The Wombats That Ate Wilsons Prom

This morning we were up early to tackle the Mt Oberon Summit Walk.  Starting from the Telegraph Saddle car park by 9am, we had the track pretty much to ourselves.

This iconic hike took us on a steady uphill trek up Mt Oberon.  At a mere 558 metres and just 7kms, this really should have been a walk in the park for the indefatigable Johnston boys, but this morning they were a little off their game.  Fletch lasted barely 200 metres before giving up and enjoying the ride in the backpack, while Jack and Jarrah took turns moaning about what they would prefer to be doing.  So I helped pass the time more quickly by commencing a verbal general knowledge quiz.  This worked quite nicely as both Jack and Jarrah soon increased the pace of their walking until they were out of ear shot of me AND the quiz!

In just under an hour we'd reached the top.  Steps below the summit lead us to postcard perfect, panoramic views over Tidal River, the coast and offshore islands.

 

The amazing view, the unsecured, hazardous rock ledge, the almost touchable clouds and the promise of a hearty morning tea all served to brighten the day significantly.  It was a great place to breathe in the freshest of fresh air and see the dramatic and beautiful meeting of land and sea at the southernmost point of Australia's mainland!

While Bruce and I marvelled at the brilliant sapphire waters crashing into the megalithic rocks that surround the coast, the boys decided to do some rock hopping.

Rock hopping near said unsecured, hazardous rock ledge.

After 40 minutes or so at the summit, and with our picnic lunch eaten for morning tea, we commenced the descent.  By all accounts it was a much more enjoyable trek on the way down, despite some more blood and some more tears.  Once again, neither shed by Bruce or I. 

We were back at our camp by midday, with the rest of the day to relax in the sun.  We spent the time playing some cards and games, riding bikes and climbing trees (at the Johnston Tree Climbing Club!)

Late in the day we packed yet another picnic bag and headed to Norman Beach for 'happy hour' snacks and family fun.

It's difficult not to be mesmerised by this magnificent bay.  Bruce and I sat back with a bottle of bubbles and watched the World Class Championship Wrestling display.  Later Jack, Jarrah and I played three dimensional noughts and crosses in the sand and then we all joined up for a game of two on two and a half beach soccer.

It was a perfect afternoon and none of us wanted to leave, but by 6.30pm it was time to start heading back to camp for a BBQ dinner and to prepare for tonight's wombat spotting adventure!

As we'd seen so many beautiful wombats last night, I was looking forward to another successful wombat spot tonight.  And we weren't to be disappointed.  We were once again enchanted by these chunky little guys.



Fatso the Friendly Wombat

Meet Fatso.  Fatso was more than happy to let us all have a pat, as long as he had grass to eat.

He wasn't so keen on carrots.

 

But he was happy for pretend to be a wombat games...

 

...and didn't even seem to mind wombat cuddles!

 

It was a joy to be sharing these funny, nuggety creatures' National Park home.  Wilsons Promontory will definitely go down as one of our most memorable stays.

 

Note:  In the wee small hours Bruce once again ventured outside when the thumping and bumping and snorting under the caravan got too much.  This time he found that a wombat had opened the Waeco protective bag and was trying to get to the beer!!!