| Phillip Island is a place of natural beauty, sandy beaches, tranquil wetlands and unique wildlife experiences. Don't miss the nightly parade of hundreds of little penguins at Phillip Island Nature Park. Wander the wetland boardwalks at Rhyll Inlet where you'll find many species of migratory birds and stand eye to sleepy-eye with koalas on an elevated boardwalk at the Koala Conservation Centre. Get up close to Australian fur seals via state of the art video technology at the Nobbies Centre or see them for real on a cruise out to Seal Rocks.
Combine history with some action and head to the Vietnam Veterans Museum and the Grand Prix Circuit. Experience the fascinating history of Australia's longest war with a vast array of artefacts, information and images at the Museum. Then it's on to war of a different kind. Motorsport began on Phillip Island in 1928 with Australia's first ever Grand Prix. You can relive this rich history in the Grand Prix Circuit's History of Motorsport Display, or test out the 760mt Grand Prix replica Go Kart track, get a behind the scenes Guided Circuit Tour, or a heart pumping Hot Lap of the real Circuit.
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Phillip Island is surrounded by some of the best surf and swimming beaches in Victoria with everything from tranquil sandy stretches along Western Port to rugged surf-churning back beaches on the ocean side. A close second on the 'local favourites' list is fishing, and casting a line almost anywhere around the island can yield rewarding results. Charter fishing expeditions depart from Newhaven and San Remo, and hire boats are available from Rhyll and Cowes.
If you prefer to take in the sights on foot there is a diverse range of established walks around the island including Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies along the rugged south coast, Conservation Hill and Rhyll Mangrove Boardwalk overlooking Rhyll Wetlands and Swan Lake Nature Trail leading to the only permanent freshwater lake on the island. Explore the seaside villages as you enjoy the cosy cafes and up-market restaurants and explore the many quaint retail outlets and galleries
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Churchill Island, accessed by bridge from Phillip Island, is steeped in history. It's just as beautiful as the cape but in a thoroughly tranquil way, with lush lawns and lavender rows sloping away from the historical homestead towards the glassy waters of Western Port. The island is a working farm with Highland cattle, sheep, ducks, chickens and Clydesdale horses. Enjoy a meal in the licensed cafe with spectacular bay views and take home goodies from the Farm Shop or the monthly Farmers' Market. Ranger talks, machinery demonstrations and festivals bring the island to life throughout the year.
French Island National Park is something of a secret paradise. Accessible only by a 30 minute passenger ferry from Cowes or barge from Corinella, the island has about 70 permanent residents, many of them descendants of the first settlers. A haven of peace and serenity, French Island hosts a National Park which covers about two-thirds of the island. The park contains environments ranging from mangrove salt marsh to open woodlands, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Explore the park by bus, bike or on foot. See chicory kilns, spot some of the large population of koalas or long-nosed potoroos or simply enjoy the serenity.
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