Penguin Parade at the Penguins Plus – Phillip Islands
Nestled in the southern coast of Australia, with proximity of about 140 kilometres to Melbourne, Phillip Island is garnering a lot of interest among the Indian travellers.
A 90-minute drive from Melbourne, yet Phillip Island feels like a world away from the hectic city life of Victoria. Beautiful blue skies and unpolluted atmosphere, pristine sandy beaches and spectacular rugged cliffs coupled with the native woodlands and life-giving wetlands – an ultimate respite for city dwellers as well as avid travellers. The unspoiled locations are all waiting to be explored.
One can explore many of Phillip Island’s hidden secrets and natural environs on easy walking trails. A quick ten minute stroll will take you over the dunes to a spectacular sandy beach and the beautiful rock formations of Forrest Caves. Apart from the several things to do in Phillip Island, here are five handpicked, must-do activities for travellers of varied tastes.
Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is home to some of Australia’s most unique and special wildlife. In fact, it offers the largest colonies of Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals in the whole of Australia right here on the island. Seal Rocks is home to approximately 35,000 fur seals and can be seen through the telescopes at the Nobbies Visitor Centre, or up close on a fantastic Eco-Boat tour.
The Penguin Parade has many different viewing options to see the world’s smallest penguins, including the new Penguins Plus and Underground experiences which offer the closest possible viewing of penguins in Australia. You can see koalas up close from the elevated boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre, and you may even see some wallabies and echidna there.
Cheese and local produce
Phillip Island and the surrounding regions also provide some of the most fertile land in Victoria and as a result, many gourmet producers have established their operations here, giving visitors the opportunity to sample some epicurean delights and unique experiences.
On the way to Phillip Island, a stop at the Bassine Specialty Cheeses for some handmade artisan farmhouse cheeses including feta, brie, haloumi and ricotta is a must. These delectable dairy products are made with the milk sourced from their own herd of 180 Holstein cows.
In addition, the Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant is one of the island’s newest eateries, and offers guests an indulgent menu, sourced from the bountiful harvest of local fresh produce. The location provides sensational views over the scenic and untamed south coast.
Imagine fishing for rainbow trout at a picturesque tree-lined lake, and then having the chef transform your catch into a magnificent meal. At Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm you can catch your own lunch and wander the 1.2 kilometre Bush Tucker trail, showcasing 27 different species of native foods.
Taste the local delicacies of Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm – Phillip Islands
Wineries
They say, food is good, but wine is better in Victoria. Phillip Island’s climate is perfect for cool climate wines. The Purple Hen Vineyard and Phillip Island Winery each grow a variety of grapes suitable to the region. The Purple Hen’s cellar door is open every day of the year while the Phillip Island Winery opens its doors to the public during the warmer months.
Breweries
Taking its name from the colour of beer, Rusty Water Brewery and Bar is home to a selection of small batch, hand-crafted ales like Koala Pale Ale, Chicory Stout and Shipwreck IPA. There is no better thing to do on a cool winter’s day than sitting in front of the log fire with a tasting paddle of their fine creations.
Authentic Farm Experiences
Bimbadeen is a 340-acre farm in the heart of Phillip Island offering authentic experiences like farm tours and paddock to plate barbecues. Travellers can even enjoy a farm retreat and stay in their secluded, eco-friendly, self-contained accommodation with peaceful rural views and participate in as much or as little of farm life as they would like.