The Seal Rocks lie two kilometres off Point Grant, the rugged south west point of Phillip Island. The twin hulled 'Kasey Lee', powered by two 500HP diesel engines, handled the long swell and choppy waters with ease and we were soon drifting off the rocks for a very close encounter with the seal colony. It is an amazing sight watching thousands of wild fur seals frolicing in the cold waters up close to the boat and resting on the rocks nearby. The noise and smell is 'unforgettable!' Eucalyptus soaked tissues were necessary for some of us.
Our return journey took us across the lower reaches of Western Port Bay to arrive at Tankerton jetty on French Island National Park where we were met by our tour guide Allan Chandler of French Island Eco Tours. Allan has been a resident of the island since the 1960's and is a walking treasure trove on the history of and places of interest on the island. Allan drove us in his site-seeing tour bus around the island arriving at the McLeod Eco-Farm for an organic lunch. The farm specialises in biodynamic and organic foods and includes two acres of vegetable gardens and free range pigs, beef and spring lamb. The farm is centred on the old historic prison which is currently being restored as a tourist centre and budget accomodation quarters for National Park visitors, bush walkers and wildlife spotters.
Our return ferry across Western Port Bay landed us back at Cowes jetty on Phillip Island in time to connect with our tour
coach to arrive back in Melbourne at 7pm. What a great day out!
Further information on the French Island tour can be obtained by visiting the McLeod
Eco Farm web site.