5 things to do on Phillip Island

March 13, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Phillip Island is increasingly a popular tourist destination in Victoria. It is located 140 kilometers south-southeast of Melbourne and has a coastline of about 60 miles.

The island’s fame is largely credited to the Penguin Parade on Summerland Beach, the native wildlife, the Australian fur seals on Seal Rocks, the surf beaches in the south and swim beaches in the north, and the Grand Prix Circuit.

Here are the 5 things you can do on Phillip Island

1. Visit the Grand Prix Circuit

The Grand Prix Circuit is where Australian motor racing action happens. You can have a short tour around the area. It has been the home of the Australian Grand Prix and other major motor races. Its racecourse has around 6 miles of length per lap. You can catch a racing event.

2. See the island’s wildlife

You can get up close and personal with the koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre. On a boardwalk, you can view these fluffy creatures and can even take some photos with them. At a wildlife park, you can also see the kangaroos and other Australian wild animals.

3. Picnic by the beach or hit the surf

Head north of the island for a seaside picnic and a swim. The beaches on this part are ideal for swimming. The current is mild and the waves smaller. The north side of the island is an ideal place for relaxation and beach time.

On the south, however, the surfs are rough and the currents are stronger. The waves are consistent. If you’re into surfing, then Woolamai Beach would be great for you. Phillip Island has been declared a National Surfing Reserve of Victoria.

4. View the fur seals on Seal Rocks

Seal Rocks is situated 2kms off the rugged south-west coast of Phillip Island. Very near the Nobbies, you’ll see boats drifting within meters of the seals, enabling you to witness the playful Australian fur seals playing with each other in their natural environment first hand. It is impossible not to be captivated by these naturally playful and inquisitive animals, as they regularly approach the boat for a closer look at you!

Seal Rocks is a colony of 30,000 fur seals, one of the largest seal colonies in Australia. The best months to see the fur seals would be between October and December. It’s the breeding season. You can see them feeding their young, bathing in the sun, playfully wrestling with each other, and cooling themselves off in the water.

5. Witness the Penguin Parade

At the end of the day, the Little Penguins always steal the show. They’re the stars of the early night as they waddle off the beach at dusk toward their nests in the dunes. Witness Phillip Island’s sunset spectacle, the magical Penguin Parade.

Well, if you travel with Eco Platypus Tours, you can experience much of Phillip Island. Our 1 Day Phillip Island Tour with Koalas package lets you explore the natural beauty of the island. You will have the chance to get a closer look at the native Australian wildlife, stop by the Grand Prix Circuit, feel the sand under your feet and the ocean breeze touching your skin at Woolamai surf beach, view the fur seals at the Nobbies, and watch the spectacular penguin parade at Summerland Beach.

Take the chance to snap some photos of the island’s scenic attractions and be prepared for some sweet twists and turns to the tour.

The Wines of Yarra Valley

March 4, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Yarra Valley | Eco Platypus Tours

Take an hour of scenic drive northeast of Melbourne to the wine region of Yarra Valley that has been producing one of the world’s best wines for over 170 years. The region’s cool and temperate climate combined with rich soil composition made Yarra Valley an ideal place to grow many different varieties of grape vines.

Production of classic wine varieties had been the focus of the region.

A complex blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon ranges from medium-bodied to full-bodied wine. It has a silky tannin with a fruity and peppery flavour and a distinct floral aroma. Yarra Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its noticeably balanced tannin, fruitiness, and acidity.

A Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits pronounced fruity flavour of black cherries and plum, and vegetal flavour of spicy bell pepper and black pepper. Depending on the age, you may notice the development of mint, eucalyptus, cedar, and tobacco.

With its cool climate, Yarra Valley grows Chardonnay, a green-skinned grape variety used to produce white wine and the main ingredient for sparkling wines.

The light to medium-bodied white wine displays a wide range of fruity flavour from melon and white peach to fig and passionfruit, from lemon and apple to pear and pineapple. Chardonnay also expresses oak flavour and herbal and floral fragrance such as apple blossom, lemon zest, celery leaf, beeswax, almond, jasmine, and vanilla bean.

Originated in France’s Burgundy region, Pinot Noir sticks as Yarra Valley’s premier wine variety. This red wine variety has medium-low tannin with medium-high acidity and can be aged from two to eighteen years.

