Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks was established to conserve the natural beauty and historic and archaeological history of Phillip Island. 

The Park is part of the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve with wetlands, woodlands, wildlife sanctuaries and coastal areas. The area is rich in bird life with significant populations of little penguins, shearwaters and hooded plovers and wildlife including koalas, swamp wallabies and Australian fur seals.

Swamp Wallaby

The Park Service manages a number of tourism attractions including the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, the Nobbies and Churchill Island Heritage Farms.  The profits generated are used to invest in conservation, research, ecotourism, environmental and education initiatives within the Nature Parks. 

The most cost effective and best way to enjoy the range of activities of the Nature Park is to purchase a 3 Parks Pass as it allows you to attend the Penguin Parade, visit the Koala Conservation Centre and learn about Victoria's early farming history on Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

Penguin Parade

Most people are drawn to Phillip Island to see the iconic Penguin Parade where you can watch the little penguins make their way across the beach heading towards their nesting areas after spending their day hunting in the ocean.

This is a fascinating experience as you watch and wait in anticipation of the sun setting and the little penguins arriving. It often feels like they will never come and then it seems that a sole little penguin emerges from the sea. Maybe this is a scout as shortly others follow. Sometimes they stop and some will scurry back as if they are too frightened to leave the ocean but slowly crowds of them appear and wander into their nesting areas.

At one stage you could sit on the beach in the evening and the penguins would wander past quite close to you.  It was an amazing experience, but as crowds grew the need to protect the penguins and their habitat meant viewing platforms and walkways were constructed. 

Today there are a range of experiences that you can purchase including having a Park Ranger guide you to a private area to view the penguins on the beach (Ultimate Experience) or enjoying the penguins in the comfort of a Sky Box (VIP Experience) where you'll also have fantastic views across the beach and help the Ranger count the penguins as they return for the night. Another option is the Research Tour where a Ranger shows you how researchers collect data and you'll see the weigh bridge where penguins that cross are weighed. You'll also visit the Sky Box before seeing the Penguin Parade from front row seats at the Penguins Plus viewing area.

You can download a free Penguins App which provides interesting insights into the penguins, statistics on their return from the ocean, pictures and a game. 

Koala Conservation Centre

At the  Koala Conservation Centre you can wander along an elevated boardwalk and see these amazing furry mammals in their natural habitat. You can get fairly close and sometimes you may be lucky if one climbs down the trees and settles very close (like the one in this picture). 

You may also see  koalas with a joey (its baby) clinging to its mother. Rangers wander the board walks during the day providing you with an opportunity to ask questions about the koalas and their habitat.

The Visitor Centre is interactive and you can learn all about the koala and purchase gifts from the gift shop.

The Nobbies 

The Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the marine life of the Southern Oceans.  From the centre and board walks you can look across to Seal Rocks; a breeding ground for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals.  

There are binoculars set at strategic points where you can get a closer view across to the Rocks. 

If you want to see the Seals up close its a good idea to organise a boat tour of Seal Rocks from a range of operators. 

Entry to the Nobbies is free and there is a large cafe. information centre and gift shop.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island Heritage Farm provides insights into what life was like living on a farm in the early 1900’s.  The 57 heactare Island was originally inhabited by the Bunurong people with the first European inhabitants finding remains of canoes and fires.

European settlement started when Lieutenant James Grant sailed the Lady Nelson to the island in 1801. He planted seeds he'd been provided, felled trees and built a hut making this the first European agricultral pursuit in Victoria.

The farmhouse has been beautifully restored and furnished with antiques. There are also a range of interesting outbuildings that give the impression that you’ve travelled back through time. 

You can see a range of farm animals and experience some of the farm activities like shearing, whip cracking and wagon rides.

There are also beautiful views across to the mainland. For more information see our blog on Churchill Island Heritage Farm

1 day private tour of Phillip Island

Whale watching and more on the Fraser Coast

Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is located on the Fraser Coast a region that is famous for its natural wonders including whales, dolphins and Fraser Island; which is the world's largest sand island and  Heritage Listed. 

We flew into Brisbane and drove the 3.5 hours to Hervey Bay along the Bruce Highway. But you can also fly into the Sunshine Coast or Hervey Bay itself. 

On the beach at Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay has a wide range of accommodation ranging from backpackers, apartments, resorts, caravan parks and house for rent. We chose to stay at White Crest Luxury Apartments as it was close to shops, restaurants and across the road from the beach.   

