Penguins at St. Kilda's Beach, Melbourne

On an  extremely cold evening, we headed to the St. Kilda's Beach to spot the famed pygmy sized penguins. A crowed beach in summer, but on a cold evening it wore a deserted look.

The penguins-extremely shy venture out into the sea under the cover of darkness, and during the day nestle in among the rocks and are tough to find. Volunteer with blue torch in hand help the tourist to spot the hidden penguin and goad tourist to avoid flash photograph. This is what I could get without flash -thanks to Photoshop.

Scores of yacht anchored  along the pier

Canberra-Nara Peace Park

Put up in the Hyaat Hotel Canberra had its advantages- located just opposite the hotel was the Canberra-Nara Peace Park, what better place for the customary  morning jog. Now Nara used to be the ancient capital of Japan and is a sister city of Canberra.

Further reading tells that the people of Nara donated generously to establish this park in Canberra. 

Splendid meadows, beautiful wood..

A enchanting  water front, I probably had the most wonderful morning walks.

Canberra

Spending a couple of days here, I learn Canberra is entirely a planned city. That explains unusually large roads, huge vegetation.

This view from Mount Ainsle, shows the city  geometrically laid out by Walter Burley Griffin.

Could spot only cars and fewer people on the road. Life almost comes to standstill at 7 pm in the evening, with many of the shops closing, even in the heart of the city

The Governor Generals Residence

And the look out spot outside

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 Shine dome at the Australian National university