It's perhaps best known for the gorgeous fairy penguins who, each day at sunset, make their way to their nests after a day at work penguin-style, as well as the MotoGP on towards the end of each year, but Phillip Island has much more to offer.
Located about 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Phillip Island has long been a holiday favourite of Melbourne people. It's a place to unwind, relax and forget about what you have to do tomorrow. It's worth a visit on its own, or included as part of a holiday in Melbourne. If you don't want to just chill out, here are a few of the activities to choose from.
Penguin Parade
Take a waddle on the wild side the promotional material suggests. They're cute, they're on time, they do waddle - and it's not something you can see in too many places. The fairy penguins delight children and you'd be a pretty hard-hearted adult if you couldn't also enjoy the moment. Tickets start from $22.10 for an adult, or you can purchase 'extras' and guided tour packages. You can also buy a 3 park pass which includes entrance to Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Koala Conservation Area starting at $37 for an adult.
Koala Conservation Centre
The Koala Conservation Centre lets you stroll through eucalypt forest on tree top boardwalks to see koalas up close and personal. Chances are, they'll be asleep, but they're still worth seeing in their natural environment. The Centre has been an important part of saving Phillip Island's koala population and bush, and includes a koala breeding program. A new attraction at the Centre includes photo opportunities with mums and joeys.
Moonlit Sanctuary
Continuing the wildlife theme, the Moonlit Sanctuary on Mornington Peninsula (before you reach the bridge to Phillip Island) was voted Victoria's top wildlife park and is another opportunity to see a range of native animals in their natural habitat. Open from 10am - 5pm each day, there are also moonlit guided visits that must be booked. The highlights include daily animal encountters such as 'hold a snake', 'cuddle a koala' and free keeper talks.
The Nobbies
An odd name perhaps, but it's a headland that's worth the visit for the views, the fur seals which you might catch sight of, the blowhole and the sea bird life.
A Maze'N Things
A complete change of pace - A Maze'N Things is a wonderful world of optical illusions, mazes and puzzles which are generally sufficient to keep kids entertained for hours. It also boasts the highest indoor vertical slide in the southern hemisphere.
Walking, Cycling, Swimming
Feel like being active? Then hire a bike and cycle around, or on one of the cycling trails; follow a walking trail; or just visit one of the spectacular beaches to catch some sun and surf. There's also some good boating and fishing options.
Churchill Island
To give you an idea of the size of Churchill Island, it's an island "off the coast" of Phillip Island! And it's delightful - all 57 acres of it. Churchill Island has been farmed since the 1850s and was the first European-style farm in Victoria. It is now open as an historic working farm with wetlands and ancient trees.
Trevor
Even more special, on Saturday 12th January, Churchill Island will play host to Trevor - an unique "very cool music festival" for the entire family. Have a picnic and enjoy the circus workshop, the African drums, Icehouse, The Bamboos, Ash Grunwalk, kids yoga classes, a chillout zone for kids and SO much more. Tickets are $99 for the day if you're over 15, but under 15 is free - and the kids get 'fed and watered' too, with free food, drinks and other goodies. Trevor has its own website which is worth a visit in itself! Check it out here.
Further information?
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