Playing host to many surf clinics and tournaments, Phillip Island in Australia is a surfer’s paradise during summer, boasting big waves and beautiful beaches. Yet, the island is not short of things to do and see, even in the cold autumn winds. HIZREEN KAMAL fell under the spell of the island.

A group of penguins coming out from the water.

PHILLIP Island in Victoria, Australia is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, beautiful sandy beaches, 100km of incredible rugged coastline, tranquil wetlands and unique wildlife reserves.

Being easily accessible (located only 140km south east of Melbourne), it attracts many visitors. The journey from the city centre takes under two hours. It’s no wonder that the island is the second most popular tourist attraction in Australia, after Uluru, in the Northern Territory.

The diversity of this small island is equally unexpected. Measuring only 26km by 9km, and with more than 1,800ha taken up by Nature Parks, this emerald isle on the southern tip of Australia is still waiting to be discovered.

A great place for a holiday, Phillip Island is also home to special wildlife. Therefore, visitors are reminded to drive carefully at all times especially at night so as not to endanger local wildlife.
Recently, together with TV3’s My Aussie Adventure production crew (the travelogue is currently airing every Sunday at 7.30pm), a representative from Tourism Australia and another fellow media member, I had the chance to experience some of the attractions Phillip Island has to offer.

The star pull on the island is the Penguin Parade, which has been drawing thousands of people from many parts of the world.

Phillip Island Nature Park (a semi-government body) manages the island, Koala Conservation Centre, Seal Rocks and Churchill Island. The area surrounding the Penguin Parade is a reserve, designed to protect and promote awareness of Little Penguins (previously called Fairy Penguins), a less evocative, but politically correct term.

As the name suggests, these penguins stand at only 33cm tall, and they are part of a colony of at least 60,000 on the island alone. Their largest Antarctic cousin, the Emperor penguin, stands at 70cm.

The Penguin Parade is open every day, but the best time to see the procession is at sunset as the birds return to their sand-dune burrows in clusters.

Grandstand viewing is one option but alternatives include an exclusive boardwalk at Penguins Plus or an elevated viewing tower at Penguin Skybox.

The ultimate has to be the Private Penguin Parade Experience, where an exclusive front row position on the beach ensures premium viewing, with a ranger providing commentary on headsets.

Sitting on Summerland beach watching the sunset was simply breathtaking. With strong autumn winds from the sea, the temperature soon took a dive, but since we came prepared for the weather, the experience was enjoyable.

Then we caught a glimpse of the world’s smallest penguins, with their tiny heads bopping in the waters.

Minutes later, they arrived in the hundreds, all frail looking, after braving the seas and strong currents.

Once they cross the sands, visitors can follow their trail from the environmentally-friendly observation boardwalks, placed strategically near their burrows.

As it was mating season then, the penguins were making a lot of noise as soon as they were united with their respective partners.

It was a magical sight witnessing this procession, but a word of caution though, no cameras or video cameras are allowed in the vicinity. This is because penguins’ eyes are specialised for seeing underwater and on land in low light, so they are highly sensitive to sudden bright lights such as camera flashes.

With a life span between six and 10 years, the penguins are adorable, but they certainly are not the island’s only wildlife.

Along the rugged southwest coast, up to 20,000 Australian fur seals frolic in a huge colony on Seal Rocks.

To get up close with the largest of eight species of fur seals in the southern hemisphere (weighing around 200 to 300kg), I headed for Cowes Jetty to board The Kasey Lee, a 19-metre luxury catamaran cruiser.

Cruising along the scenic north west coast of Phillip Island and out into Bass Strait, Seal Rocks was soon in sight an hour later. Drifting within metres of thousands of seals, we noticed their naturally playful and inquisitive nature.

This experience with the seals lasted for 30 minutes, after which we headed back, but not before going on a 20-minute thrill ride on a boat, an experience called Burn Water Run.

I boarded the boat from The Kasey Lee when it anchored in the middle of the straits.

Strapping on a life jacket, I sat on a cylinder-like seat, akin to a horse saddle. I was a bit nervous initially. But when the thrilling ride of speed had begun, I did not want it to stop.

The skipper did not hold back and we were cutting waves with a lot of twists and turns. I held on tight for dear life, for fear of falling into the sea.

It was exhilarating and just the right dose of adventure for that natural rush of adrenaline. If only the ride could be longer.

For some breathtaking scenery, Point Grant, at the western tip of Phillip Island, is the place to be. It is here where a group of rocks called the Nobbies are located.

The area has high conservation significance, offering spectacular coastal scenery, viewing of the offshore seal colony at Seal Rocks and the chance to walk among nesting seabird colonies.

Here, you can find the Little Penguins which nest around the boardwalk. One might even spot a whale on its migration in Bass Strait or see dolphins swimming in and out of the bay, which I was not lucky enough to witness.

San Remo pier was next on the itinerary. This is the place where pelicans gather for their daily food of fish at noon. Fluttering their baggy throat pouches, they amuse the old and young alike.

Since it was a short tour of Phillip Island, it was impossible to experience every attraction. However, among other attractions include A Maze’N Things, which will appeal to children and adults alike as it has a mini golf, water slides, and an array of fun activities; and a scenic Phillip Island Helicopter flight to enjoy a majestic view of the island.

The island’s Grand Prix Circuit, home to the International MotoGP Motorcycle Grand Prix, World Championship Superbikes and Australian Touring Car Championships and a host of other events, is also popular as visitors can try out go-karts on a miniature version of the track. Also worth visiting is the recently opened National Vietnam Veterans Museum.

There is also the chance to stand cheek to cheek with inquisitive koalas along the raised boardwalks at Koala Conservation Centre, while Churchill Island Heritage Farm, welcomes visitors with its restored homestead, lovely gardens and café with sweeping views.

Whether it is a romantic weekend for two, or a fun-filled family holiday, Phillip Island has all that and more. Definitely a world-class tourist destination.

* The writer’s trip is courtesy of Tourism Australia.