  
After checking into our apartment we booked a whale watching cruise for the next day, as this was to be a highlight of our visit to the area. We then set out to explore the local area and took a long walk along the beach.

Fishing at Hervey Bay

Like most beach side suburbs the town radiates out from the beach with accommodation, restaurants and shops lining the nearby streets. Hervey Bay has a number of suburbs which have grown over the years to cover quite a large area.  So don't be confused when you see names such as Torquay, Pialba and Point Vernon as these are all located along the coastline at Hervey Bay.

Great Sandy Straits Marina

The next morning we were collected outside our accommodation and taken to the Marina for our whale watching cruise with Whalesong, who are one of the many whale watching companies in Hervey Bay. We did a morning cruise but you can also choose an afternoon or full day cruise.

Smooth sailing even into a storm

We enjoyed a breakfast of quiche, bacon, sausages, salads and bread which was served shortly after we departed the Marina. The weather wasn't looking great as we headed out of the bay in search of whales. We went through some small rain storms but it was still very smooth sailing and we continued to enjoy staying out on the deck.

Our first experience of a whale breaching

After about an hour of cruising we came across our first whales which caused a lot of excitement and everyone moved outside onto the decks.  We observed a number of pods as the boat cruised from one area to another looking for more active whales.

A whale swims underneath our boat

The whales mainly travelled in pairs, some mothers and calves, we saw them waving with their fins, swimming up and down and breaching as they played in the ocean nearby.

Swimming close to the boat

Just before we headed towards home a whale decided to come so close to the boat that it swam beneath us and then popped up on the other side. It was an amazing experience being so close to this gentle but gigantic creature.

A final breaching before we head for home

Watching the whales breach was one of the best experiences of the morning. I found it hard to catch them on the camera but we did manage to some great acrobatics on video. 

Whale watching video

What to do in Hervey Bay

Best meal was at Maddigans Fish and Chips in Torquay, its a take away, but the range of fish and other seafood was fantastic.

Tin Can Bay

We left the highway and dropped in to see this quaint fishing and boating haven whilst travelling south to the Sunshine Coast. Tin Can Bay is also renowned for dolphin sighting at Norman Point, normally between 7.30 and 8 a.m.  

Tin Can Bay Harbour

Prawns, scallops and spanner crabs are all caught in this area with many destined for the overseas market.  We also saw a number of houseboats moored in the Bay demonstrating the range of water activities that draw people to the live and holiday in the area.

View from Les Lee Park, Tin Can Bay

Rainbow Beach

We took another diversion to Rainbow Beach another lovely seaside village known for fishing, boating, surfing. prawning and crabbing. 

Rainbow Beach is also known as the main entry point to Fraser Island due to the short ferry ride from Inskip Point.    Its where we crossed a number of years ago to spend 5 days on this amazing Island.

The town of Rainbow Beach has grown substantially since we last visited and there is now a range of shops, accommodation and activities to enjoy.

Fishing at Inskip Point,  Rainbow Beach

We were surprised at the extent of camping areas that line the road as you drive to Inskip Point.         These looked like amazing camping sites shaded by cypress pines and other trees and shrubs in walking distance to the beach and close to the town of Rainbow Beach. 

The coloured sands at Inskip Point (once known as Black Beach) are explained in the Kaby Dreaming story of Yiningie, the spirit of the gods, who often took the form of a rainbow. Yiningie was killed in a fight when he crashed into cliffs and his spirit coloured the sands.   

Ferry crossing from Fraser Island to Inskip Point

 More information about Inskip Point

A glimpse of Fraser Island

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is located approx 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne and is famous for its beaches, motor racing circuit and wildlife.

Penguin Parade

The highlight of any visit to the Island is the iconic Penguin Parade where you can watch the little penguins make their way across the beach heading towards their nesting areas after spending their day hunting in the ocean.

Penguin Parade

Tourism Victoria

Once upon a time, you could sit on the beach in the evening and the penguins would wander past quite close to you.  It was an amazing experience, but as crowds grew the need to protect the penguins and their habitat meant viewing platforms and walkways were constructed. Today there are a range of experiences that you can purchase including having a Park Ranger guide you to a private area to view the penguins on the beach (Ultimate Experience) or enjoying the penguins in the comfort of a Sky Box (VIP Experience) where you’ll also have fantastic views across the beach and help the Ranger count the penguins as they return for the night.

Sky Box
Phillip Island Nature Parks

Koala Conservation Centre

The Koala Conservation Centre is set up to show you how koalas live in the wild with very little human intervention. You can wander along an elevated boardwalk and see these amazing furry mammals in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to ask questions of the Rangers who manage the Centre.