Pinot Noir exhibits a blend of fruit vegetal flavours such as plum, strawberry, black cherry, red berry, raspberry, liquorice, clove, vanilla, cola, tobacco, and mushroom. It also expresses strong floral, wet leaves aroma and herb fragrant. And of course, that woody aroma of oak from oak barrels.

On the rise in the region, Yarra Valley’s Shiraz or Syrah is mixed with Viognier resulting in a unique blend, aroma, and texture of a full-bodied red wine with a large amount of tannin.

From a dark-skinned grape variety, Shiraz typically expresses strong and intense fruit and vegetal flavours such as plum, blackberry, pepper, liquorice, mocha, bitter chocolate, truffle, and mocha. A leathery flavour also emerges after ageing.

Yarra Valley also produces other non-classic wine varieties such as Gamay, Nebbiolo, Arneis, and Grüner Veltliner.

Gamay has close similarities with Pinot Noir. It is a light-bodied red wine expressing fruity flavours of raspberry and strawberry. It also reveals the floral fragrance of lilac and violets.

Nebbiolo is a light-coloured red wine variety with high tannins and the scents of tar and rose. It also expresses the flavours and aromas of cherry, raspberry, prunes, wild herbs, violets, truffles, tobacco, and tar.

Expressing a crisp and floral scent, Arneis is a full-bodied white wine that is on the rise in Yarra Valley. It displays a fruity flavour of pear and apricot. Another wine variety is GrünerVeltliner. A food-friendly wine, Grüner Veltliner is a dry white wine exhibiting the flavours of citrus, peach, lime, spicy green pepper, and tobacco.

There are more wine varieties being developed and produced in the region. A full day of wine tour might not be enough to try all the wines of Yarra Valley.

The Native Wildlife of the Grampians

March 2, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Grampians | Autopia Tours

Rugged mountain ranges, forested hills, and waterways teeming with life characterise the Grampians. It is abundant in biodiversity and its wildlife unique. Hundreds of varieties of species of its flora and fauna are endemic to the region.

Set on a journey into the Grampians and see Australia’s native wildlife in their natural habitat. You can find several hundreds of different varieties of bird species and wild animals. Endemic to the region are the following species: 36 mammals, 35 reptiles, 6 fish, and 13 crustaceans.

Common to the Grampians are Australia’s popular native animals that have become national icons. They are the kangaroos, koalas, and emus that roam free in the wilds. You can see them in the grasslands and woodlands.

The marsupials are almost everywhere in Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians. There are over 140 species of marsupial or pouched animal roaming in the wilds of Australia. And they vary in size and weight. Kangaroos are bigger than wallabies, koalas, and wombats.

At Halls Gap, you can spot eastern grey and western grey kangaroos roaming freely and grazing. You can also see red-necked, black, and brush-tailed rock wallabies. They are pretty much common in the area.

Most marsupials are herbivorous, they are natural grazers. But some of them are carnivorous like the antechinus and dunnarts. The agile, dusky, and yellow-footed antechinus are often confused with rats. But they are pouched animals. Dunnarts are elusive and hard to find.

Also found in the Grampians are long-nosed potoroos and southern brown bandicoots. But they are an easy prey to foxes and feral cats.

Koalas are everywhere in Halls Gap for as long as you can see eucalyptus trees standing. You can see them on the branches and forks of the trees either sleeping or eating.

Gliders and nocturnal possums are also in the Grampians. Their populations are increasingly growing. Brushtail, ringtail, and eastern pygmy possums roam in the wild at night as well as feathertail and squirrel gliders.

Monotremes can only be found in Australian wilds. They are egg-laying mammals. The platypus is the most elusive of the monotremes. Sporting a waterproof fur, webbed feet, and a bill like a duck’s, the platypus lives near waterways. They dig burrows in the banks.

Another monotreme is the echidna, an anteater with spines and a coat of a porcupine. You can see them roam in the wild of the Grampians during warmer months.

The Grampians also hosts 11 species of native bats. They are the eastern false pipistrelle, white-striped freetail, chocolate wattled bats.

Dingoes, dogs, red foxes, and feral cats are some of the carnivorous mammals found in the Grampians. There are also herbivores such as European rabbits, brown hares, red and fallow deer, and goats. You can also spot some rodent species like the water rat, swamp rat, smoky mouse, and heath mouse.

