More on the Phillip Island Whale Sightings

A few weeks a go we told you about the humpback whales visiting Phillip Island. We also posted some images of the whales and the story of our guests staying at Manuka Lodge, Phillip Island on that day.

Today we bring you some amazing pictures of more whales, sent to us by Lisa Schonberg who was lucky enough to see 8 whales and 2 dolphins last week!

Humpbacks - Cowes, Phillip Island

This is not Nessy

Thank you Lisa for the fabulous pictures!!

Dear readers, we hope this has made you want to visit Phillip Island. And while you're there you can join Lisa on the Seal watching & Whale Search Cruise Around Phillip Island.

Seen July 17, 2011

Impressive displays of tail power

 

SPLASH!

Whales taking a peek at the human spectators.

More about Seal Watching and Whale Search Cruises
 

Your opportunity to see some whales, plus a fantastic scenic trip, taking in the spectacular coastal scenery around Phillip Island. You will have a quick visit to Seal Rocks to see the playful seals, enjoy the flight of the albatross on the Southern Coastline and the picturesque sheer granite cliffs and caves of Cape Woolamai.

When

Sunday 24^th July 2011

Departing

Cowes Jetty at 1.00pm

Duration

Approx 3 to 3 ½ hrs

Inclusion

3 to 3 ½ hr coastal cruise on 20 mtr cat “Kasey Lee”, Circumnavigate Phillip Island , Commentary through-out cruise, Morning tea, endless tea/coffee, wildlife information & interpretation, Licensed bar/snacks/soft drinks available for purchase, Wildlife Video’s.

Cost

Special Promotional price of $45.00 pp (Retail Value $90.00)

To received this special please quote this offer when booking

To Bring

Warm clothing, camera, binoculars, smile.

Bookings Direct on 1300 763 739 or

Email info@wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

Website: www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au 

Feed the Pelicans and Giant Stingrays in Phillip Island

Dear Readers,

Today we bring you an incredible experience that you can try during your next stay in Phillip Island.

Every day at noon in San Remo, it is feeding time for the pelicans and giant sting rays (I know, how cool is that??).

Pretty pretty pelicans

The pelicans are fed daily on the foreshore and we are told there are also barbeques and playgrounds close by. The Giant Stingrays then tag along looking for their share of lunch.

 

 

Hungry Giant Stingrays

This initiative is brough to you by the San Remo Fisherman's Cooperative - well done guys!

The San Remo Fisherman's Cooperative also organises school trips which includes meals, activity sheets and feeding the pelicans.

To learn more about this great family activity please visit www.srfco.com.au or email your questions to info@srfco.com.au.

Travel Tips for the Smart Traveller

Today we bring you the top 10 travel tips from smartraveller.gov.au.

Take the time to make sure all the conditions are present to let you enjoy a safe holiday wherever you are planning to go.

Make sure you have a safe holiday

Top 10 Travel Tips

1. Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.

2. Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

3. Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so we can contact you in an emergency.

4. Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.

5. Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.

6. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

7. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.

8. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to Australia.  Some countries will refuse entry on arrival and some airlines will not allow passengers to board flights if their passport does not meet this requirement.  Before travelling, you should contact the Embassy or High Commission of each country you intend to visit to confirm the entry requirements.

9. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with 

friends and relatives while overseas.

10. Before departing Australia check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.

More tips and information at www.smartraveller.gov.au

Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Whales sighted from Manuka Lodge's World Famous Deck

“July 1 2011 – Sitting on the World Famous Deck at Manuka Lodge in Ventnor, Phillip island. My wife and I were just finishing lunch and relaxing in the winter sunshine. Gazing out across the Bay towards Balnarring and Somers, my wife noticed it first!

“There!” – she said.

“I thought it was a boat, but now it has gone, and I am sure I saw a spout!”.

We strained our eyes across the vivid blue.

There was no doubt, we both saw it – two shapes rising and disappearing with a plume of spray into the air.

Two shapes rising and disappearing with a plume of spray into the air...

Out came the binoculars – and sure enough it was a large marine creature. We could tell by its size it was not a dolphin, but what kind of whale?

We could tell by its size it was not a dolphin

Hours later, when in Cowes – at the Coffee Shop at the Cowes Pier – they confirmed – indeed two humpbacks had been sighted off the beaches of Ventnor and Cowes. Wow!! How was that!

Two humpbacks had been sighted off the beaches of Ventnor and Cowes

We learn that whales are becoming a frequent visitor to Westernport Bay during late June, July and August as they head towards Hervey Bay.

Yet another great reason to visit Phillip Island and stay in one of our houses in Ventnor.

Humpback Whale

Images from Lisa Schonberg posted on Facebook.

Images from of www.wildlifecrusies.com.au who now include Search for whales along the coast of Phillip Island as part of their Seal Cruise offering.
 
Wild Life Cruises say that whales have arrived along the coast of Victoria, and for the next month our regular seal cruise will include a whale search to find and sight the beautiful Southern Humpback whales & Southern right whales which have been sighted off the coast of Phillip Island in previous weeks.

Things to do this winter that will put a smile on your face

It's winter and the temperature is so cold that sometimes you really don't feel like getting out of bed.However, dear readers, things are not all so bad.

We have found some great things to do which will remove the dreariness from winter and put a smile on your face.

1. Free fireworks show in the Docklands

Beautiful fireworks

Every Friday in July, enjoy the fireworks  from Waterfront City, Docklands. The fireworks start at 7pm but there will be fire performers from 6.30pm. After the show, you could go have a nice dinner and a few drinks at one of the many Docklands restaurants. Read our previous post about the fireworks here. 

2. Let's go to the opera!

Love Never Dies at the Regent Theatre this winter

We mentioned it in a previous post  but thought it deserved a second mention. The opera is a great way of doing something different while staying indoors. There are several shows that you can attend, some famous and others less known.

The most talked about these days is Love Never Dies - if you enjoyed The Phantom of the Opera this is a must see! More details on the Love Never Dies website, or you can visit Opera Australia for other shows.

3. Circus Oz in Melbourne until July 2011

Circus Oz is performing in Melbourne until July 2011, and touring Australia until October. Even better, there are discounts available for uni and TAFE students! Read some more here.

4. Book a tour and get to know Victoria

You could book a tour to Phillip Island and see the penguins

Visit some of the most beautiful parts of Victoria, like the Yarra Valley, the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island. There are several websites which will give you the best deals for a full day tour, or a longer one if needed. You may even want to stay a few nights.


5. And if all fails, chocolate will warm you up!

Fondue for two, San Churro

Few people can resist the call of chocolate! Places like Chocolateria San Churro or Theobroma Chocolate Lounge will warm you up and put you in a good mood. Both are located in Docklands, Melbourne so this is where you should be heading on your day out!

Tell us about your favourite winter activities by commenting on this post!