Post #3 – This is the final post in the series Sydney to Melbourne in a Spaceship recounting our one-week adventure with a Spaceships Australia (affiliate link) van named Arthur Dent.
Wilson's Promontory
I was not prepared for the complete change in weather that waited for us at Wilson’s Promontory National Park. I thought I was. After all, I had seen the little swirls on the map meaning high winds and know that promontory means ‘point of land that juts out into a large body of water’. Naturally, that influences things. When I stepped out of the van that first time though, I truly expected it to snow. It did rain off and on the whole time we were there but we still managed to get out wandering and within minutes of arriving to the campground spotted this adorable looking wombat.
After finding a nice site and layering on more clothing, it was time to make something for dinner. We quickly learned to be extra vigilant around our food as visits from bold little crimson rosellas were common.
The weather cleared long enough on the first evening to go explore Norman Beach and watch the sunset.
The next day we decided not to drive anywhere and enjoy the beach and trails located near the Tidal River Campground.
There is no way I would have gotten into the water anyway with the temperatures being so cold but these little Bluebottle jellyfish littered the beach as well. Apparently, they can still sting even when they are washed up dead or the tentacles have broken off.
Loo-Errn Track
The 1km Loo-Errn Track provides an excellent loop walk from the ocean back around to the campsites.
Back at our campsite we discovered one more scavenger that we needed to be wary of. This Pacific gull ran up onto our site before realizing I was sitting in the chair. This thing was huge! It probably stood close to two feet tall.
As dusk fell, I went out to try to get a picture of one more wombat. This toothy fella(?) was rather shy and quickly ran off after I came upon him scratching his rump on a stump.
After braving the cold for one more night, we packed up the van and headed out to explore some of the very popular beach trails on our way out of the park.
Squeaky Beach
Squeaky Beach was the first stop. The rounded grains of quartz sand make a distinctive ‘squeak’ when walked on. Unfortunately it was raining again and very windy so the beach stroll was a short one. I can confirm though that this sand really does have a squeakiness to it.
This black cockatoo was the only other one we saw braving the elements.
Whiskey Bay
The scenery here was breathtaking – rain and all. The path follows Whisky Creek before it passes over sand dunes and out onto a secluded beach.
As beautiful as it was here, I was ready to get back into a warmer area for our final night on this camping trip.
Phillip Island
We decided Phillip Island would be a good way to ease back into more populated areas. Being less than two hours from Melbourne meant there were a lot more people than we had come across so far on this adventure. There was still the potential to see some wildlife as the island is known for the little blue penguins that make their way to shore every evening to nest and koalas do live here too.
At the Nobbies Centre, I found myself wandering around another headland with waves and wind not unlike Wilson’s Promontory. The difference here was the stench that Australia’s largest colony of fur seals creates. I can only imagine what it would smell like being on that boat tour!
Much to my delight, there were penguins nesting during the day. Some of them in natural burrows and some in boxes provided for them.
It was a good decision to detour here for the night. The only thing that would have made it better was an early morning sighting of a koala while we walked the trail beside the Koala Conservation Centre. It was just not meant to be – this time. Still, the walk was pleasant, and there were wallaby sightings, so that’s not too bad.
Brighton Bathing Boxes
It was starting to feel very much like a city when we stopped to have a look at the Brighton bathing boxes. There were a lot more people and parking was scarce.
As this was the last stop before returning our van, it was kind of a bittersweet moment as well. I could have kept going, travelling the coast or heading inland. There’s just so much to see. Later, as I sat looking at the Melbourne skyline all lit up at night, I reminded myself that our trip wasn’t over. We were still in the country for another 3.5 weeks and had plans to explore more.
REMINDER – This post is the third and final in the series Sydney to Melbourne in a Spaceship recounting our one-week adventure with a Spaceships Australia van named Arthur Dent.
Missed the first one? FIND IT HERE
or Post # 2 HERE
Thank you, great photos (as we’ve come to expect & experience!) Endearing creatures and incredible landscapes. And the inviting pathways and look out points….I’m rather envious!
Heather & Chris
Yes, we found ourselves on lots of amazing tracks and pathways on this trip. Usually with no one else in sight!
Just went thru your new post. As always your photos and dialogue are amazing. I went back thru the first two posts again.
Thanks. I had trouble narrowing it down there were so many things to take pictures of.
Stunningly beautiful beginning to a trip fraught with other less happy memories that followed.