After successfully disembarking the evacuated passengers at Western Port, the crew of the Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship conducted a quick turnaround to return to Mallacoota. A mother appeared uneasy as she cradled her child and walked towards the transport services waiting nearbyA dog appeared unfazed by the commotion and long sea expedition as it stood ashore with its owner after alighting the shipA navy ship carrying 1,100 bushfire victims and 250 pets has landed ashore after a gruelling 20-hour journey to whisk stranded residents to safety. HMAS Choules' MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter at Essendon Airport with the Melbourne skyline in the background. A family rejoiced the touchdown by playing with their daughter and lifting her into the air in a fitting distraction from the bushfire chaosAbout two dozen firefighters had been ferried to the cut-off town from Lakes Entrance by Victorian Fisheries Authority vessels at 7am to relieve crews there.Elated: Some people made signs and brought balloons to greet friends and family as they stepped off the Navy VesselA woman closed her eyes in relief as she pulled a loved one in for a tight long embrace as the naval vessel arrived at Western PortRed Cross representatives were onboard the ship to speak with evacuees as they brace for bad news in days to comeA young man appeared lively as he sprang off the stairs onto land as dozens queued behind him for their turn to exitHMAS Choules has arrived in Port of Hastings, in Victoria's south, a day after rescuing people from Mallacoota, more than 550 kilometres away, in the state's south east.For some, cheerful pets appeared to provide the perfect distraction as they fled homes and holidays threatened by deadly blazesAnd they're off: Dogs appeared excited by the adventure as they stepped ashore more than 550 kilometres from where they departedAbout 2800 people have chosen to stay at Mallacoota, while 500 may be flown out once the local airport reopens.Safe at last: Friends embraced in delight as they were reunited onshore away from the deadly fires ravaging the country's south eastHMAS Choules commander Scott Houlihan said people were 'very thankful' for the chance to flee.The Mallacoota evacuees will travel for about 20 hours, with an evacuation centre likely to be set up at the HMAS Cerberus naval base.Some people looked emotional returning to land after a stressful and turbulent week cornered by flames in the small coastal townDogs bounded excitedly by their owners and fellow boat dwellers, many clasping minimal luggage as they headed towards the emergency centreAustralian Defence Force Sub Lieutenant Meg Powson shares a laugh with a family to pass the time on the HMAS ChoulesAnother area being considered for an evacuation centre is Bandiana near Wodonga on the NSW border.Personnel from the Australian Defence force and the Red Cross work together on the evacuation plansKeeping positive: Natasha Ellerton and her 13-year-old son Will appeared to be in good spirits despite the catastrophic bushfires raging near MallacootaWe are no longer accepting comments on this article.About 1100 people later boarded HMAS Choules for a late afternoon departure.