Melbourne Travel Diary | A one-day itinerary that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit

A while ago, a friend told me they were bored and asked if I had any recommendations. I thought about it and suggested taking the steam train and then going for a spin around Phillip Island. She said, "Haven't you already been to all those places?" I replied, "Yes, but when I'm bored, I actually want to revisit places I've already been."

 

Puffing Billy: Still the same charm
I've ridden Puffing Billy several times, but every time I go, I find it quite enjoyable. I chose a carriage near the front and dangled my legs out the window. As the train started, the wind rushed in, bringing coal dust with it. This time, I specifically wore a dark jacket – I still remember the lesson from wearing a white hoodie before.

 

As we passed the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, everyone on the train uniformly raised their phones. I didn't take pictures; I just watched. The forest below the bridge was just as green as the last time I visited. A little girl, on her first ride, told her mom, "It's so high!" with a mix of fear and excitement in her voice. An hour later, we arrived at Lakeside Station, walked around for a bit, had a cup of coffee, and headed to the next stop.

 

San Remo: Watch the pelicans eat first
The drive from Belgrave to Phillip Island takes about an hour and a half. We timed it perfectly, arriving at San Remo just before noon.
San Remo is the small town before crossing onto the island, at the head of the bridge. There's a regular pelican feeding show at the pier every day at noon. I'd seen it once before and found it quite interesting, so this time I specifically brought my friend to see it.

Precisely at noon, the staff appeared with a bucket of fish. The flock of pelicans was already waiting on the shore, each extending its large beak, not at all shy. The man threw fish while giving a commentary, and the pelicans caught them perfectly. The whole process took only about twenty minutes. The fish and chips at San Remo pier are good; I had them again this time.

 

Maru Koala and Animal Park: Kangaroos are still so greedy
After feeding the pelicans, we went to Maru Koala and Animal Park. This zoo isn't large, but its advantage is that you can feed kangaroos. As soon as we entered, they hopped over because they recognize the feed bags. I bought a small bag, and as soon as I opened it, a large kangaroo poked its head over, perfect for close-up photos.

 

In the koala area, two koalas were eating leaves, and others were sleeping, curled up in balls hanging from trees. You can pay extra to take photos with them.

 

Churchill Island Heritage Farm: See the animals that don't have to work
This farm on Phillip Island is a historic farm, preserving old farmhouses and tools. It also maintains traditional shows, including sheep shearing, cow milking, sheepdog herding, whip cracking, and the opportunity to feed small animals yourself.

 

Highland cattle lay lazily on the grass, and several lambs ran around in the enclosure. We bought a cup of milk ice cream at the farm's small shop; the milk flavor was very rich. Eating it on the lawn, with the breeze, was very pleasant.

 

Nobbies Centre: Enjoy the wind and watch the seals
After leaving the farm, we went to the Nobbies Centre. This is the westernmost point of Phillip Island, with a long boardwalk that extends along the coastline into the sea. If you're lucky, you might see seals lying on the distant rocks at the end of the boardwalk.
Having dinner at the Nobbies Centre's observation restaurant is very pleasant; at sunset, the light scatters across the sea, satisfying both taste buds and vision.

 

Penguin Parade: Every time I see it, I find it adorable
The grand finale is the Penguin Parade. We booked standard grandstand tickets in advance. In March, the penguin arrival time is usually around 7:50 PM. The sky gradually darkens, with only the last bit of light remaining on the sea. Everyone became quiet; some held cameras, while others put their phones away—knowing that flash photography is not allowed.

Just after 7:50 PM, the first group of Little Penguins emerged from the waves. They are truly tiny, only about thirty centimeters tall when standing, and they look like fluffy balls when they pop out of the water.
First, a few "scouts" stood on the beach, looking around to confirm safety, and then the rest followed. Group after group waddled into the bushes.

I've seen the Penguin Parade many times, but every time I see their clumsy antics, I still find it amusing and heartwarming. They head out to sea before dawn every day, swim all day, catch some small fish, and only return home after dark. It's hard work, but watching their eagerness to rush home makes me feel energized.
After watching the penguins, it was almost 9 PM, and we got home close to 11 PM. My legs were a bit sore, but I was in a great mood.

A few tips (from someone who's been many times)
· Don't wear light-colored clothes on the steam train.
· Always bring a jacket for watching the penguins; no matter how hot it is during the day, it's cold by the sea at night.
· Penguin arrival times vary daily; check in advance and arrive half an hour early to get a good spot.
· If you haven't been to these places before, one day might be a bit rushed; but if you've been many times like me, you'll know where you can speed up and where you can take your time, making it very relaxed.

 

If you want to know more about car rental in Melbourne: