By Sarah Kempson
Although just under two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island could be another country altogether. There is no McDonalds, KFC or Hungry Jacks. You won’t find the hustle and bustle of office workers Monday to Friday. When you order your lunch at one of the many cafés, you will sit for hours and not even realise the time that has passed. This idyllic holiday spot is just 130kms from Melbourne, easy to get to for a night or weekend away, or even an extended stay. There is no limit to the accommodation opportunities that are on offer, nor the number of ways to spend your days. It may be helpfully to consider a guided tour with Oz Backcountry if planning and preparation is challenging.
I have been visiting Phillip Island my whole life. As a child, we would spend hours at the beach building sandcastles and splashing in the water, while as an adult I am more likely to be found lying on a towel in the sand with a good book and my iPod – but what I love is that the locals stay the same, there is still a traditional milk bar by the water and you are guaranteed a good time; rain, hail or shine.
As you may well be aware, Phillip Island is most famous for being home to the Australian MotoGP and the world-renowned penguin parade, but you will also find the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island heritage farm and the Nobbies. In addition, there are many safe beaches catering to kids and surfers alike, tourist shopping precincts and a Chocolate Museum – all the makings of a great family getaway. Phillip Island offers discount tickets to all its attractions when purchasing a Three Park Pass, and there are also many free things to see and do on the Island. Alternatively, pack a picnic basket, your hat, sunscreen and a towel and spend your entire getaway at the beach, weather permitting.
As much a fan of the sun as I am the sombre overcast days, there is nothing quite like curling up in front of an open fire with the smell of the ocean and rain outside, enjoying a glass of red and the company of good friends. Long walks on the beach are very popular here, and in off peak periods you might find yourself alone on a long stretch of sand, staring out to the horizon and imagining how different your life might be with a sea change involving Phillip Island.
From B&Bs, motels, caravan parks, private homes for rent and more upmarket sleeping quarters, the price range of accommodation provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy this space. Stay anywhere from the town centre Cowes or as far back to San Remo, located just before the bridge – only a five minute drive to a beach. There are numerous corner stores for the essential supplies and several supermarket chains dotted about the Island for those staying a bit longer. There are cafés perfect for breakfasts, too many fish and chips shops to count for lunch, and traditional pubs aplenty for your evening meal.
On my most recent visit, I enjoyed the ‘breakfast to die for’ ($14.50) at Gullivers, located on the corner of Phillip Island Road and Chapel Street, Cowes. The meal won’t kill you, but it will render you helpless for a good few hours while you feel the need to either sleep or walk off the meal. Eggs cooked to your liking, bacon, tomato, spinach and mushrooms served on toast is a great start to your day, or a fitting end to the night before. Best enjoyed in the sun at any time of day, the coffee at Gullivers is just as good as the food and the staff incredibly friendly and helpful. Take a wander off Cowes Main Street after your meal and perhaps book a ferry trip out to French Island or Seal Rocks. Sit on the pier and watch the fishermen or if you feel ready to eat again, take your fish and chips to the sand and enjoy while fending off seagulls. Annoying? Perhaps. But truly a rite of passage for any tourist and a perfect Kodak moment watching your kids chase the birds away only to see the puzzled expression on their faces as they creep back again.
To search and book accommodation, research tourist attractions and events, and any other information about Bass Coast holiday spots, visit phillipisland.net.au.
