Phillip Island, a small slice of paradise around two hours’ drive from Melbourne, lies just of f Australia’s southern coast. Most famous for the Penguin Parade, this island gathers visitors from far and wide to converge at sunset by the shore.
Visitors converge on Phillip Island to watch groups of penguins come ashore in their natural habitat. After a big day of fishing in the ocean, the tiny penguins waddle their way to the safety of their nests up in the dunes—and watching them go is an experience you’re not likely to forget.
On the island, the great southern ocean—reaching all the way to the choppy horizon—will remind you of your tiny self. Feel the spray of salt water as you watch seals wrestling at Seal Rocks, be revived by the chill of the ocean during a surf along the rugged coastline, or hear the roar of engines at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
And while you’re there, be sure to visit the bakers, patissiers and chocolatiers lucky enough to live the island dream all year round.
1. CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKETS
Churchill Island is a small island your eally must visit on the way into—or out of—Phillip Island. Easily access iblevia a bridge, the island is known for its heritage farm, the aptly named Observation Point (from where you can view Phillip Island) and its bust lingfarmers markets.
Churchill Island Farmers’ Markets areknown as the markets with a view. Overlooking Westernport Bay and the mainland in the distance, the air around these markets is as fresh as the produceon offer. Every month, 40+ stalls converge here to offer the fresh estproduce from the island as well as thenear by Gippsland region.
The range varies from month to month but expect to find fruit, veggies, freshly baked sourdough, eggs, honey and small goods.
Churchill Island Farmers’ Markets run on the fourth Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm.
2.PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Just one kilometre past the bridge into Phillip Island (just past the information centre) is a chocolate factory you really must visit. First, you receive a complimentary choccie on entry (reason enough for a stop, we think). Then, you can watch chocolatiers working away, read fascinating facts, drool over the real-life chocolate waterfall and even create your own chocolate bar with Panny’s Amazing Chocolate Machine. You can also cram your chocolate creation full of your choice of filling.
The factory’s hands-on focus will entertain kids and adults, who can take a rest afterwards at the café and restaurant to refuel with a fondue or perhaps something savoury, such as a wrap or even a curry.
3. GOOD OL’ FASHIONED BAKING
If you’re after a pie, sausage roll or vanilla slice, you’ve a choice of three bakeries on the enclave: Kim’s Bakehouse, Phillip Island Bakery, and Bakers Delight.
As well as stocking bakery favourites, Kim’s Bakehouse also makes a selection of Vietnamese food such as fried rice, lemon grass chicken rolls, and dumplings. Phillip Island Bakery serves up pies, sandwiches, and pastry favourites (try their apple turnover). And Bakers Delight offers their range of freshly baked loaves and buns.
Both Kim’s Bakehouse and Phillip Island Bakery serve coffee and are popular stop-offs on the way to visit the island’s koalas. Kim’s Bakehouse and Phillip Island Bakery are one minute’s walk from each other, and only a short walk to The Esplanade and Cowes Pier to the north. And Bakers Delight is just a short walk south from Phillip Island Bakery.
On your way out of the mainland, just before you drive onto the bridge to Phillip Island, take a left onto Marine Parade. It’s here that San Remo Bakehouse keeps watch of Sam Remo Bridge, and many a weary traveller stops for a bite to eat.
The bakehouse is family friendly—babycinos are free—and there’s a little space where the kids can play; that is, if you can resist taking your bounty away and enjoying it from the park across the road.
San Remo Bakehouse has a large range of sourdough including the unique Banana and Cacao as well as all the sourdough classics. The Bakehouse’s doughnuts and award-winning pies draw visitors on their way into or out of the enclave but if you can’t get to the bakehouse, don’t fear; San Remo Bakehouse supplies many cafes in the region and regularly pops up in farmers markets such as Warragul, Kongwak and Churchill Island.
COMMENTS