There are 350 bird species can be found in the region. Emus and cassowaries are common in the Grampians. The lower and upper woodlands are home to different species of birds. From colourful endemic parrots to the laughing kookaburras. Ducks and swans populate the swamps.

The Grampians also hosts reptiles, and most of them are endemic to the region. They are turtles, lizards, geckos, monitors, skinks, dragons, and snakes. Most of the snakes are venomous and deadly.

Twelve species of frogs and toads are found in the Grampians such as the pobblebonks and brown-tree frogs. You can see them near waterways.

The waterfall pools, rivers, and lakes of the Grampians are home to native fish species too. There is some mountain as well as eastern little galaxias. You can also find some Yarra pygmies and southern pygmy perches. Flathead gudgeon and freshwater river blackfish are also common.

The Grampians also hosts 13 native crayfish species. These crustaceans cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The Must-Sees of Mornington Peninsula

February 28, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Mornington Peninsula | Eco Platypus Tours

From Melbourne, take a scenic drive southeast. You will reach one of Victoria’s popular tourist destinations, the Mornington Peninsula.

Mornington Peninsula is home to several vineyards and wineries. It is Victoria’s top wine-producing region next only to Yarra Valley. Its cellar doors are open to tourists. You can enjoy the picturesque views of the shorelines, gardens and mazes. You can also experience Main Street Mornington as well as the soothing hot springs.

Here are the top places to visit in Mornington Peninsula:

Mornington’s Top wineries
Mornington Peninsula is well-known for pioneering the production of Pino Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio in Australia. Missing the wineries would make your visit to the region incomplete.

Visit the cellar door of T’Gallant on Mornington-Flinders Road in Main Ridge. You can swirl a glass or two of their best wines paired with Roman-style pizza. There are several cellar doors you can visit for samples of their wines — Red Hill Estate, Peninsula Galleries, Polperro Winery, Mont Rouge Estate, Montalto, and Main Ridge Estate.

Arthur’s Seat and Oliver’s Hill Lookout
Mornington Peninsula is a quaint region with amazing views. Arthur’s Seat is the best place to see the spectacular views of the region; it is the peninsula’s highest viewing point. You can see from on top ocean vistas, gardens and mazes, Bellarine Peninsula, and the glass towers of Melbourne.

Another viewing point on the peninsula is Oliver’s Hill Lookout. It is the best viewing platform to see the city of Frankston and the bay. Also, you can walk or run around the area with a calming, quaint, and relaxing natural scenery in the backdrop.

Gardens and mazes
Mornington Peninsula is home to gardens, mazes, and theme parks and galleries. Visit McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery, a 16-hectare estate of landscaped gardens and a gallery showcasing artworks by Australian artists.

You could also enjoy the fun at Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens, Australia’s oldest hedge maze in Australiaand the most popular too. Try getting lost in the Lavender Labyrinth, a hedge maze planted to lavenders. Enjoy the delightful scent of lavender as you find your way out of the labyrinth.

Seaside bathing boxes
Stroll down the beaches of Mornington Peninsula, colourful bathing boxes adorn the shores. These picturesque boxes have become popular tourist attractions and they can be traced back to the Victorian morality of the past. The boxes have also become iconic, symbolizing Mornington Peninsula’s summertime by the beach.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Fort Nepean
You can also check out the lighthouse at Cape Schanck that was built in 1859. Standing 21 meters tall, Cape Schanck Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of the peninsula. You can have a guided tour of the lighthouse built from limestone and enjoy the views of the coastlines and the Bass Strait.

Fort Nepean was built in 1882 and it served as a defence facility until the end of World War II. It used to protect the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay preventing the enemy ships from coming to Melbourne. You can explore the facility, its tunnels and the historic cemetery.

Main Street Mornington
If you want a unique shopping or bar hopping experience, then Main Street Mornington lets you peek at what life is like in the peninsula. You can visit the shops and boutiques or try out the great food and drinks at cafes and restaurants, there are plenty of them. At night you can hop from one bar to the next and enjoy the best brew and the best wines.

Peninsula Hotsprings
For a calming atmosphere, then check out Peninsula Hot Springs and have yourself a traditional massage or have a dip in the hot flowing mineral water. The hot pools and baths can calm your senses and help normalize the blood flow in your veins. Relax your body and mind and get rejuvenated.

