Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise

VBooking - Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise

Philip Island features smooth, pristine beaches with stunning white sand, numerous recreational fishing spots, and a coastline with ideal conditions for surfing enthusiasts. Located about 140 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, the island is named after Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales. Covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometers (26 km in length and 9 km in width), Philip Island acts as a large breakwater for the shallow waters of Western Port. The island's climate is always mild and pleasant. A highly unusual event in its "weather history" was snowfall on August 10, 2005.

Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise

Throughout the journey, one sees vast fields with herds of cattle and sheep leisurely grazing. Here and there, hay is cut and machine-rolled into large cylindrical bales, neatly lined up in the fields. My guide explained that these are reserves of fodder for livestock, especially during winter. Each large hay bale provides enough food for 100 cows a day. Agricultural land accounts for 60% of the island and is primarily pasture, which explains why livestock farming is the main agricultural economic activity here. The distinct salty sea air signals the ocean's proximity. My guide pointed out a large bridge ahead: "That’s the bridge to Philip Island!" He mentioned that this was the first bridge to the island, built in 1938 at a cost of £50,000 and completed in October 1940.

Crossing the bridge, the road into Philip Island splits into two main routes, resembling the two veins of a leaf, running along both sides of the island. One route is lush with greenery, interspersed with charming, quiet houses. The other is the bustling main beachside street, lined with shops and hotels. Eager not to miss the island's full panorama, we decided to enter via one route and exit via the other. My guide kept us engaged with interesting stories, enhancing our understanding of Philip Island.

The island's allure lies in its unique coastal beauty and strengths. Philip Island boasts smooth, pristine beaches with stunning white sand, numerous recreational fishing spots, and a coastline with ideal conditions for surfing. Many sporting events, major surfing competitions, and even the Women's Surf Festival have taken place here.

As we rounded a bend, my guide pointed out a large racetrack and mentioned the island's significant role in Australia's motorsport history. The Australian Grand Prix started here in 1928, and until 1940, races were held on public roads. In 1952, construction began on the professional Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which opened in 1956. Over the years, the track has experienced several closures for repairs, the most recent being in 1978. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1988, and the following year hosted the first international motorcycle race, the Australian Grand Prix. Since then, it has been the venue for many of Australia’s major car and motorcycle races.

Touring the coastal areas of Philip Island, we saw that the southern and western parts of the island are home to many bird species. BirdLife International has recognized the importance of this area in supporting birdlife, especially penguins, short-tailed shearwaters, and Pacific gulls. The westernmost part of the island is Seal Rocks, the largest seal colony in Australia, with up to 16,000 seals during peak times. For about 100 AUD, you can take a boat trip to the large offshore rocks to view the seals. Indifferent to human presence, they move freely among the herd, providing an intriguing and natural spectacle.

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Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise

A large glass-walled building, resembling a ship, stands by the roadside with ample parking. Here, visitors can dine, shop, rest, and enjoy the sea view from above. Binoculars are also available to help tourists enjoy distant views.

 

 
Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise
 
Following the wooden walkway down and winding along the coast, Philip Island's beauty unfolds from various angles. One side features large rocks standing out against the vast blue sea and sky, home to birds, especially seagulls. They freely forage, fly, play, and create a cacophony of chirping sounds that seem endless. On the other side, gently sloping hills stretch out, covered with grass, flowers, and small shrubs. On the hillsides, I noticed many rectangular wooden or metal "boxes" and realized they were "houses" for the birds.
 
Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise
 
My guide cheerfully added, "Philip Island's waters are also home to many large fish species. Although the endemic Burrunan dolphin is currently threatened, other species like orcas, southern right whales, and humpback whales are recovering."
 
Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise
 
We continued to a place my guide insisted we must not miss: Phillip Island Nature Park, home to the delightful little Parade Penguins. Visiting the Wildlife Park, we enjoyed seeing numerous animals, including large flocks of birds, seagulls, wild ducks, pheasants, swans, and ostriches. Large, shaggy brown-yellow cows with small, long, curved horns grazed alongside tame kangaroos peeking out from the tall grass, their short forearms folded in front of their chests as they curiously observed us.
 
 
 
Philip Island: A Coastal Paradise
 

The adorable, round Koalas, sitting on branches and munching on eucalyptus leaves or contentedly sleeping, were a delight to watch. Visitors can also interact with friendly, approachable kangaroos and deer, who eagerly eat from your hand or nuzzle into your lap.

This beautiful island left a lasting impression on me. It's no wonder that Philip Island is often mentioned when talking about Australian tourism.

Author: Vu Thanh

 

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