A way long overdue post. Anyway, straight after Perth, Jovie and I flew directly to Melbourne. We were fortunate to have a comfortable room to sleep when Mira, our friend back in NUS, offered us to stay at her place. Few hours after we arrived, Mira’s husband – Orlando – drove all of us to the Phillip Island Nature Parks as they have not been there either. Located 90 minutes from Melbourne, the attraction includes the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, the Koala Conservation Centre and the popular Penguin Parade.

At the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where kids and adults get to experience a traditonal Aussie working farm.

Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Our lovely hosts, Orland and Mira with the handsome horse.

It began to drizzle after we reached the Koala Conservation Centre. Nonetheless, we still managed to witness a few koalas.

If I were still leading a office worker life, I will put this on my desk.

We then continued our way to the Penguin Parade. Photography was not allowed, and the rain was getting heavier. All of us huddled and waited patiently on the seats by the beach, observing the endless waves crashing on beach.

Despite the cold, wet and dark condition, it was well worth the wait. We witnessed many wild Little Penguins (world’s smallest penguin) emerge from the sea in small little groups, waddled across the beach to their sand dune burrows.

For dinner, Orlando brought us to Dutchies Stonegrill Restaurant, a highly recommended restaurant on Phillips Island. The tender stone cooked steak I had (above) was absolutely fantastic!

The next day was Sunday, and we drove to the Queen Victoria Market. And I was greeted by a Stormtrooper on arrival.

Jovie playing the shopping-auntie role in the market, buying some macadamia nuts and dried figs.

Poor Spidey.

Made our way to the Chapel Street precinct after the market. We had a quick bite at The Greek Deli & Taverna, ordering some tapas.

Have to say I quite like the Victoria Bitter.

Probably he hates window shopping as much as me.

Done with the shopping, we drove to St Kilda Beach area.

The iconic entrance of Luna Park, an old seaside amusement park with working wooden roller coaster and many other loopy rides.

Nope, neither of us was up there.

On Day Three, we embark on our most ambitious journey to date – driving all the way to the Great Ocean Road, stopping randomly along the way.

Why is the middle statue guy pinching his own nipple with one hand and giving a thumbs up on the other?

And after driving more than 250kms, we finally reached The 12 Apostles. We barely missed the sunset, but it was still a spectacular sight!

We stayed overnight in Port Campbell and revisited the 12 Apostles the next morning.  Also dropped by other nearby spots like the London Arch (London Bridge) and the Loch Ard Gorge.

Outside the studio apartment where we were staying.

12 Apostles during day.

Taking a different and shorter route, we then headed back where we came from.

Due to the time of our flight, our final day in Melbourne was spent briefly in the city area. We wandered around quite aimlessly and I was shooting from the hip all the way.

That’s it. Goodbye Australia