After the dramatic scenery of the Grampians, it was time to head for the coast. First stop, Port Fairy, a delightful seaside resort which is sheltered from the Southern Ocean by Griffiths Island.
This island was the base for profitable 19th century sealer and whaling operations but 
has long since reverted to nature and is now a breeding ground for burrow-dwelling Short Tailed Shearwaters, locally known as “Mutton Birds”. Pictured here is a very tame night heron - the shearwaters only come out at night!There are also wallabies on the island and a small lighthouse. Its connected to the
mainland by a small causeway and made for a pleasant evening’s circum-navigation(after a huge portion of fish n chips!).I saw a wallaby on the sand flats next to the causeway. It hopped to the water’s edge and continued into the water, even getting out of its depth in places. Eventually it found its way to the mainland, climbed out, shook itself dry and continued into the shrubbery - so, maybe kangaroos can swim - who’d have believed it?!
14km east of Port Fairy is a place called Tower Hill - this is a huge ancient volcanic crater. Victoria’s first national park, it had special significance for the aboriginal people of the region, primarily as a source of food. European settlers mucked it all up for them by clearing the trees and putting sheep in there but the damage has been repaired in recent decades and its now rich in indigenous flora and fauna. You can drive into the crater and stop off for nature walks and guided tours. Saw lots of emus, and my first wild koala up a tree! 
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