Phillip Island
Phillip Island, located 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, is famed for its natural attractions and abundant wildlife. Surrounded by some of the best surf and swimming beaches in Victoria, it is a great place to visit for a day trip or longer stay.
Each night at sunset visitors from all over the world flock to Summerland Beach to observe the Little Penguins waddling up the sand. This heart-warming parade is, and always will be, a winner for those who come to see it.
Nature lovers can enjoy a close-up look at koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre.
Other key stops include historic Churchill Island, and the natural attractions of Rhyll Inlet, Cape Woolamai (Phillip Island’s highest point) and the Nobbies.
One of the best ways to enjoy the attractions on offer is to buy a Three Park Pass for entry to Phillip Island Nature Park’s famous attractions including the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island. Tickets are available from the attractions themselves or can be purchased from the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre in Cowes or in Newhaven.
Perched on cliffs overlooking the wild waters of Bass Strait is Victoria’s newest eco-tourism attraction, the Nobbies Centre. The Centre has large plasma screens that present close up views of the world’s second largest Australian fur seal colony on Seal Rocks as well as informative presentations on native marine and bird life.
Just 15 minutes from the Little Penguin parade, the recently opened Rhyll Fishing Park lets holidaymakers fish for rainbow trout, then cook their catch on a traditional Aussie barbecue.
When the sun is shining, the best place to be in Phillip Island is out on the water. Wildlife Coast Cruises operate boat cruises around Phillip Island, and can stop off at popular attractions like Seal Rocks. Join the Wildlife Coast Cruises’ Seal Rocks Eco Tour, a 90-minute trip for 12 people that covers the south-west coast in a rib boat and visits Nobbies Cave allowing close-up views of 5,000 Australian fur seals.
Not everything in this region is focused on its natural wonders. Phillip Island has hosted motor racing for the past 50 years. Racing enthusiasts gather in their tens of thousands for the Superbike World Championship in March and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October, or zip around Champ Karts, located halfway between Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies, in one it its 25 new high-powered rental go-karts.
Phillip Island offers visitors a wide range of accommodation to cater for all budgets and tastes. The All Season Eco Resort Phillip Island villas opened last month, providing the perfect base for travellers who want to combine quality and comfort with environmental sensitivity. The villas have a five-star eco rating, and use renewable or recyclable materials and passive energy design.
Silverwater Retreat, a new four- and half-star resort located on the rolling hills near San Remo, will open in September 2007. The architect-designed resort will have 204 rooms and boast a glorious natural setting with a myriad attractions close by including swimming, surfing and golfing.
Phillip Island is also home to excellent selection of B&Bs which include: the five-star award-winning heritage property, Glen Isla, which boasts an in-house chef and gourmet food; the five-star Hill of Content, renowned for its gourmet breakfasts; and the romantic Spice Island which will open a new cooking school later this year.
Whilst in the region, take time to visit Phillip Island’s wineries, which have a growing reputation for producing premium, cool climate wines with full fruit flavours. These include Phillip Island Vineyard and Winery (www.phillipislandwines.com.au) and Purple Hen Vineyard and Winery located in Rhyll (www.purplehenwines.com.au).
So whether it is natural beauty, water activities, fishing or just lazing about, Phillip Island has something for everyone.
For further information, go to visitvictoria.com