'''Phillip Island''' [http://www.phillipislandguide.com/] is a large island at the mouth of Western Port Bay, located less than two hours drive from Melbourne in Victoria. Because of its proximity to the state capital, it's a popular weekend tourist destination, especially during the summer months. The island is separated from the mainland by just a channel and is connected by a bridge. It is part of the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland.

Understand

Cowes is the main town on the island, and in addition there are other smaller towns such as Rhyll, Cape Woolamai, Ventnor (closest town to the Penguin Parade) and Newhaven. The principal source of income is tourism, and there are many cafes, restaurants etc. to cater to the appetites of the tourists.

The island is steeped in motorsport history. Australia's first ever international Grand Prix was held in 1924 on the original circuit comprising the still existing roads on Phillip Island. The annual Australian Grand Prix [http://www.phillipislandgrandprix.com/], an official round of the World MotoGP plus a round of the World Superbike (WBSK) is currently held at the 1950s purpose built Motor Racing Circuit [http://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/], and draws a massive contingent of motor sport fans (colloqially known as "petrolheads") every year.

See

  • '''Penguin Parade''', Summerland Beach (''near the south western end of the island''), [http://www.penguins.org.au/]. At sunset the little penguins walk up from the sea to their nests. Adult $13, child $6.50, family $32.50.
  • '''The Nobbies and Seal Rocks''' (''near the southwestern end of the island, past the Penguin Parade''). From the boardwalks here you can see penguins for free, as well as gull rookeries. You might even see a snake in the grass. The Seal Rocks are too far away to see much of the seals with the naked eye but you can look through the pay binoculars. If nothing else, there are the views of coastal scenery.
  • '''Koala Conservation Centre''', Phillip Island Rd.
  • '''A Maze'N Things''' (mini golf, a giant maze, and a 'hall of illusions')
  • '''Vietnam Veterans Museum''', 5 Churchill Road South, Newhaven 03 5956 6400 ''vvmuseum@nex.net.au, fax 03 5956 6406''), [http://www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org/]. M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa-Su 10AM-5PM. Dedicated to preserving and exhibiting memorabilia from Australia_fs longest war. It is run by volunteers and does not have the quality of presentation of a big museum. There are over 5000 items though and there are videos playing. Go out the back to see the tank, helicopter, howitzer and vehicles. Entry by donation.
  • '''Churchill Island''', Is a historic property, with an old farm and animals (great fun for kids.) It also has a cafe and giftshop. Admission is $10 for adults, 5 for kids.
  • Do

  • '''Cape Woolamai'''. There are several loops of walking tracks of various lengths. Doing all the walks might take up to 3 hours. Most of the cape is a huge mutton-bird or shearwater colony and the birds_f burrows are everywhere. There are few trees in much of the area but there is a section of regenerating bush. The first part of the walks is along the beach, starting near the lifesaving club.
  • '''Beaches'''. There are a large number of beaches (both sheltered beaches on the inland side and surf beaches on the ocean side of the island)
  • '''Scuba Diving'''. Phillip Island is home to some of the most spectacular scuba diving destinations in Victoria.
  • '''Phillip Island Helicopters''', 03 5956 7316, [http://www.phillipislandhelicopters.com/]. Take a helicopter flight and see this fantastic Island from one of our new helicopters.
  • Sleep

    There are many and varied accommodation options available for the visitor to Phillip Island. These range from hostel accommodation, caravan parks, motels to "bed and breakfast" and private short-term holiday home rental.