Phillip Island and surrounds Local Knowledge
- Activities (1)
- Must do/see (11)
- Entertainment (2)
- What to do (10)
- What to see (2)
- Children's activities (3)
Activities
Feel the river closer than ever before, as you experience this challenging white water rafting adventure. The two man sports raft will demand all your concentration while you navigate downstream through the rapids and currents. Tackle the river together or you might find yourself getting very wet!
Must do/see
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Churchill IslandA tiny enigmatic island sits in Western Port Bay directly in front of Island Bay (hence the name Island Bay). This 57 hectare island has been continuously farmed since 1801 and has several attractions including a historic homestead, heritage gardens, tea rooms, art gallery, and Moonah trees which may be more than 500 years old. Churchill Island has a 5km circuit track that offers magnificent views of Western Port Bay through to French Island. A range of sea birds, including cormorants, Royal Spoonbills, Pied Oyster Catchers and herons can be observed in the environment around Churchill Island. Churchill Island can be accessed by a short drive, around 10 minutes, or by bicycle or on foot from Island Bay via walking tracks through the property which lead to the bridge connecting Churchill Island to Phillip Island. |
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Churchill Island Farmers MarketTHE BEST IN REGIONAL FRESH FOOD ON THE 4TH SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH 8AM - 12.30PM Whatever the weather we will be there Over 30 stalls all selling fresh and local produce. Free admission to the market Enquiries Victorian Farmers Market Ph. 5664 0096 |
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Grand Prix Racing TrackThe Phillip Island Race Track invites visitors to World Famous Grand Prix Track and either take the seat in a car in the HSV Hot laps, take a guided tour of the circuit, or visit the Motor Racing Historic Display- or all three! |
03 5952 9400 |
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Kilcunda Lobster FestivalOn Australia Day weekend... try and win a lobster on the spinning wheel! |
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Koala ReserveThe Koala reserve is located on the main Phillip Island Tourist Road. Well worth a visit if you must see a Koala. These facinating animals can be seen right up close from the viewing platform that has been built for this purpose. If you purchase a three parks pass from the Phillip Island Information Centre you can also gain access to Churchill Island and to the Penguins at a discounted rate. |
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Koala ReserveThe Koala reserve is located on the main Phillip Island Tourist Road. Well worth a visit if you must see a Koala. These facinating animals can be seen right up close from the viewing platform that has been built for this purpose. If you purchase a three parks pass from the Phillip Island Information Centre you can also gain access to Churchill Island and to the Penguins at a discounted rate. |
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Notice Board InformationThere are many brochures, buisiness cards, etc on things to do on the notice board inside the house. However if you are looking for something specific please send me an email via the Stayz web site. |
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Oswin Roberts ReserveSituated near the Koala Sanctuary, Oswin Roberts Reserve is a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride. Choose between three circuits and either walk or ride a bike. For the more enthusiastic you can continue your walk or ride all the way to Rhyll. By crossing over the main Cowes to Rhyll road you enter the Coronation Hill reserve. There is a board walk out to the mangroves and this continues to a walking track that goes all the way to Rhyll. Well worth exploring. |
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Penguin ParadeWorld Famous Fairy Penguins are only ten minutes away! Every night a dusk these magic little Fairy Penguins come out of the surf return to their nests- get the best seat in the house and get close and personal with these little Penguins |
03 5951 2800 |
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San Remo Coastal WalksFantastic views of the area from Phillip Island to Cape Paterson. Start the walk from San Remo, Back Beach Road, through the Lions Park to the George Bass Memorial Plaque located on the cliff top. Walk down the cliff face steps and after about half an hour you will pass some burnt shells in the sand bank. This is an aboriginal cooking site (middens). Climb up onto the rock plateau and see the stunning sculptured sandstone cliff face. Climb down to the cliff face to Shelley Beach. This beach is a sheer delight. Enjoy the many shells and watch the very strong waves crashing onto the rocks. There are very strong currents here and very dangerous and not for swimming. Climb up the hill, resting on the native thyme covered hill top. A great spot for a picinic as you take in the sweet smelling thyme and the panorama from Phillip Island to Cape Paterson. Continue your walk along the cliff top watching out for flora and fauna along the way to Boar Beach. |
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SunriseGet up early and catch the sunrise, it's free! |
Entertainment
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Isle of Wight PubOn the Esplanade , the Isle of Wight pub offer dining, entertainment in the bar, nightclub, TAB and fantastic views! 2 mins by car from "The Charm" Phillip Island taxis more than happy to take you home! |
5952 2059 |
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RSL CowesOnly 2 mins by car or ten mins walk from the Charm- the local RSL club offers excellent dining 7 days a week, with beer garden, entertainment lounge,and Tatts and Pokies there is something for all! RSL bus service also with Gold Coin donation to save you the walk home! |
03 5952 1004 |
What to do
