3rd Trip - Phillip Island (Penguins Parade)

Day 1 @ Phillip Island

Penguin Parade

The highlight of our trip was to see the cute little penguins. The estimated time of arrival for the penguins was 840pm and we wanted to get a good seat so we reached there at 7pm. Then the agonising wait began. It was freezing cold sitting in front of the beach waiting for the penguins to come ashore. I could feel my nose and thumbs getting numb. It did not help that the irritating, inconsiderate and attention-seeking Singaporeans sitting in front of us were talking non-stop and kept bumping into my legs. 地方这么大，为什么你要坐在我前面? The 2 teenagers kept asking each other if they looked ugly and funny with their hoods and jackets on and how warm they would feel if they had their ski jackets, ski mask etc here with them. Their brother tried to catch their attention to tell them how much he knew about the ocean life. And, their parents were busy helping them to wear their jackets, wrap scarves around their necks, buying hot tea for them etc. Mr Tan voiced his displeasure. Either they are deaf or they have no manners. What a disgrace. Then the best thing happened. One of the birds pooed on one of the girl's bag and then, pooed on that girl!! Sorry but I think they totally deserve it.

There were many who brought their own mats and sat on the beach. We realised that there was no need to be there so early if you plan to sit on the beach. People who came later simply sat on the beach and they could see the penguins too. It was fun watching the penguins made their way up across the beach. The minute they sense danger, they turn and waddle back into the sea. Everyone laughed when some of the frightened ones scrambled back into the sea.

The best spot to get up close and personal with the penguins is not on the beach but along the boardwalk back to the visitor centre. As we make our way back to the visitor centre, there were so many of them along to the broadwalk! Some were resting, some were moving fast and occasionally, you see a few of them fighting. It was kinda funny to see them fight. First they stare, then they wait and then the action starts! They pinch their beaks and flap their flippers vigorously. Haha. What a sight. Photography was not allowed so as not to frighten the little ones and this is the only proof to show I had been there!

By the time we left the place, it was already 1015pm. After being in the cold for 3 hours, I wanted hot soup and pasta but restaurants and supermarkets were closed at 10. The only place that was still opened was a pizza place. I was so hungry that any food is better than no food. Lying on the comfortable sofa (covered with blanket), eating hot pizza, drinking ice cold coke, awwwwesome.