Region. A 100-year old, 300-acre working farm and homestead with a fauna park that features wallabies, ostrich and wombats. Oh we had fun interacting with the animals, especially the smart wallabies, who like to go near people in the hopes of being fed. A true-blue Aussie farm experience!
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| Warrook Cattle Farm |
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| Warrook Cattle Farm |
After Warrook, we proceeded further down south to the Koala Conservation Center at Phillip Island. Part of the Phillip Island Nature Park, the Center is a reserve built to research, protect and promote awareness of the native Australian koalas. An environmentally and Koala-friendly enclosure with boardwalk was built along gumtrees to ensure one can have an up-close and personal experience with one or more of these Australian animals in their own natural habitat.
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| Koala Conservation Center |
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| Koalas up close and personal |
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| Find out about what they eat and many more |
Before proceeding to the highlight of this tour, we explored the island. You know you are, indeed, in Australia, when, while during your drive, you see wallabies...and kangaroos(!) near the roadside or just over there near the grounds of one of the houses on a hill. And if you are at it, ask your driver to honk its horn and see what happens. Amazing!
Stopped to marvel at Phillip Island's rugged south coast.
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| Phillip Island rugged coast |
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| A sunset walk @ Phillip Island |
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| Souvenir shot @ Phillip Island |
The trip to Phillip Island to see
real penguins in their natural habitat (and not in a four-corner glass box) was an
unforgettable experience. Aside from the biting cold, Gia and I had a great time seeing those penguins appear at the shoreline, and following them as they walk back to their homes. We
even named one, "Pengu", and followed it until it reached its
"hole-of-a-home". Photos are not allowed here so no photos at all of the penguins. Photo here of penguins was lifted from the internet.
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| The only photo you are allowed to take. Cameras will have to be deposited. |
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| Photo courtesy of : www.penguins.neaq.org | |
After the whole experience, Gia and I could not stop talking about it. You should see the excitement on her eyes everytime she recalls the experience. One of those moments you will forever treasure.
Yes, we are loving Melbourne!..and it is only Day 1!
Check out my other posts on Australia:
Day 2 Melbourne - Going for Gold!
The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia
Through the New South Wales countryside
Four days in Sydney
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