We had a fab time at the Briars Park on Mornington Peninsula yesterday.
The Briars Park
We set up our barbecue (a free electric one near the car park) and had a fab lunch and then set off for a walk. There are a few different walks to choose from - we chose the 4km version and although it was hard work with 3 kids and a push chair, I think everyone else would agree that we chose the right route.
We'd seen the signs that said kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas live in the reserve and thought we'd probably catch a glimpse of a roo! Oh no, not us. Not one single roo or wallaby was to be seen. We were not disappointed though. After a while I could hear a rustling noise, Deb confirmed I wasn't hearing things and on closer inspection, under a tree desperately trying to get away from us was an echidna (or enidna as Cody said it was!) I was beside myself - how exciting - a real life, wild echidna. It was quite large and stayed put while I snapped away with the camera. Off we go again, continuing our trek when I stopped. I was sure I could see something in the tree ahead, again, closer inspection revealed a koala having a snooze. He was a big 'un as well and boy did he have a loud grunt on him. The kofala (again a Cody word) was snoring!!! More pictures and some very happy adventurers continued on there merry way. The next spot was Del's - our second koala followed by a kookaburra (and he laughed for us a bit later on as well!).
The guy in the visitor centre was really friendly and chatty, telling us all about the reserve and things he has seen in his time there. We would definitely recommend this as a place for others. It was completely free and fab to see the animals in there natural environment.