Melbourne, on the south coast of Australia, was our first taste of “down under”. We found Australians to be very down to earth and relaxed; fun to be around. Melbourne is one of their big cities, but surprisingly small compared to many other cities we’ve been to.
We were there in early January 2020, soon after the start of Australia’s devastating wild fires (referred to as bush fires there). The result was a somewhat smoky Melbourne, but not enough to keep us from exploring.
Australian animals
One of our favorite aspects of visiting Australia was seeing all the beautiful animals. In addition to their famous koalas and kangaroos, we saw many other Australian creatures we’ve heard of…and some we haven’t.
Since koalas sleep 20 or so hours a day, we were lucky to see one awake and eating.
A mama wallaby and her joey safe and snug in her pouch.
It seems to me this joey is overstaying his welcome. Those legs above her front legs are HIS because he’s too big to fit them in her pouch!
For those of us old enough to have watched Looney Toons, the real Tasmanian devil doesn’t much resemble the cartoon one.
Maria found it very difficult to get a picture of a platypus in focus. They are quick little buggers.
One of the things we found remarkable during all of our travels was all the different birds throughout the world that we’ve never seen or heard of. Australia had plenty of amazing looking ones.
Sadly, we didn’t hear this kookaburra bird’s “laughing” song. (Anyone remember the kookaburra song we heard as kids?)
Phillip Island
We went down to Phillip Island to see Australia’s Little Penguin; the smallest penguin in the world. Each morning they go into the ocean to hunt for food and return to their nests near the beach each evening at sunset.
Sights around Melbourne
Right down the street from our hotel and on the edge of downtown, the Queen Victoria Market was bustling every day of the week it was open. Lots to see, buy, and eat there.
The wildfire smoke makes for a hazy day.
A cricket stadium.
Fun fact: Melbourne was originally going to be called Batmania after its founding settler, John Batman. Now they have a street (and some other things) named after him.
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