The Sphinx Hotel in Geelong is a curiosity – complete with 15 metres high Sphinx, a pyramid, pharoahs and columns. It is a very clever pyramid scheme.

Now that is a grand entrance.

The other entrance

The Big Amphora is quite jarring.

Inside … the foyer

We were sure we had been transported to Egypt. We were in de-Nile as to where we were.

Inside is just as lavish

Are the locals who frequent this establishment known as Giza’s or Sphinx-ters?

The Western Treatment Plant is a known birding area on the western shore of Port Phillip Bay. It has the greatest number of observed species on a bird list of any site in Victoria.

Black swan

Melbirdians love it here so we made our way down the road bordered by treatment ponds – it was a sewer side mission!

Swamp hen

All at once, some shelducks appeared in the treatment ponds. It was a flush mob.

The ducks seem to like it here – I’m not sure if they are fowl smelling. (Chestnut teal)

Shorebirds feeding….

…and on the wing.

Pied oystercatchers

Superb blue wren

Sulphur-crested cockatoo having lunch

Melaleuca at Serendip Sanctuary

White-winged chough at Serendip Sanctuary

Being in a Subaaaru, we suddenly found the National Wool Museum in Geelong.

It was a contest between Baaarbaaara Streisand and Brittney Shears for the nicest voice.

The shearers’ (they are also known as the baa..ba) tools.

I was once charged at by a flock of sheep and had to seek medical attention … luckily, I was only grazed.

Suddenly this big machine loomed above us. It was time for a yarn. We are not sure if this is the best colour selection but that would be knit picking.

Some creativity on show – Knit of the Living Dead….shear terror….

…and a knitted dropbear.

Onto the Geelong waterfront….they take shark warnings here very seriously.

Luckily these guys are on patrol nearby.

The local band had a very wooden sound.

Dinner and to bed ready for the day crossing tomorrow.