Greetings!

My family (2 adults, 2 boys ages 12 and 8) will be in the Melbourne area for about a week in August as part of our AU adventure. The big question is whether or not to go see the penguins on Phillip Island. I have seen them before, and I enjoyed the experience very much, but my husband and boys have never had the pleasure. The boys *love* animals...but I'm concerned that it might be too long a haul to make it worthwhile in miserable weather.

One thing that might make it seem like less of a schlep would be to spend the whole day in that area. Perhaps we can do some things on the Mornington Peninsula and in the general Phillip Island area (The Nobbies, Koala Conservation Centre, Ashcombe Maze, etc.) during the day and then head to the penguins in the evening. Have any of you experienced these things during winter? (If it were summer, I wouldn't hesitate.) Do the penguins come in earlier in the wintertime? I wonder.

We will have a rental car, so getting there and back isn't an issue. (When I saw the penguins in the past, I did it with a tour bus.) Are we better off just skipping the whole thing and finding some indoor activities in Melbourne instead? I'm very much torn about the whole thing, so any advice/opinions/suggestions you can offer would be most welcome.

Thank you!

When I went to Phillip Island it was during the Australian summer--and I had a WONDERFUL time. But on my previous trip, I visited Melbourne, drove the Great Ocean Road, and visited the Grampians -- during their winter.

To me, the weather was mild--and quite pleasant. Don't know why you're assuming you'll have miserable weather. You might want to wait until you're there; check a weather forecast--and then decide.

Oh, I don't assume that it will be miserable. I just don't want to set us up for disappointment. Perhaps putting it on our "maybe" list makes sense.

I think that the "maybe' list sounds good. Allow yourself a bit of flexibility in southern Australia at any time of year but particularly winter for outdoor activities.

Did you see the offer I made for you on the Port Douglas thread? I didn't want you (or anybody else) put off by Doug's negativity. He is right though if what he means is you need to go to the right places with good guides to see much of Australia's wildlife. However I think that is the case for most places in the world.

Phillip Island is wonderful any time of the year. Just dress appropriately.

The Vietnam Museum is worth a look as is Churchill Island and Cape Woolamai. There is plenty to do.

Go and have fun!

Hi,
Yes Phillp Island is cold in August but a great time to see the penguins arrive early in the evening. Phillip Island is great for a full day of activity. visit the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Stroll the windswept beaches. For the boys you can also include the fantastic A Maze'N Things (great indoor activity with mind blowing puzzles and illusions), Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (indoor) where you can experience a host of interactive and quirky chocolate activities and displays, and see the chocolatiers at work. You can even catch a trout for lunch at the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm they will cook in the cafe for you.
August is a quieter time on the Island so you can enjoy everything at your own pace. Sure a coat will be needed but you will end the day with such a real, and memorable experience you wont remember the weather!