To me, there is no better way to spend a sunny afternoon in South Australia than venturing to admire the beautifully picturesque natural treasures it has to offer, and Phillip Island is no exception. The drive itself from Melbourne CBD to the final location took a few hours, but the scenery along the way made it well worthwhile, and the coach driver’s enthusiasm ensured we were entertained whilst gaining a very knowledgeable yet witty insight into Phillip Island’s rich history.
As we drove onto the island, the beautiful greenery struck me. We witnessed much wildlife within the trees and foliage on the side of the road, and it was easy to see why such life thrives in the natural beauty. Our first stop was Churchill Island, where we visited the Heritage Farm and enjoyed a relaxing walk in the sunshine before watching sheep shearing. It was also great to stop in the café and refresh with an ice cream! Other farm animals included wallabies and horses. It was brilliant to see the animals and the way the farmers go about their everyday lives.
The island has a long history in Australian motor racing, and many racing fans flock to the island for big events. It was impressive to see the Phillip Island Circuit as we drove through the green landscape.
We then stopped at the Koala Conservation Centre and got up close to the cute and cuddly creatures who all seemed to be enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the pleasant sunshine. They were just as adorable as I imagined (this was the first time I had seen a koala first hand), and it is obvious why Australia is proud to show off these native animals as their own.
Our next stop was Seal Rocks which boats incredible views of the Nobbies. Being December, the views in the evening sunshine were quite spectacular. We were able to venture down close to the waterfront and admire the crisp blue sea glistening in the sun. The waves crashing against the shore added to the atmosphere, alongside the unmistakable call of the many seagulls that live there.
We arrived at the Penguin Parade with much anticipation and excitement as we waited to witness an incredible natural event. After seeing so much amazing wildlife throughout the day, it was special to see the penguins as dusk set over Phillip Island. The Nature Park had a busy and lively atmosphere as visitors eagerly waited for the penguins to emerge from the sea and make their journey across the beach to their homes in the hillside. Due to the fear of potential predators, the penguins wait until it is dark to make this journey. It was an amazing sight to see such little penguins waddle reluctantly to their final location. We also got a closer look as we made our way back to the main building. Just like the koalas, these animals are very cute; the gift shop was full of cuddly penguin toys which I'm sure many people purchase as a souvenir.
Overall, seeing the picturesque natural landscape of Phillip Island and its many inhabitants was an experience I will never forget. It was fantastic to get up close to the koalas, penguins and other wildlife and witness them in their natural habitats. The world has many impressive natural treats and Phillip Island is certainly one of them.
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