Early-ish start to get packed up, some shopping and lunch before farewelling the folks and hitting the highway. Arrived on Phillip Island around 4, and made an unscheduled stop at the Chocolate Factory (well it was right there!). Not as good as Margs though, only 1 sample per person (although I scammed two as I got another one when I paid for my purchase! Hehe). Drove onto Churchill Island to suss out tickets for the penguin parade and bought a 3 park pass. Checked into the caravan park and managed to score a powered site for the first two nights. Then it was off to The Parade, so headed to the other end of the island for 5.30, an hour before dusk, which gives enough time to get organised and read up on the fairy penguins, the smallest breed of penguins. Set up on the tiered seating about 20 minutes before dusk and sit and wait.... and wait.... until the dark shadows appear in the water.... no that’s just weed...... and then eventually they appear, in their ‘rafts’ (group of penguins) before waddling up the beach. They were so cute, all I wanted to do was go home and watch Happy Feet! So for about half an hour the rafts of penguins make their way, dodging the hundreds of seagulls that pester them, to the weed covered sand-dunes, where you then walk along the walkways and see them make their way to their burrows, stopping to preen themselves or suss us out I guess. These cute critters might only be 30cms big, but I tell you what, the noise they make is incredible! Size to noise ratio they leave me for dead (and you all know how noisey I am!!!). The best part was when you could watch them after the crowds had died down, and marvel at them (although when two penguins seemed to ‘get down and dirty’ in the dunes I left them too it!). Back through the gift shop before heading to the carpark – and checking underneath to make sure there weren’t any adventurous penguins out there. Back to the caravan park for a late tea while watching Pirates of the Caribbean.
2nd October
Up, breakfast, shower and dishes at the camp kitchen, which happen to overlook the ocean. So although it was the first lot of dishes I’d done since..... my first night (yes that’s right, I’d been bludging on the folks!), it wasn’t so bad. Ran into a couple from the TAKA dive trip who had been through the NT and SA to get back here. What a small world!
So the challenge, do the 3 parks and pick up my tickets for the Moto GP all in one day. That was the first stop, get in early before it got chaotic. Then to the Koala Conservation Centre, 10 minutes after it opened – good start. They have a couple of walkways where you are almost at eyelevel with the koalas, and signs to show you where they are
(cos they don’t move a whole lot). In fact, I think the most I saw any koala move was to wake up, see who was checking him or her out and go back to sleep. But other than the koalas there was a huge number of native birds, so a slow lap of the circuit it was amazing what you can see when you’re looking (and quiet – the terrorists...errr sorry, tourists, are not exactly the quietest people in the world!)
Left there at 12 to head to Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Now when I bought the 3 park pass I
probably should have done a little more research on what the three activities were. The penguins and koalas were fine, and driving into Churchill the day before when I bought the tickets a admired the sheep and the cattle and rabbits and variety of birds, without actually wondering what lay inside the gates. So in I go and it’s just that – a farm, with the old homestead in the middle. The excitement of the day was the 5 GP riders that were there (and I have photos, because I have no idea who they were) but they must have been fairly good, because their own paparazzi that were there couldn’t get enough footage of them feeding the cattle and sheering the sheep. So I patted the Clydesdales (dad would have been so proud!) and watched the working dogs demo before checking out the homestead and heading for the 1.5km walk around the north end of the island. They have a lavender garden there, and a couple of older guys were tending to it... by pruning the bushes with a chainsaw – dads kinda pruning! Did the walk, which had some beautiful views over Phillip Island before jumping in George and heading to the other end of Phillip Island and the Nobbies and Blow Hole. 
There were all these people sitting on the side of the road, so eventually curiosity took the better of me and I stopped, and about 15 minutes later about 800 bikes, with police escort, came past. Quite a spectacle. Back in the car and talk about a stiff breeze blowing across Bass Straight when I reached the point, 
which should be called Seagull Capital, with thousands of the birds nesting (and of course, they are protected!). With the sun setting it was time to head back to camp, so stopped at the lookouts along the way as wellfor a glass of wine and the sunset, before cooking up a storm (chicken stir-fry) whilst watching Pirates 2 – Dead Man’s Chest.
Up, breakfast, shower and dishes at the camp kitchen, which happen to overlook the ocean. So although it was the first lot of dishes I’d done since..... my first night (yes that’s right, I’d been bludging on the folks!), it wasn’t so bad. Ran into a couple from the TAKA dive trip who had been through the NT and SA to get back here. What a small world!
