Some 140 kms south-east of Melbourne, the wildlife, the Bush and the many beaches of Phillip Island will capture your imagination.
Strong efforts are continuing at Phillip Island to conserve the pristine environment, flora and fauna. You can enjoy their efforts at Phillip Island Nature Park, the Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island National Park and Cape Woolamai.
Penguin Parade
Unlike the Hollywood Academy Awards, this penguin parade takes place at Summerland Beach.
There are elevated viewing platforms for good views of the parade while ensuring minimal impact by humans on their habitat and lifestyle. Commentary is supplied by trained and experienced guides.
Seal Rocks
Off the coast at the western tip of Phillip Island are the Seal Rocks, a protected habitat of Australian Fur Seals.
You can catch a cruise from Cowes to see the Seal Rocks and its colony.
Koala Conservation Centre
Dedicated to the preservation of Koalas in their natural habitat, the Koala Conservation Centre has treetop walkways, designed to allow good views of koalas amongst the trees. Koalas dont really feel they had a good sleep unless they get their 21 hours a day, so spotting them is not difficult.
Note: Koalas are not bears, they are marsupials. Cute and bearable.
Getting to Phillip Island
Take the South Eastern Freeway from Melbourne for about forty five minutes where you will see the Phillip Island turnoff onto the South Gippsland Highway. This road will take you to the turnabout indicating the way to Phillip Island via San Remo village.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Racetrack
This world known racetrack has a visitors centre where you can learn about the history of racing and motorsport. There are wildlife enclosures, aviaries, water gardens and a licensed cafe.
Fishing
For the rod and line fishing enthusiasts, try various spots in Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll and San Remo. There are deep sea fishing cruises available and you can hire a boat at both Cowes and Rhyll.
Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre
Seal Rocks, The Nobbys, Phillip Island. (follow signs)
Phone: 1300 367 325
Admission charged. Children: Free Open 10 am - dusk (see Sea Life Centre web site for approximate dusk time during your visit)
One of the most popular attractions at Phillip Island, along with the Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Centre is Seal Rocks, the sea life centre offers enjoyable insights into the life of the Australian Fur Seal.
At the Seal Rocks Centre displays views of Seal Rocks and the Nobbies, which is home to Australia's largest fur seal colony. There is also a sea gull rockery and a few penguins.
Surf Beaches
Of the better known surf spots, there is Woolamai Surf Beach, Forest Caves Beach and Surf Beach and Surfies Point. The surf can get big at these places while currents and rips make it unsuitable for swimming.
Phillip Island Information Centre
Just a kilometre down the road after entering Phillip Island is the Phillip Island Information Centre, where you can get all the info you need for a great stay. Phone +061 3 5956 7447 or 1300 366 422. Located at 895 Phillip Island Tourist Rd.
Restaurants and Dining
The fresh mountain air and views can make food taste better! There are plenty of eateries and restaurants to accommodate even the most discerning palate.
Accommodation
There are two caravan park at Cowes on the beach. Cowes itself is only a short drive to the parks, beaches and reserves of the island, as well as others.
There are also motels, beachside cottages, self contained apartments, a resort and some very classy private holiday rentals on the island.
Working Australian holiday
For a different kind of holiday, The Australian Government has made it easier for people to work in Australia. See Work in Australia.
Map of Phillip Island
The map shows Parks and places of interest, including Phillip Island Nature Park, Conservation Reserve, Cowes, the Tourist Information Centre, beaches, Churchill Island National Park and Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve.
Further reading - About the South West Coast of Victoria Great Ocean Road.