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Accessible Smiths BeachSmiths Beach is accessible to everyone via a ramp from the car park to the sand. If you, a family member or friend has a temporary or permanent disability this is the beach for you. A beach ' Wheelchair' is available for hire from Bass Coast Council Tel:5671 2211. Toilets are also 100% accessible at Smiths Beach |
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Churchill IslandA tiny enigmatic island sits in Western Port Bay directly in front of Island Bay (hence the name Island Bay). This is historic Churchill Island, the site for the first European agricultural pursuits in Victoria and once owned by the Mayor of Melbourne. This 57 hectare island has been continuously farmed since 1801 and has several attractions including a historic homestead, heritage gardens, tea rooms, art gallery, and Moonah trees which may be more than 500 years old. Churchill Island has a 5km circuit track that offers magnificent views of Western Port Bay through to French Island. A range of sea birds, including cormorants, Royal Spoonbills, Pied Oyster Catchers and herons can be observed in the environment around Churchill Island. The waters and mudflats surrounding Churchill Island are listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Churchill Island is also the location for several Festivals and the Farmers Market. Festivals include the Churchill Island Bush Dance (January), Jazz and Blues Happening (February) and the Working Horse and Pioneer Festival (March). The Farmers Market, showcasing fresh local produce, is held every last Saturday of the month. Produce for sale includes organic chicken and beef, fresh vegetables and fruit, organic juices and breads, biscuits and cakes. Churchill Island can be accessed by a short drive, around 10 minutes, or by bicycle or on foot from Island Bay via walking tracks through the property which lead to the bridge connecting Churchill Island to Phillip Island. |
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Cowes Golf ClubPictureesque 18 hole golf course, Par 72. 5 minutes from "The Charm" Green Fee Players and Social Groups most welcome. Clubhouse opens 10am. Restuarant open Mon, Thurs, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm. |
03 5952 1121 |
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Fishing ChartersGood Local Knowledge |
03 5956 8850 |
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Fishing for all!You cannot beat the excitement of fishing off the Pier in Cowes- only 2mins in the car from "The Charm"- excitement for all ages! Plenty of tips available and probably Cowes most sociable spot. |
0438 008846 |
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GolfGreat Course - 18 Holes available reasonably priced |
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Grand Prix Racing TrackThe Phillip Island Race Track invites visitors to the cafe and information centre at this world renowned track which overlooks Bass Strait. It is well worth a visit. |
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Griffiths Point Bay Beach San RemoThis is a wonderful beach for families to swim and play. It has a gradual ocean floor and gentle waves. A safe fishing location from the various rock outcrops. Not needing to fish or swim then a lovely stroll from here to Shelley Beach |
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i Tourist InformationThe i Tourist Information Centre at Newhaven (about 1km accross the bridge) is well worth a visit. They provide a wealth of information to make your stay more enjoyable. Tel: 1300 399 522 Fax: 5956 7095 Email: piinfo@waterfront.net.au 895 Phillip Island Tourist Road NEWHAVEN VIC 3925 |
1300 399 522 |
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Smiths BeachSmiths Beach on the ocean side of the island is well known for its high quality surf due to the even sand bottom. Surf coaching & hire of equipment can be arranged from the Smiths Beach surf shop. During the summer months the beach is patrolled by life guards at peak times. Surf Shop 03 5952-3443 |
What to see
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Shearwater birdsThe Short tail shearwater locally known as the mutton bird are an amazing bird to watch after every sunset when they come in the thousands to their nests amongst the sand dunes. They arrive on Phillip Island in the third week of September every year, just after the spring equinox. They return to the same burrow to raise a single chick, some birds are known to have lived for 50years. They arrive from waters near Alaska which is a 16,000 kms round trip. Upon arrival they go about the business of renovating their burrow and reaquainting themselves with their mate. In the first weeks of November they go on their honeymoon with their mate to the Sub-Antartic returning to Phillip Island on the mutton bird winds some two weeks later. From this time on there is spectacular viewing on the south and west coasts of Phillip Island. With over 1.5 million shearwaters on the Island. Some of the better sites to view this are Crazybirds Cape Woolami, Smiths Beach and Swan Lake. |
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The ColannadesThe Colonnades At the northern end of Woolamai Rd there is a turnoff which heads south-west to The Colonnades - an unusual rock formation resembling organ pipes on the cliff face. It is best seen at low tide. You can also take a walk to the site by heading north from the Woolamai Surf Beach carpark along the western edge of the peninsula. |
Children's activities
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Amazing ThingsWhat a great day when its raining! Fantastic mind boggling entertainment for the children! You will be tested on all types of puzzles,watch out for the maze and the islands best Crazy golf. Indoor entertainment for all! |
03 5952 2283 |
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arty farty clay studioA perfect place to learn how to make cool stuff in clay and mixed media. Draw, paint and sculpt your way through your next holidays or weekend |
59566377 |
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Banfields CinemaSee the latest films at Phillip Island only Cinema. 200 seats, restaurant right next door, enjoy dinner with the adults whilst the children watch their favourite movie!! 2 mins from "The Charm" |
03 5952 2486 |