First thing in the morning, we headed back to the Conservation Center. I wanted to see if the seals would be there in the morning. Sadly, they were still absent (long night, I guess). But, we were able to drive around along some of the dirt roads along the cliffs and see what things we missed the day before. These things included some very open and viewable nests, some occupied, which we were able to snap pictures of before heading to the Koala Conservation Center.
The Koala Conservation Center
This place was pretty cool, but after the Wildlife Wonderland park the day before, it was a little anti-climatic. We saw lots of Koalas, both in the habitats and in the wild. We were able to get really close to the koalas, but of course, no touching or feeding. They had several baby koalas which captured most of our attention. We didn’t stay all that long, but it was certainly worth the time we took there.
After that was lunch and a round of Miniature Golf on what had to be the toughest course I have ever played. We also found a chocolate factory which claimed be “the best handmade chocolate in Australia.” I’ll give them credit. It was good! Kimberly and Jacoby both gave me a small bite of theirs.
Then we headed to get an early dinner since the parade would go late. We found Panhandle TexMex Restaurant Which really did a great job with the food and the decorations. This place could have come right out of El Paso. Really, really good! That reminds me…I told them I’d send them a Texas flag and a stuffed Armadillo (toy, not real) which were the only two things they lacked.
Then it as off to see the Penguins!
The Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade was awesome. I mean that to say it was really neat, but it also struck me as being incredible. These little birds do this every night, bar none. Hundreds of people watching, street lights, seagull infested beaches, the whole nine-yards. These little birds pop out of the water and waddle their selves up embankments I couldn’t have walked up and rest for a few hours before heading back out to sea. It was amazing to watch.
Pictures would have been nice, but it wouldn’t have caught the moment anyway. This is just something you’ve gotta see.
After we left the viewing stands, we headed up the boardwalk to get back to the parking lot. All the while, these penguins were still walking up the paths, many of which criss-crossed and lined the boardwalk. The whole way to the car, it was like we were being escorted by the birds, often well within arms reach. It is worth noting that I didn’t see any spectator misbehave or try to catch/chase/touch the penguins.
After the Parade, we headed to the room to sleep and get ready for the next day’s drive.
