Chicory Dock     Bed & Breakfast

Another inhabitant of our Island albeit part time are those wonder-navigators, the SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER (commonly known as the Mutton Bird). From Japan and Alaska they come to the southern shores of Phillip Island to breed after a fantastic flight of some 9,000 km (5,400 miles) down the west coast of America and across the vast stretches of the Pacific. They arrive at Phillip Island on the evening of the 22nd September every year - a most remarkable thing! The males arrive first and set to work locating and cleaning up last year's nest located at the end of a burrow. The females arrive later and mating occurs during late October early November deep in the burrow at night. The birds collect out at sea just off the Island in huge rafts covering many square kilometers. At dusk they sweep in towards the land. Cape Woolamai is the main rookery, however large rookies are in the sand dunes on the beach tops at Ventnor. They all go to sea again for nearly three weeks at the beginning of November, the female to build up her strength to produce her egg and the males for the subsequent fasting period when they take it in turns to sit on the nest. Between the 21st and the 29th of November most of the eggs will be laid. The male sits on the egg first for two weeks, (only one egg is usually laid) then the female and so on until the 15th of January when the new generation of shearwaters hatch. By early April the parents will have left their chicks and started their migration back north once again. The young chicks leave their burrows from hunger and then have to learn to fly in order to feed from the sea. They then congregate in large rafts just beyond the first breakers preparatory to flying north. Many do not make it through this time and our roads and beaches are littered with dead young due to unsuccessful "take-offs".

The fascinating LITTLE PENGUIN, the Eudyptula minor, is one of the primitive forms of life surviving naturally in the world today. Like all birds it has evolved directly from reptiles and in many ways is still like them. At 33cm, it is the smallest of the 18 known species of penguin and is unique in that it waits until dusk before coming ashore. It seems in fact to be reluctant to return and at times spends many months at sea only coming back in spring for the breeding season. The penguins can be viewed at Summerland Beach at the Penguin Parade every evening of the year. There is also a very informative Visitor Centre.

Seal Rocks, just off the western tip of Phillip Island, are home to Australia's largest FUR SEAL colony. As many as 12,000 seals gather there every year in the breeding season and their presence attracts large predators. In the late 1880's, seals were slaughtered for their fur to such an extent that numbers were reduced to approximately 100 before they became a protected species. The huge bulls arrive each year in October to defend their territory, and are gone by mid January leaving the females and pups sleeping and playing on the rocks. The board walks take in the wonderful views over Bass Strait and the Phillip Island coast line. The seals may also be viewed by taking a Bay Connections cruise from the Cowes Jetty.

KOALA a common name for arboreal marsupial animal that in appearance somewhat resembles the toy teddy bear, and in habits, somewhat resembles a sloth. the koala reaches a length of 60 to 85 cm (24 to 33 in) and has a maximum life span of about 20 years. It has a large, round head with large, round, furry ears and a stout body covered with thick ashy-grey fur. The female bears one young at a time. The young koala is then kept in the marsupial pouch for about six months, after which time the female carries it upon her back until it is half grown. although they are appealing animals, koalas have powerful claws, so do not attempt to pat them. At the Koala Conservation Centre they can be viewed from a treetop viewing boardwalk. They can also be seen in the lovely natural bush land within the park grounds. Wild Life parks both on and off the island also feature Koalas, together with all of the other wonderful Australian wild life. Nature is wonderful and you can see it all at Phillip Island.

CHURCHILL ISLAND in Western Port Bay is worth visiting for its history, heritage gardens, homestead, cottages and lovely walks among the ancient Moonah trees framing views across the bay. The Island is a working farm with Highland cattle, sheep, ducks, chickens and Clydesdale horses. Ranger talks, machinery demonstrations and festivals are featured throughout the year.

You can purchase a Phillip Island Nature Pass which takes you into the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Centre. This is a substantial saving and can be purchased from any one of the Centres or the Phillip Island Information Centre.

Phillip Island's name is synonymous with MOTOR SPORT dating back to the first Australian Grand Prix in 1928. It was held on roads around the Island, now marked with signposts setting out the original course. The present circuit was planned and built in 1952 and subsequently rebuilt for the 1989 Australian Motor Cycle Grand Prix which is now recognised as one of the most successful on the world circuit. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre relives the history of Motor Sport on the Island with its Museum, has a wonderful Water Garden featuring a mixture of Australian native flora and fauna, with boardwalks taking you to a viewing area overlooking the Grand Prix Circuit and spectacular ocean views. You can wine and dine at the Champions Cafe and browse through the wide range of merchandise available.

There are many walks and walking tracks that will take you through bushland, wetlands and coastal areas. Even a spectacular 6 km walk to Kilcunda from San Remo through farm land, over styles following the cliff tops. Cruise to French Island situated in the middle of Western Port Bay, visit the historic Prison farm and take in the abundant wild life.

Visit The Big Flower Farm - Amaze'n Things with a maze, Maxi mini golf and illusions - Indoor Go-Karts - Cowes Golf Club - Phillip Island Vineyard & Winery for tasting and buying - try a glass or bottle of wine with a lovely food platter - surf at the great surf beaches - beachcomb along the lovely quiet beaches. Dine at one of the many great Restaurants available on the Island.