The Blow Hole Phillip Island

There is something kind of cool about moving away from your home town, living thousands of kilometers away for 10 years, moving back to your home town, and then discovering awesomeness nearby.  The awesomeness I recently discovered for the first time was Phillip Island.  Situated in Western Port Bay and a favorite holiday destination for Victorian families I had somehow missed it until now.  We spent Easter on Phillip Island, and have been back again since.  Just so you don’t make the same mistake I did and give Phillip Island a miss for far too long I thought I better share the highlights of our recent trip with ya’ll.

Phillip Island Nature Parks

These ecotourism experts offer family experiences across four nature parks.  Visitors to the Island have the option of purchasing an inclusive pass to all the attractions, or individual attraction tickets.  Phillip Islands Penguin Parade is the most famous tourist drawcard to the island.   At sunset a gorgeous sandy surf beach is visited by the cutest little toddling birds nature created.  A surprisingly engaging experience for every member of our family.  If you’d like to hear more about our viewing of the Phillip Island Penguin parade have a read here.

Photo Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks also operate the Nobbies Centre.  The Nobbies was actually my favourite part of our visit to Phillip Island.  Rugged up, and walking along the spectacular ocean boardwalk on a wild and woolly day, keeping my baby close and cosy is a memory that will last.  Inside the Nobbies Centre is an educational display focusing on the seals that can be viewed frolicking in Bass Strait on Seal Rock from the centre via binoculars.  There is also an indoor playground and family restaurant selling fish and chips.

The Nobbies Phillip Island

Phillip Island Nature Parks also operates the Koala Conservation Centre. This isn’t a zoo, or a wildlife park.  Conservation is the name of the game so don’t expect koala cuddling.  Two easy to walk tree-top boardwalks facilitate viewing of the koalas.   Inside the centre is an interactive educational display.  Our perambulations at the Koala Conservation Centre were relaxing – with kids on koala spotting duty.

Koala spotting. Koala Conservation Centre

Churchill Island Heritage Farm the final attraction operated by Phillip Island Nature Parks is a historical site located adjacent to internationally recognised wetlands.  In the afternoon they showcase farming activities such as cow milking, whip cracking and sheep shearing.  It was the historical aspects of the farm, and the gorgeous walks on site that appealed to me most though.  Taking a peak inside early settler buildings, including children’s rooms with old fashioned toys clothes and furniture was a treat.

Churchill Heritage Farm

Pelican View

I love pelicans.  They are comical in their stature and practical with their beak fish-storage systems.  At the gateway to Phillip Island Pelican View, the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Operative sits overlooking the San Remo Channel and Bridge.  They feed the pelicans daily at noon.  Wandering around the fishing and cray vessels at the pier in San Remo is a quaint way to pass a few moments and the fish and chips at Pelican View is first rate.

Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm

One of our visits to Phillip Island coincided with some pretty dreadful weather.  With limited wet weather options (the free Nobbies Centre above with their indoor playground is the standout wet weather winner) we chose to take the kids to Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker farm.  Some aspects of the trout farm are gold – namely they have an indoor pond for fishing in, with a small playground adjacent.  It was great to take the kids here in the aweful weather however there is a downside and that is the price.  Fishing here (there is no catch and release) is expensive so make sure you take into account all the charges prior to taking the kids there.

Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm undercover trout pond

Stay

We have stayed at both the Silverwater Resort in San Remo and the Ramada Phillip Island.  Both offer families spacious apartment accommodation and various facilities for families including indoor pools.  I can recommend either.

So – will we be back to Phillip Island?  Definitely.  I am looking forward to exploring the island’s famous beaches, and enjoying a wildlife cruise in warmer months.

Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. You can join us on Facebook or Twitter to receive updates to your news feed.

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