Things to Do in and Around Melbourne #7 - Phillip Island

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia.much more wildlife to experience on Phillip Island. The
Melbourne offers great shopping and dining andNoobies Center offers an interactive look at marine life
Victoria has got a beautiful countryside and coast linethrough high tech cameras that capture their every
combining beautiful national and state parks with quietmove while removing unobtrusive. You can see sea
little towns and some larger regional centers. Phillipbird colonies, sharks, seals and dolphins as well as the
Island is a charming island with some big touristisland's beautiful south coast. The Blowhole is a sea
attractions like the penguin parade and the Motorcave that is must see during high tide as it can shoot
Racing Grand Prix. It is a great place to go for a shortout sea spray. A visit to the Koala Conservation
break, relax and be one with nature.Center will give you a treetop view of koalas and
Phillip Island is located about 90 minutes away fromnative island birds.
Melbourne, Phillip Island is linked to the mainland by aJust offshore of Newhaven is the historic Churchill
bridge connecting the mainland town of San Remo toIsland. This historic working farm dating back to the late
the island town of Newhaven. Once you have arrived1800s includes sheep, chickens, Clydesdale horses and
there are plenty of accommodations for stayingpeacocks. This is where you can walk through
overnight on the island. Hotels are located in the mainbeautiful woodlands showcasing the islands bird life
township of Cowes and other towns on the island.and trees hundreds of years old.
Beach side apartments can be found on the islandsIf you are interested in a more action oriented trip, you
seaside villages. Resorts, camping sites and caravanwill be glad to know that Phillip Island does not
rentals also allow guests different ways ofdisappoint with popular activities including fishing, boating
experiencing the island.scuba diving and island walks. Cape Woolamai offers
Phillip Island draws over 3.5 million tourists each yearone of the best panoramic views of the island for
and the primary reason for that is the penguin parade.taking a walk. Its beach is also popular among
The penguin parade allows visitors a chance to seeprofessional surfers looking for strong rips and
the world's smallest species of penguins up close.currents. For swimming the north side of the island is
Australia is one of the few places in the world wherebetter as the seas tend to be a little less rough.
this species of penguin is found. At the Phillip IslandFans of motorsport will not be disappointed when
Nature Park, an area has been set aside specificallytouring Phillip Island. The island was the original home to
for viewing. Just after the sun sets down, the fairythe Australian Grand Prix and the Bathurst 1000. The
penguins as they are often called return from fishing inPhillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is the current home of
the sea to their sand dune burrows. You can witnessthe motorcycle version of the Grand Prix and is the
as the penguins return to the island in groups; the entirehost venue for a number of other motor sport events.
process lasts about 50 minutes.The Visitor Center covers the history of the motor
The lights and elevated boardwalks make it easy forracing on the island and provides a guided tour of the
you to see the penguins. You can't make photographs,circuit.
but you can see the little penguins from only a fewSo you see, Phillip Island, despite its' size, has got a
feet away. They are a mesmerizing breed and youwide variety of attractions. When you visit Melbourne
will find yourself not able to stop looking at them.for longer than a few days I would definitely
Additionally, visitors must stay within the designatedrecommend you come check out the Penguin Parade
areas to not disturb the animals. You should alsoat least. Those little creatures are really wonderful.
remember to dress warmly when you come have aAnything else is up to the time you have available and
look at the penguins. At night by the seaside you canwhat you want to do, but you can definitely spend a
easily get cold as my family has experienced in aday or two on the island without getting bored. Spend
number of occasions!any longer and you run the risk of falling in love with
Though penguins might be the main draw, there isPhillip Island and never wanting to leave again!