Phillip Island is one of the favourite holiday destinations for Melbourne residents. It is so close to the big city yet it offers a diversity of rural charm and a fantastic selection of unique Australian wildlife to be enjoyed. Almost every Melbourne citizen who has relatives or friends visit from overseas, will take them to Phillip Island to see the penguin colony’s and see the colony of Koala’s that live there. It is only a 140 kilometre drive from Melbourne and the road is mostly a divided highway. The largest town on the island is Cowes and it is the base for most of the best accommodation options. Phillip Island is a fantastic place to stay for a few days as there is so much to see and do.

Almost everyone who visits Phillip Island will gather at sunset on the ocean beach at the western end of the island to see the parade of the Fairy penguins. These cute little fellows have a large breeding colony here in the sand dunes behind the beach. They spend each day at sea catching fish and feeding and then at dusk, each evening, return from the sea to their burrows in the dunes. The viewing area is well lit and tiered viewing platforms provide an excellent view. There is also a large interperative center to provide educational and informative material about the penguins. The other major wild life attraction on the island is the koala colony. The Koala conservation center and Oswin Roberts reserve provide a safe haven for these beautiful animals as well are an excellent facility from which to get up close and personal with them.

Other attractions on the island include the Nobbies boardwalk to see the wild and windswept coastline around the south coast and blowhole areas. Churchill Island is also very beautiful and attached to Phillip Island via a bridge. The island is a working farm with cattle, Clydesdale horses, sheep and poultry. The first European visitor was George Bass who discovered the island when he entered Westernport Bay in the early part of 1798. He later returned with Matthew Flinders and a plaque commemorating this visit can be found close to the Rhyll jetty.

Phillip Island is full of quaint cottages, cosy cafes and restaurants, winery’s and cellar doors. It is the ideal for a foodie’s weekend away amid the spectacular backdrop of the island itself. The island is also home to the Australian Moto grand prix that is held their every year. The Phillip Island motor racing circuit is a great drawcard when the V8 supercars or the motorcycles are racing.

Phillip Island