There is also an interactive Visitor Centre where you can learn about the koala and purchase gifts from the gift shop.

Koala Conservation Centre

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island Heritage Farm provides insights into what life was like living on a farm in the early 1900’s. The farmhouse has been beautifully restored and there are a range of interesting outbuildings that give the impression that you’ve travelled back through time. You can also see a range of farm animals and beautiful views across to the mainland. For more information see our blog on Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Parks Victoria manage these 3 tourist attractions and you can purchase tickets individually or buy a 3 Parks pass which provides great value. See Phillip Island Nature Parks

Nobbies

The Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the marine life of the Southern Oceans. Entry is free and there is a large cafe. information centre and gift shop. From the centre and boardwalks you can look across to Seal Rocks; a breeding ground for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals.  

If you want to see the Seals up close you can organise a boat tour of Seal Rocks from a range of operators.

Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm

This attraction provides activities for people of all ages. Fish for a trout in the outdoor or indoor ponds and you can take your fish home with you or have it cooked and eat it for lunch. 

Take a walk around the Bush Tucker Trail and learn about the 22 varieties of bush tucker that are grown on the property. Paul Mannix and his family have re-vegetated the area with 22,000 trees which has converted pastures into an amazing natural bushland wonderland.

Or take a Tea Trail walk and pick leaves that you can later drink as tea with some lovely home-made wattleseed  scones. The licensed cafe also sells a range of products that are made from   the bush tucker or trout caught on the lake. We enjoyed a delicious smoked trout and smoked trout dip with some mountain pepper and chilli chutney.

Beaches 

Phillip Island has a range of beaches suitable for swimming, fishing and surfing.  Woolamai is the longest beach on the Island and the site of the only Surf Life Saving Club.  When visiting the beaches you should be aware that Australian beaches can be dangerous so you should always swim on a patrolled beach and between the flags. To learn more about  beach safety.

Cowes Beach

Cowes is a relatively calm beach and popular with families. Cowes is also home to the Island's main shopping strip with a range of specialty stores, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and other stores.

Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach caters for both sufers and families and is located between Woolamai and Cowes.

 

Beach near Forrest Caves

Forrest Caves are part of eroding red basalt cliffs located between Woolamai and Surf Beach. You can wander through the caves at low tide and swim on the adjacent beach care should be taken as high waves and rips are common. 

Newhaven and San Remo (on the mainland) are popular for fishing.

National Vietnam Veterans Musuem

The Island is also home to the National Vietnam Veterans Musuem which has displays of photographs, memorabilia, vehicles and aircraft that detail the history of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1972.


Phillip Island Racing Circuit

Celebrating 60 years in 2012 the Phillip Island Racing Circuit is home to car racing and motor bike racing drawing large crowds to the Island for major events.

Other regular activities include go carts, hot laps and team building. To learn more Phillip Island Racing Circuit

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Another popular attraction is Panny's Phillip Island Chocolate Factory where you can buy or taste Belgium chocolates and learn about chocolates in the Amazing World of Chocolates.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park

The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is set over 60 acres and home to more than 100 species of animals and birds. Its a little tired and in need of work but popular with visitors as you can feed a range of animals as you wander through the park.

1 day Phillip Island Private Tour

Brampton Island

Brampton Island is one of the most southern islands in the Whitsundays Islands Queensland. Like many of these islands it has beautiful beaches and a range of water activities to enjoy.

We flew into the island from Mackay on a light plane, an experience that gave us a great view of the island as we came into land. We purchased the all inclusive meals package which ended up being a fantastic idea as the food was amazing with a different 3 course gourmet meal served everynight.

The island is a National Park so its not overdeveloped and there are  a range of walking tracks which allowed us to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. We saw some stunning sights whilst circumnavigating the island and a range of birds and butterflies.

The highest point of the island is Brampton Peak which is 214 metres above sea level. It was a bit of hike to the top but the views were worthwhile.

At low tide you can walk to nearby Carlisle Island and relax on the beach looking back at the resort. You can then walk or swim back to Brampton Island.

I loved snorkelling in the shallow waters between Brampton and Carlisle Islands or just relaxing on one of the many beaches.

A great way to end a day on Brampton Island is to have quiet drink and watch the sunset across the ocean.

The resort was sold by Voyages in 2010 to Brampton Enterprises and was closed in January 2011 for redevelopment.