So the challenge, do the 3 parks and pick up my tickets for the Moto GP all in one day. That was the first stop, get in early before it got chaotic. Then to the Koala Conservation Centre, 10 minutes after it opened – good start. They have a couple of walkways where you are almost at eyelevel with the koalas, and signs to show you where they are
(cos they don’t move a whole lot). In fact, I think the most I saw any koala move was to wake up, see who was checking him or her out and go back to sleep. But other than the koalas there was a huge number of native birds, so a slow lap of the circuit it was amazing what you can see when you’re looking (and quiet – the terrorists...errr sorry, tourists, are not exactly the quietest people in the world!)Left there at 12 to head to Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Now when I bought the 3 park pass I
probably should have done a little more research on what the three activities were. The penguins and koalas were fine, and driving into Churchill the day before when I bought the tickets a admired the sheep and the cattle and rabbits and variety of birds, without actually wondering what lay inside the gates. So in I go and it’s just that – a farm, with the old homestead in the middle. The excitement of the day was the 5 GP riders that were there (and I have photos, because I have no idea who they were) but they must have been fairly good, because their own paparazzi that were there couldn’t get enough footage of them feeding the cattle and sheering the sheep. So I patted the Clydesdales (dad would have been so proud!) and watched the working dogs demo before checking out the homestead and heading for the 1.5km walk around the north end of the island. They have a lavender garden there, and a couple of older guys were tending to it... by pruning the bushes with a chainsaw – dads kinda pruning! Did the walk, which had some beautiful views over Phillip Island before jumping in George and heading to the other end of Phillip Island and the Nobbies and Blow Hole. 
There were all these people sitting on the side of the road, so eventually curiosity took the better of me and I stopped, and about 15 minutes later about 800 bikes, with police escort, came past. Quite a spectacle. Back in the car and talk about a stiff breeze blowing across Bass Straight when I reached the point, 
which should be called Seagull Capital, with thousands of the birds nesting (and of course, they are protected!). With the sun setting it was time to head back to camp, so stopped at the lookouts along the way as wellfor a glass of wine and the sunset, before cooking up a storm (chicken stir-fry) whilst watching Pirates 2 – Dead Man’s Chest.3rd October
Woke up late – 8.30, to the sun beaming down on George. Rain? Pftt looked like a beautiful day! The morning session at the Moto GP was warm-ups for the three categories (now I’m gonna spell this out people, because I have very little idea on it myself!), 125cc, 250cc & Moto GP, which are now 800cc. I decided that there was no need to see warm-ups three days in a row, and while I was plugged into power would make the most of it, so stayed in the caravan park until 12 before heading over. Now I had every intention of riding my bike, however the beautiful start to the day had changed to rather overcast and a bit windy, and with rain forecast decided not to take my chances, so I drove. Packing a backpack with all the wet weather gear I had (including an umbrella) and food (peanut butter and beetroot sandwiches – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!) I headed into the great unknown! I decided to walk the outside of the track and establish the best vantage points, stopping when the qualifying and practice sessions were on. I’d been there about 20 minutes when the heavens opened up... and basically didn’t stop all afternoon. Thank god for wet weather gear, as I remained dry while spending almost 4 hours outside. Now whilst the weather was unfavourable, a wet track does mean more spills and
tumbles, and we saw a few! Another fact for you – did you know they have a wet and a dry bike, as the brakes they use on a dry track don’t work so good in the wet, and it takes too long to change over so they have a spare bike sitting there ready to go. After the 250’s had had their qualifying time I had just about done a complete circuit and decided I’d seen enough for one day so headed back to the car and threw the heater on to defrost a bit. Decided to cook in the camp kitchen, so I took my book (which is the first book I’d picked up all holiday!) and thought I might get a chance to read it while cooking, before overhearing some people talk about the temperamental weather – and comparing it to Busselton. No – surely not! Turns out not only were they West Aussies, they were from Mandurah... and one, Brenden, happened to be Meg’s (my former work and house mates) brother-in-law! Bugger me!!! Finished eating and chatting with different people before dishes and bed!
