Besides the landscapes and natural habitat, Phillip Island is known for hosting significant events like The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, V8 Supercars, and Superbike World Championship.
Phillip Island is a famous day-trip destination in Australia with diverse landscapes, including rugged coastline, surf beaches, forests and the renowned Phillip Island Penguin Parade. It is home to penguins and koalas of various kinds, among other animals. A lot of Koala Reserves can be found in this area.
The Island originated in the British era, dating back to the late 1700s; it was named after Governor Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales. The area was formally known as Corriong or Millowl, the names given by the Boonwurrung people, the original residents of this area.
Below are some activities you can engage in on this island.
1. Experience Feeding Pelicans at San Remo Beach
The tradition of feeding the pelicans started in 1985. Seeing that the pelicans come to the foreshore to eat the unwanted fish thrown away by the anglers. The people of that area started the tradition of feeding them.
The San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op feeds pelicans around noon daily near the San Remo foreshore. Every day around this time, many pelicans are seen arriving from nearby places and patiently waiting for their food.
Today, the pelican feeding program is run by trained staff and is regulated by many departments, including the Department of Water, Land, and Planning.
Every day, feeding the pelicans lasts for about 10 minutes. During this time, the fishers of San Remo provide a brief educational presentation about the pelicans’ diet and lifestyle. The presentation also covers how to conserve and improve environmental efforts to help save pelicans and many such species.
Keep an eye on the water while seeing the pelicans because Stingrays often peep through the deep waters.
Location: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo, Australia.
2. Enjoy Fish and Chips at San Remo
At the San Remo Fisherman’s Co., you can enjoy a meal of fish and chips with excellent taste and quality. The fresh fish is served with homemade tomato sauce and chips. You can choose to have your meal inside or outside to enjoy the view of the surroundings.
Location: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo, Australia.
3. Enjoy the Cadillac Canyon at Bore Beach
Cadillac Canyon is located at Bore Beach. It is a tiny canyon in Bore Beach named after a local photographer. Cadillac Canyon is a great place for taking pictures. It provides an excellent background that includes the waves and the surface when the canyon gets filled with high waves that crash the surface.
One distinct feature of Bore Beach is that it faces high waves and strong currents. These waves make swimming in this water quite dangerous.
Location: 145 Potters Hill Road, San Remo, Australia.
4. The Coastal Reserve of Phillip Island
Phillip Island’s Coastal Reserve is immediately after the bridge of the Phillip Island. To get there, turn left after crossing the Bridge; you will find a narrow road leading to the Caravan Park of Phillip Island. Walk down the main entrance of Caravan Park and look left to find a sign that reads “Beach Access.”
If you want a more transparent and better view of the Island, visit the Coastal Reserve, also known as the visitor centre. You might be lucky to see some marine animals having an excellent time inside the water.
5. Visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
The Philip Island Chocolate Factory is one of the major attractions of this place. The best part about this factory is that you will get the chance to make your own chocolate.
The entry ticket is also made of chocolate. But do not eat it before entering the factory; upon entry, there is complimentary chocolate for everyone.
After Phillip Island’s chocolate factory, there is the Panny’s Chocolate Cafe and Chocolate Shop; there, you can choose from a wide variety of chocolate. Some lucky individuals will have the opportunity to get Panny’s “Secret recipe” white truffles.
There is a 45-minute to 1-hour time limit for every visit. Children above the age of 4 and adults must pay the entry fee to enter this factory. Entry fees for children less than 4 years are not required.
6. Visit Churchill Island Farmers Market and Churchill Island Heritage Farm
The Churchill Island Heritage Farm is home to various animals, beautiful flower gardens, farm grounds and unique homestays. You will also be able to find farm grounds where animal demonstrations and wagon rides are performed.
Churchill Island is known as the first farm in Victoria. It is also the first European garden and working farm. The farm is about 57 hectares with an original Churchill Island Homestead.
This will make a great experience for kids as lots of educational demonstrations take place here daily, allowing children the opportunity to learn about farm animals.
The interactive and educational displays include wagon rides, cow milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking, and working dogs. To explore this farm to the fullest, you are suggested to take a walking trail. The Churchill Island loop, which is spread over an area of about 4.5 kilometres, is the best way to experience all the beautiful sceneries of the island. Generally, you will need 2 hours to complete the 5-kilometre route.
7. Take A Walk Along Woolamai Surf Beach
The Cape Woolamia is located in the southernmost part of Phillip Island. Cape Woolamai has incredible golden beaches, numerous vantage points, granite cliff coastlines and various wildlife. Wallabies are also present in Cape Woolamai.
Another distinct feature that makes this place famous is the Woolamai Surf Beach. It stretches over 5 kilometres and is considered perfect for surfing.
The Woolamai Surf Beach also provides a lot of facilities. Some facilities include surf shops, parking areas, a lifesaving club, toilets, and restaurants for hot and cold food.
The Coastal Walk of Cape Woolamai is a trail on the top of the coastal cliffs. It passes through a fauna reserve with fantastic sea caves, mesmerizing sea views, gigantic rock formations and panoramas.
You can reach Cape Woolamai via three trails. To make it easier for visitors to navigate, the walking trails are highlighted with markers of different colours.
To take the Pinnacles Walk trail, follow the green markers. The Pinnacles Walk is spread over 14-15 kilometres, round trip.
The blue markers will take you through the Old Granite Quarry trail. It is spread over 3 kilometres and will require 3 hours.
To go through the Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk, follow the black markers. The 8.5 kilometres route will take about 3-5 hours.
8. Spend Some Time at the Koala Reserve
To see the candid lifestyle of the Koalas, head over to the Koala Conservation Reserve. Here, you will be able to see a variety of koalas in their natural habitat.
Not only Koalas but many other animals, including eastern yellow robins, wallabies, bats, kookaburras and echidnas. Volunteers at the Koala Conservation Center are there to answer all your queries regarding these animals.
9. Witness the Famous Penguin Parade
One of the most prominent features of Phillip Island is its Penguin Parade. People from all over the world come here to witness this parade.
Every night, many little penguins parade back to the shore after a long and busy day at the sea. To witness this, head to 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerland Beach, Australia.
Ways To Reach Phillip Island
By Car
From Melbourne, take the Monash Freeway to Cranbourne, opt for the exit of Phillip Island and take along the South Gippsland Highway, then follow the Bass Highway to Phillip Island.
If you continue driving along this road, you will reach San Remo, the Phillip Island Tourist Road.
By Ferry
Stony Point gives you access to passenger ferries from Mornington Peninsula. One disadvantage of ferries is that they are subject to weather conditions.
By Coach
There are V/Line Coach services available. People who want to use this service must book tickets ahead of their journey.
By Tour
If you are a resident of Melbourne, taking the Phillip Island Tour is a great option.
The tour includes various destinations like the animal park, the Maru Koala, the Nobbies Center, and the famous penguin parade.
In a Nutshell
Phillip Island is a vibrant and picturesque destination off Victoria Coast, Australia. It is a trove of wildlife, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Its unique wildlife reserve, stunning beaches, and motorsport events provide diverse fun and educational activities for all age groups. From the Penguin Parade to the golden beaches and historical sites, Phillip Island offers an unforgettable experience.
Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Arnab
