We were getting closer to Melbourne. But before we dove back into city life we took a detour to Phillip Island which is known for its penguin and seal populations.

Again, we took the scenic route along the coast and visited several gorgeous beaches.

For coffee we stopped at a quaint little place in Inverloch. Australia is excellent when it comes to laid back coffee shops that are stylish but at the same time cozy. I just love the Aussie coffee culture! For coffee addicts as we are this is heaven.

Phillip Island is only 101 square kilometers big and is a popular holiday destination for Melbournes city folks who come for surfing and beach life. But what the island is most famous for is the penguins. Every night the litte fellows exit the ocean to return to their nest on shore. One of the areas were they come on land is called the „Penguin Parade“. This part of the island is open to the public (if you bought a ticket). We had tickets boked for the following day.

On the day of our arrival we decided to try our luck at the Nobbies where there are several penguin nests- some man made, some dug by penguins.

Your are only allowed to visit this area between noon and shortly before sunset. Below the Information Centre a lovely and breezy boardwalk offers stunning views of the rocks. If you are lucky enough you can spot a penguin or two.

We were on Phillip Island during the little penguins molting period and their lost feathers made spotting the nests a lot easier. Still you had to have a good eye. Apparently hubby did, driving away he spotted this beauty next to the parking lot.

Apparently you‘d also see seals at the Nobbies. When we were there there were none unfortunately. But driving back at dusk we saw countless wallabies and geese in the meadows by the road.