Phillip Island

Phillip Island sits off the coast of Victoria, about 140km southeast of Melbourne. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Cowes, a small town with a main street of shops, cafés, and a sandy beach. The island is known primarily for its wildlife, particularly the penguin colony on the south coast. The Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach happens every evening at sunset, when little penguins come ashore after a day of fishing. The Nobbies boardwalk on the western tip gives views of Seal Rocks, home to a large colony of Australian fur seals. The Koala Conservation Centre has elevated boardwalks for close encounters. Churchill Island Heritage Farm, connected by a short bridge, has a working farm with demonstrations. Cape Woolamai has surf beaches and a clifftop walking trail. For food, the island has fish and chips shops and a few decent restaurants in Cowes. Australian dollars are the currency.