4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
2 hours from Melbourne by car
When to go
Throughout the whole year, even if summer is ideal.
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Phillip Island (Australia)
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Abir Anwar
Practical information on Phillip Island
Reviews of Phillip Island
A small island just to the south of Melbourne bay, Phillip Island is particularly well known for its rich fauna.
My suggestion:
There is no best season strictly speaking: summer is pleasant for swimming, whereas winter can give a dramatic feel to the place.
My review
Only two hours away from Melbourne, I was impressed to find such different landscapes on Phillip Island that I was reminded of Scotland. Phillip Island is actually made up of magnificent green hills, impressive cliffs, and a violent sea surrounding it. I really got the impression that I had arrived in the UK, on the edge of a loch! There were only the pubs and whisky distilleries missing to make the impression perfect.
I also loved the biodiversity present on the island with an impressive number of animals to observe. First of all there are penguins which you can approach close up, as well as kangaroos which move freely on the island.
It's a trip that I would recommend to anyone who wishes to remain a long time in Victoria and who wants something slightly different, even if you can also find beautiful beaches and some excellent surfing spots there.
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Abir Anwar
Linked to the south of the continent by a large bridge, Phillip Island is world famous for its racing circuit and little fairy penguins.
My suggestion:
If you want to get away from all the tourists, I recommend the Rhyll Wetland Trail. It's a beautiful walk that winds through tropical woodland in which lots of birds nest.
My review
Having lived in Melbourne for two years, I had the chance to explore the surrounding region several times, often by heading out on the Phillip Island road. I was amazed every time - a complete change of scenery!
For me, the island is well worth a visit, particularly if you're an animal or nature lover. Firstly, there's the fairy penguin parade a highlight of a trip to Phillip island, if not any holiday in Australia.
What a memory...a parade of little, clumsy fairy penguins coming out of the water under a full moon and hesitantly walking up the beach. There was also a shy koala that jumped from tree to tree, waking up his comrades, before approaching the watching visitors. A close encounter that I'll never forget!
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flickr cc Nick Hewson
257 travelers' photos
