If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors this summer, be sure to tick the beautifully tranquil Phillip Island off your list. Located around an hour and half from central Melbourne, Phillip Island is a fantastic day trip destination, with plenty of beautiful beaches to explore, lots of wonderful wildlife to observe, and seasonal events to attend. Read on to discover three great attractions this seaside getaway has to offer.
Admire the beautiful beaches
Phillip Island is abundant with glorious bays and beaches, so whether you want to find a secluded area to relax, fancy a seaside nature walk, or want to while away an afternoon perusing quaint beachfront shops and eateries, you’ll definitely find a favourite hangout spot. On your way to Phillip Island be sure to check out San Remo, a charming coastal village where you can walk along the beach, try your luck at fishing off the jetty, peruse the local art, and indulge in freshly made pies and pastries from the San Remo Bakehouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the George Bass Coastal walk along the cliffs and admire the view.
On Phillip Island itself there are a huge range of beaches to choose from, including family friendly swimming spots such as Smiths Beach and Cowes Beach, surf beaches like Shelly Beach (great for beginners) and Woolamai, and picturesque beaches with stunning vistas including Summerland Beach, Ventnor Beach, and Red Rocks Beach.
Get amongst the wildlife
If you’re a nature lover with a keen interest in natural wildlife, Phillip Island is the place for you. There are plenty of opportunities to observe the native fauna and flora, both on the island and along the way. On your way into Phillip Island, stop at the Maru Koala and Animal Park where you can observe iconic Australian animals like wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, native birds, snakes and of course, koalas. At the park you’ll get the opportunity for “close encounters” with some of the animals, including hand feeding, holding, and photo ops, which makes for a truly captivating experience.
One of Phillip Island’s most unique experiences is the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. The Little (Fairy) Penguins arrive on the beach at sunset every day of the year, with numbers varying between 300 and 750 depending on the season. Watch from the tiered seating on Summerland Beach as the Little Penguins retire to their sand dune burrows after a long day of fishing, or, alternatively, observe these magical birds from the elevated timber boardwalks above the beach.
This section of the island, part of Phillip Island Nature Parks, is also home to The Nobbies – two large rock humps, complete with a blowhole that erupts with spectacular sprays of water during big southern swells, just off Point Grant. This area is lined with boardwalks and lookout points, nestled between natural sea bird gardens, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch a stunning view of the rock formations set against the backdrop of Bass Straight. If you look into the distance you’ll see the Seal Rocks, home to more than 16,000 Australian fur seals – the largest colony in the southern hemisphere. To get a better look at these furry friends, there are cruise options available that will take you right up to the rocks. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, pay a visit to the Nobbies Centre – an ecotourism destination filled with interactive displays (including augmented reality) on the local marine life.
Special Events
In addition to the permanent attractions, Phillip Island also hosts a number of seasonal events throughout the year, including night markets, arts and theatre events, and sporting events – including the Grand Prix held on the prestigious Phillip Island Circuit. Coming up in February is the 2017 World Superbike Championship – a three-day event where the best riders in the business battle it out for the top spot. The Phillip Island Circuit has one of the highest average speeds of any circuit in the world, and its beautiful backdrop makes for a truly unique sporting experience. Motorsports enthusiasts can experience all the excitement for themselves at this year’s event, which runs from Friday the 24th to Sunday the 26th of February.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a beach-loving sun seeker, or an avid sports fan, Phillip Island has something for everyone. Melbourne on the Move offer all-inclusive day tours of Phillip Island, which will allow you experience the beautiful vistas and captivating wildlife mentioned throughout this blog, as well as coach charter to and from the 2017 World Superbike Championship, running each day of the event. To find out more about these great Phillip Island experiences, call us on 1300 55 86 86.