| Phillip Island is situated off the
far south of the picturesque Gippsland region of Victoria. About 140km or two hours from
the city, this island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo. Its proximity
to Melbourne and its salubrious climate makes it a popular city getaway. The weather on
the island fairly temperate - cool in winter with average temperatures of
around 12°C and warm to hot in summer with temperatures going up to 35°C. |
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Once called Snapper Island by George
Bass, who came to it in 1798, it soon became familiar to most people as Grant Island. The
island is an area of enormous diversity, offering everything from sandy beaches for
swiming and sunbathing on the leeward northern side to rugged cliffs, strange rock
formations, blowholes and pounding surf.
Around a 100 sq kms in area, it takes just half an hour to drive across the width of the
island. The topography of the island is basically flat with low hills breaking the
monotony. The highest point on the island is Cape Woolamai, while Cowes on the north coast
is the main town. Most of the shopping centres, residential areas and hotels and
restaurants are located in Cowes. Rhyll and Newhaven are the other little townships on
Phillip Island.
The island were once a favoured nesting colony of
seals which the aborigines used it as a larder until 19th century when
sealers hunted entire colonies of seals into near extinction. Fortunately for the
seals and the other indigenous wildlife on the island, it has now been developed as a
holiday resort and a major wildlife reserve.
The south side of Phillip Island facing the open sea is a world-renowned surfing area. Woolami,
Berry's Beach and Summerland are good places to surf. If you're not a great swimmer
then head up to one of the northern bay beaches, which are calmer and quieter. Surfing
equipment can be hired at any of the many shops and lessons are available at most beaches.
Surf Alert! Stay between
warning flags on beaches, the ocean can be treacherous and rips and currents
unpredictable.
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On the southwestern tip of the island
rises a group of strange looking rocks named the Nobbies. Beyond the
rocks are the Seal Rocks, which are home to the largest colony of fur
seals in Australia. |
It's a breathtaking
sight to see so many of them safely ensconced amongst the rocks. The Sea
Life Centre has some great close of footage of the seals. An underwater tunnel to
the rocks, planned for the future, will provide great thrills.
At the Koala Conservation Centre you can see many of the koala
species. Phillip Island Wildlife Park has an interesting range of animals
especially the giant Gippsland earthworms. The muttonbirds are a very special species on
Phillip Island. They arrive on the same day every year, September 24th and
leave in April. You'll see them flying at dusk as you watch the penguin parade.
Alternatively go to the Forest Caves Reserve or the Woolmai Beach to have a look at them.
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Penguin
Alert! Every evening at Summerland
Beach, the little penguins nesting here, emerge from the sea and waddle up the beach. They
do it with a certain amount of dignity and elegance, considering they have 4000 tourists
gawking at them from a distance. The Penguins Parade is a favourite with tourists and
locals alike, hence weekends are busy, so book at the Phillip Island Nature Park. |
Other attractions are
the Motor Racing Circuit, which is now home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand
Prix. There are excellent walking tracks and a Heritage museum.
Getting there:
Phillip Island is an easy 2hr drive from the heart of Melbourne. A top-notch dual highway
makes driving a real pleasure. First time drivers will be delighted to know that the
entire road to Phillip Island is very well sign posted. The South Gippsland Highway goes
past a number of towns before turning off onto the San Remo Bridge to arrive at Phillip
Island.
A daily bus service connects the island to
Melbourne via the enroute towns of Grantville, Corinella, Bass, San Remo, Newhaven and
Cowes. A number of ferry services connect the island to mainland Victoria. Daily ferry
service transports passengers from Melbourne and Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula
to the ferry terminal at Cowes.
Getting Around: While on the island, plenty of people like to hire bikes
and travel the slow way around, with plenty of time to stop and admire the scenery or just
savour a leisurely holiday away from civilisation. There is no scheduled bus service on
Phillip Island. But private coaches are available from the Phillip Island Bus Service as
well as private air charters at the offices of the Phillip Island Air Services. Taxis can
be rented for short rides or for the entire day. The island has just one car rental
company and other lease companies that rent out bikes. Tour operators take tourists on
conducted bus sightseeing tours.
Accommodation: Places to stay are
hotels, motels, holiday cottages, caravan parks, camping and hostels. You're not allowed
to camp in your car, so perish the thought but the accommodation is in plenty and very
reasonable in price. Nevertheless book in advance in the summer season.
Tourist Offices: The Phillip Island Tourist Information Centre is located
near the Newhaven bridge on the southern side of Phillip Island Tourist Road. It opens
from 9am to 5pm everyday with longer working hours during peak times. Tickets for the
Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, ferry cruises and scenic air flights are available at
the office.
Pass Alert! A Phillip Island Nature Pass will give access to the Penguin
Parade, Churchill Island, the Sea Rocks Sea Life Centre and the Koala Conservation Centre.
For detailed state and visitor
information, see
Victoria.
For country information, see Australia. |
