Phillip Island: A Nature-Lover's Paradise
Phillip Island, just 90 minutes south of Melbourne, is a wonderland of stunning white sand bays, striking rocky headlands and diverse wildlife. It’s known for the famous Penguin Parade, but that is just one of its many charms.
Located in Phillip Island Nature Park, the Penguin Parade is to Phillip Island what wine is to cheese. Drawing visitors from all over the world, this wonderful event lets you discover these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat. As darkness descends, watch as hundreds of little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle over the beach to their burrows. You can also learn all about them at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.
Also in Phillip Island Nature Park, the treetop boardwalk at Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Centre lets you discover koalas at close range. The Maru Koala and Animal Park is another favourite where you can meet native attractions including Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats and birdlife. Penguin Island is home to a colony of 16,000 Australian fur seals. Watch them frolic in the water or sun themselves at Seal Rocks. Or join a seal-watching cruise to see them at close proximity. Seal Rocks is about a kilometre offshore from The Nobbies, a striking headland on the south-western tip of the island. Stroll along the boardwalk by the cliffs for panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.
Visit Penguin Island and enjoy boating, swimming and kayaking. Explore the diversity of landscape with a walk or hike. Why not hire some bikes and cycle between attractions? There are a number of pre-set routes beginning at Amaze’n Things, a giant outdoor wooden maze and fun park. The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is just one of several famous events and festivals on the island’s calendar.
Cowes is the commercial hub of Phillip Island so is well equipped for shopping, dining and accommodation. It’s also a relaxed seaside town where you can enjoy a quiet meal overlooking beautiful beaches. Include a stop at the Cowes Cultural Centre.
San Remo is a seaside village and the gateway to Phillip Island. Hop on the George Bass Coastal Walk through to Kilcunda and past scenic Shelly Beach, Griffiths Point and Quarry Rocks.
Newhaven is another picturesque fishing village and a great place to cast a line, stroll along the water’s edge or sit back with a seafood dinner. Visit Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory or indulge with a soothing massage at Island Healing Health Spa. From Newhaven you can cycle or drive over to Churchill Island, the site of Victoria’s first European settlement and home to heritage architecture and a bustling farmers' market.
The port town of Rhyll is also a nature-lover's paradise. Explore beautiful Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Hill, where migratory wading birds feed around the salt marshes and mangroves. The Bush Tucker Trail at Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm features a variety of native food crops including fruits, berries, leaves, seeds and flowers. Learn just how Indigenous Australians have been using these foods for thousands of years.
With a range of accommodation ranging from cottages to eco retreats to luxury resorts, Phillip Island is perfect for couples or families.
Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be in close proximity to wildlife, activities and breathtaking landscapes. Ready to book your adventure?
Image Courtesy: Getty Images/Tourism Victoria
