University of Wisconsin–Madison

Australia: Mhari Gohlke (A New Experience)

A New Experience

Two small penguins are standing next to each other in an enclosed space.
Little blue penguins at the Nobbies boardwalk

Taking a group picture of the crew at Churchill Island Heritage FarmAs I embarked on my day trip to Phillip Island with my friends, I was filled with excitement. We had purchased a 4 Park pass, which included the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island, and Antarctic Journey. It would be our last excursions before uni life began. I couldn’t wait to explore all the island had to offer.

The highlight of my day was undoubtedly the Penguin Parade, where we were able to witness groups of Little Blue Penguins come ashore and waddle across the beach to their burrows.

Although we couldn’t take photographs at night, I was fortunate enough to see these adorable creatures during the day while we were hiking along the Nobbies boardwalks. It was fascinating to see how small they were, standing at just one foot tall. At night, they would make these calls to help them locate their mate and chicks through hundreds of other penguin voices. They were always traveling in little groups, and it was just the cutest thing to see!

Mhari leans on a wooden fence in front of a rocky coast leading to wavy blue waters.
I couldn’t resist not taking a picture of this beautiful coastal view!

We also went to visit the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, which offered a glimpse of the island’s agricultural past. There were farm animals there, including chickens, horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, and birds. This part reminded me a little bit of home. As others were astonished at the old farm equipment laying in the shed, or realizing that pigs aren’t that soft, I felt a sense of my childhood. I grew up with farm animals, and it was quite a familiar feeling for me.

The scenic coastal drive around the island was breathtaking, and we made several stops to take in the stunning views before reaching the Koala Conservation Centre.

A koala sits with all four legs on a log suspended by other logs.
One of the many koalas we saw at the Koala Conservation Centre

At the Koala Conservation Centre, we were constantly looking up to spot koalas in their natural habitat. Seeing these animals in the wild was an exciting experience, and we also had the opportunity to see wallabies, birdlife, and echidnas. It was amazing to witness them in their natural habitat, and their presence created a sense of awe and wonder among all of us.

Despite the heavy rain that caught us towards the end of the day, we made the most of our time and stopped at McDonald’s to warm up and dry off before continuing our drive back to Melbourne. Overall, my day trip to Phillip Island was a unique and unforgettable experience. The natural beauty and wildlife we witnessed were breathtaking, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to have had this experience with my friends.

 

 

 

Mhari smiles in front of a tile black and white mural.

Mhari Gohlke

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Neshkoro, Wisconsin

Program: Australia, Melbourne / Monash University Exchange

CRICOS Provider: 00008C