FROM PHILLIP ISLAND TO 90 MILE BEACH AND BEYOND

We loved Phillip Island so much we decided to stay there for four nights. We managed to see a lot of the island without paying for anything. I really wanted to see the fairy penguins, but didn't want to pay for the privilege. We were so lucky...on our last day we decided to go back to 'The Nobbies' where we went on the first day. The weather had got a bit wild and the waves were really crashing in on the rocks. It was awesome to see. On the way back to the car, walking along the wooden walkway, we were wondering what lived in the little holes scattered up the hills. Then we saw something in one of the holes. We sat there very quietly and very patiently, and then a penguin poked its head out. We were so close to it, I couldn't believe it!

We said goodbye to Phillip Island on Tuesday morning and drove to Golden Beach on 90 Mile Beach. We stayed at a free campsite right on the beach. There were only two other caravans there, so we had the place pretty much to ourselves. It's a really popular place during summer. We couldn't believe that there was nothing but beach in both directions as far as the eye could see, and no buildings or people. So different to the Gold Coast! The kids had a great time riding their bikes up and down the bush tracks around the van. It was also good to know we could survive in a place with no power. I had my first shower in the van whilst we were there. It's a bit cramped, and not as hot as I normally like it, but it wasn't too bad.

We left there this morning and drove to Lakes Entrance for lunch. We stocked up on a bit of food and then drove past Orbost and across the Snowy River. The forests through that area are beautiful. We passed a few rest areas that we didn't like enough to stay the night, and then found a fantastic free campsite at Genoa. It was dark as we pulled in, but it looks fantastic. It has nice toilets and tennis courts and plenty of grassed area for the kids to run. There may even be room to hit some golf balls Darren thinks! There are about 10 other vans here. It will be good to have a look around in the morning. If it's a nice day we may stay for another night.