Woke up late – 8.30, to the sun beaming down on George. Rain? Pftt looked like a beautiful day! The morning session at the Moto GP was warm-ups for the three categories (now I’m gonna spell this out people, because I have very little idea on it myself!), 125cc, 250cc & Moto GP, which are now 800cc. I decided that there was no need to see warm-ups three days in a row, and while I was plugged into power would make the most of it, so stayed in the caravan park until 12 before heading over. Now I had every intention of riding my bike, however the beautiful start to the day had changed to rather overcast and a bit windy, and with rain forecast decided not to take my chances, so I drove. Packing a backpack with all the wet weather gear I had (including an umbrella) and food (peanut butter and beetroot sandwiches – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!) I headed into the great unknown! I decided to walk the outside of the track and establish the best vantage points, stopping when the qualifying and practice sessions were on. I’d been there about 20 minutes when the heavens opened up... and basically didn’t stop all afternoon. Thank god for wet weather gear, as I remained dry while spending almost 4 hours outside. Now whilst the weather was unfavourable, a wet track does mean more spills and
tumbles, and we saw a few! Another fact for you – did you know they have a wet and a dry bike, as the brakes they use on a dry track don’t work so good in the wet, and it takes too long to change over so they have a spare bike sitting there ready to go. After the 250’s had had their qualifying time I had just about done a complete circuit and decided I’d seen enough for one day so headed back to the car and threw the heater on to defrost a bit. Decided to cook in the camp kitchen, so I took my book (which is the first book I’d picked up all holiday!) and thought I might get a chance to read it while cooking, before overhearing some people talk about the temperamental weather – and comparing it to Busselton. No – surely not! Turns out not only were they West Aussies, they were from Mandurah... and one, Brenden, happened to be Meg’s (my former work and house mates) brother-in-law! Bugger me!!! Finished eating and chatting with different people before dishes and bed!4th October
Big day of track action so I was aiming for a 9ish departure. Got to the track, once I got through the traffic, and into a semi-decent position for the start of the Moto-GP’s practice session. Boy are they fast and noisey – note to self: earplugs tomorrow! The day started off cool and cloudy,
but improved so by the afternoon the conditions were excellent, which was demonstrated when Stoner managed to get poll position and the fastest lap time at Phillip Island ever in his last qualifying lap, followed by the 250cc’s where the lap record was also broken. Stoner fell off in practice, which was overshadowed later by Rossi coming a cropper in qualifying, and ending up 12th on the grid. Some very impressive spills made for an entertaining day. Had my first (and turned out to be only) beer at the track about 2pm (yes, I can watch sport and not drink, well too much anyway). 
Was heading home when the historic bikes were about to race, as the last race of the day, and the grand stands on the start line were empty and not guarded, so snuck in for a look – not bad! Left with the rest of the crowds, glad I wasn’t queuing for a bus and back to the caravan park, where I met more West Aussies (albeit Pommy ones!) in the camp kitchen and headed to bed about 11... which was about to become 12, with daylight savings coming into effect!
Big day of track action so I was aiming for a 9ish departure. Got to the track, once I got through the traffic, and into a semi-decent position for the start of the Moto-GP’s practice session. Boy are they fast and noisey – note to self: earplugs tomorrow! The day started off cool and cloudy,
but improved so by the afternoon the conditions were excellent, which was demonstrated when Stoner managed to get poll position and the fastest lap time at Phillip Island ever in his last qualifying lap, followed by the 250cc’s where the lap record was also broken. Stoner fell off in practice, which was overshadowed later by Rossi coming a cropper in qualifying, and ending up 12th on the grid. Some very impressive spills made for an entertaining day. Had my first (and turned out to be only) beer at the track about 2pm (yes, I can watch sport and not drink, well too much anyway). 
Was heading home when the historic bikes were about to race, as the last race of the day, and the grand stands on the start line were empty and not guarded, so snuck in for a look – not bad! Left with the rest of the crowds, glad I wasn’t queuing for a bus and back to the caravan park, where I met more West Aussies (albeit Pommy ones!) in the camp kitchen and headed to bed about 11... which was about to become 12, with daylight savings coming into effect!5th October.
