philip island - quick getaway

Philip Island is a small island about two hours' drive south-east of Melbourne...we think its largely holiday houses, though it seems many people live there permanently. This was our first overnight getaway after the latest long lockdown (and collectively, 263 days of lockdown all up). We were gasping for the bush...so while the people seem lovely, we were more focussed on nature and the feathered critters...

OSWIN ROBERTS RESERVE

We stayed in a cottage on the hillside right next to Oswin Roberts nature Reserve, one of the last remaining 'untouched' patches of bush on the island. How's the serenity, even if a bit breezy?

Peace at sunrise...

Best of all, the reserve is literally next door, and we had two long walks along its length and breadth. The birdlife was prolific in parts, and especially in the woodlands at the centre.

We also did the longer walk into Rhyll (pronounced Rill, as in hill, we hear) via the woodland boardwalk. This was delightful (and long) but we were a little disappointed in the dearth of shorebirds on view (but the coffee in this lovely little town was worth the walk!)

However, the swamp wallabies were numerous, shy, and very cute!

We also ventured to Swan Lake, and the far end of the Island...plenty of wetland birds there, but we were particularly fascinated by a couple of swallows who had built a nest inside the bird hide and were ducking in and out with snacks for the babies. We managed to catch a couple of their moves...

It was perfect afternoon weather-wise, so we took a drive along a couple of the beaches along the southern coast - here we saw real surf beaches, and skilful surfers revelling in the sun, sand and sea.

And an echidna!

The owners of our cottage had 'promised' two whistling kites in the home paddock...we were just about to ask for our money back (joking!) when lo and behold, they made a late afternoon appearance...and what a sight they were!

And the next adventure is now in the planning...