Race day! Another beautiful day and again, being the tight arse council worker you know I am and not having exercised a whole lot (except for walking the track 3 times in the past 2 days), I decided to save my money on the bus and bike it in. Took a while to get ready, but eventually got on the bike... first time in about 6 months I reckon! On the road with all the cars, buses and bikes... so many bikes zooming past! Eventually made it, although I nearly passed out when I got off the bike, as there were a couple of large hills on the way there. Boy am I unfit! Walked into the track and saw the end of the GP warm-up, before heading to Siberia corner and setting up for the day, via the ambo’s to get some suncream. Just up the hill, good view of the corner and the screen, and full effect of the track noise and smell – laughing!!! 125’s race was great, with a number of crashed on our corner. 250’s were good, nice and close with a couple of more stacks. Both races finished with wheel stands and burnouts on their victory laps. Then it was time for Casey’s race, and starting from poll he lead all the way. Vermulean was off the track on the opening lap, he spent the rest of the race playing catch-up. Rossi played cat and mouse in 3rd and 4th for a bit, while Hayden was gradually dropping back from Casey. The crowd went wild on every lap for Casey, who’s lead was stretching further and further, until Rossi broke away from the pack and was on the chase, overtaking Hayden but running out of laps to get Casey. Race over, no victory lap which was disappointing and then everyone was onto the track – and I didn’t have a camera! Walked over where Stoner had come off, checked out the view down Gardner Straight and proudly sung the national anthem when Stoner crowned the winner. Over 50 000 people were there, and most of those were on the track, taking photos and posing. Escaped from the track, went and collected my bike and decided a different route was going to be essential, so walked the bike for a bit until coming to a road that was blocked off to traffic and riding down that – flat, quiet and ran all the way into town. The 25 minute 9km ride to the track almost made this 6km trip a piece of cake. Arrived back just as Brenden and Pete got there from the bus. Showered and laundry before heading back to the camp kitchen for a beer or 3. Then we were told about the awesome $6 burgers over the road from the caravan park, so with no idea what I was going to do for tea, and Brenden passing up the appealing tin of spam with pickles, we headed over and were not disappointed, with the burgers absolutely massive. Chatted and drank some more – I even had a bourbon – and then met this bloke, ‘Penguin’, because he had spent the last 15 years sneaking into the track through the penguin holes under the fence. Arsey bugger, managed to sneak into the grandstand, get freebee’s, and even have Stoner sign a poster, which we didn’t believe until he went and got it. We were laughing so much Brenden couldn’t stop coughing and had to go to bed. Finished about 11.30 before jumping back on the net to use up the last of my time before hitting the sack.
Race day! Another beautiful day and again, being the tight arse council worker you know I am and not having exercised a whole lot (except for walking the track 3 times in the past 2 days), I decided to save my money on the bus and bike it in. Took a while to get ready, but eventually got on the bike... first time in about 6 months I reckon! On the road with all the cars, buses and bikes... so many bikes zooming past! Eventually made it, although I nearly passed out when I got off the bike, as there were a couple of large hills on the way there. Boy am I unfit! Walked into the track and saw the end of the GP warm-up, before heading to Siberia corner and setting up for the day, via the ambo’s to get some suncream. Just up the hill, good view of the corner and the screen, and full effect of the track noise and smell – laughing!!! 125’s race was great, with a number of crashed on our corner. 250’s were good, nice and close with a couple of more stacks. Both races finished with wheel stands and burnouts on their victory laps. Then it was time for Casey’s race, and starting from poll he lead all the way. Vermulean was off the track on the opening lap, he spent the rest of the race playing catch-up. Rossi played cat and mouse in 3rd and 4th for a bit, while Hayden was gradually dropping back from Casey. The crowd went wild on every lap for Casey, who’s lead was stretching further and further, until Rossi broke away from the pack and was on the chase, overtaking Hayden but running out of laps to get Casey. Race over, no victory lap which was disappointing and then everyone was onto the track – and I didn’t have a camera! Walked over where Stoner had come off, checked out the view down Gardner Straight and proudly sung the national anthem when Stoner crowned the winner. Over 50 000 people were there, and most of those were on the track, taking photos and posing. Escaped from the track, went and collected my bike and decided a different route was going to be essential, so walked the bike for a bit until coming to a road that was blocked off to traffic and riding down that – flat, quiet and ran all the way into town. The 25 minute 9km ride to the track almost made this 6km trip a piece of cake. Arrived back just as Brenden and Pete got there from the bus. Showered and laundry before heading back to the camp kitchen for a beer or 3. Then we were told about the awesome $6 burgers over the road from the caravan park, so with no idea what I was going to do for tea, and Brenden passing up the appealing tin of spam with pickles, we headed over and were not disappointed, with the burgers absolutely massive. Chatted and drank some more – I even had a bourbon – and then met this bloke, ‘Penguin’, because he had spent the last 15 years sneaking into the track through the penguin holes under the fence. Arsey bugger, managed to sneak into the grandstand, get freebee’s, and even have Stoner sign a poster, which we didn’t believe until he went and got it. We were laughing so much Brenden couldn’t stop coughing and had to go to bed. Finished about 11.30 before jumping back on the net to use up the last of my time before hitting the sack.
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