The Must-Sees of Lorne

February 26, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Lorne | Eco Platypus Tours

Travel to Lorne via the Great Ocean Road. This beautiful seaside town sits by the Erskine River on Louttit Bay in Victoria.

With a population of a little over a thousand, Lorne is a popular holiday destination. Visitors from all over the world come to the town for its many scenic attractions.

Lorne’s white beaches and pristine waters welcome families for regular beach activities. The consistent waves in its surfs are friends to surfers from the beginner to advanced levels. Then there’s the town’s lively arts scene which brings you closer to nature. The natural scenery of the Otways provides a unique natural feel to the town.

Here’s the list of the must-sees when you are in the poetic and quaint town of Lorne:

Lorne’s surf beaches
Stroll down the white beaches of Lorne for your regular swims and beachside picnics. Or you may also explore the rock pools on Shelly Beach. Take a surfing lesson or if you’re an advanced surfer brave the waves of the rough surf. You may also take the Surf Coast Walk until you reach Bells Beach with towering cliffs at the backdrop.

The town’s bustling arts scenes
The town hosts the Lorne Festival of the Performing Arts and Falls Music and Arts Festival. These events define Lorne’s lively arts community.

Qdos Arts
Check out the exhibits at Qdos Arts and hang around the outdoor sculpture park. In March, catch the Lorne Sculpture Biennale. The event showcased sculptures by local artists displayed outdoors on the foreshore.

Qdos Arts pioneers and leads the town’s arts scene. It has a gallery exhibiting some fine works of visual arts. There’s a cafe where you can sit and relax while having a cup of espresso. And a sculpture park lets you reflect on deeper themes of life and nature through visual arts.

Will Dielenberg Galleries
The Australian photographer Will Dielenberg established Will Dielenberg Galleries where he displayed his Fine Art Landscape Photography. Dielenberg is an award-winning Australian photographer. He’s a recipient of many international and Australian awards and recognition for his works. A winner of the 2015 AIPP Victorian Landscape Photographer of the year, he’s also a finalist for the Hasselblad Masters 2018.

Learn about the southern coasts of Victoria through Dielenberg’s lenses.

Phantom Falls
Visit the scenic 15-metre high Phantom Falls on the Lorne part of the Otways. Enjoy the misty surroundings of the waterfalls created by the cascades as the waters plunge into the bottom pool.

Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls
Picnic by the Lower Kalimna Falls while watching the water plunge into a tranquil pool over a rock ledge. Beside the pool are lush ferns and giant trees towering around. From Lower Kalimna, climb up through a trail to the 15-meter high Upper Kalimna Falls. Feel a refreshing natural scenery.

Won Wondah Falls and Henderson Falls
Trek a trail to Won Wondah Falls from Sheoak picnic area. Or you may choose to walk a little further to reach the base of the 10-meter high Henderson Falls. The waterfalls draw you closer to mother nature’s loving embrace — refreshing and rejuvenating.

Erskine Falls
The 30-meter high Erskine Falls is the most popular waterfalls of Lorne. It is located 9 kilometres from the town. Relax and be refreshed as you spend some time watching the waters drop into the Erskine River. The mists from the cascades enliven the verdant tree-ferns and mosses of the gully. Appreciate the beauty of nature at Erskine Falls with its spectacular views.

Cumberland Falls
Follow a trail by the Cumberland River to reach the Cumberland Falls. The views of the river valley, the cliffs, and the tranquil pools are simply amazing. Then the reward as you reach the destination is the beautiful Cumberland Falls.

Teddy’s Lookout
Drive to Teddy’s Lookout on the top end of George Street. Hangout by the viewing platform to see the scenic Great Ocean Road. Follow the view of the coastlines to the mouth of Saint George River.

Let’s go!

The Fur Seals of Phillip Island

February 24, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Phillip Island | Eco Platypus Tours

When you’re in Melbourne, take 140-kilometer drive toward the southeast to reach Phillip Island, one of Victoria’s most famous islands.

With the little penguins usually the highlight of the island’s tourism, equally important and spectacular are the fur seals on Seal Rocks a few kilometres from the Nobbies.

Phillip Island is Victoria’s largest colony of Australian fur seals.

The fur seal’s broad head, pointy snout, two large eyes, two external ears, and a furry face with whiskers differentiate it from other seal species or from real seals. Two layers of brown fur covered the fur seal’s body. Its sharp set of teeth helps in catching their prey.

With its set of flippers, a fur seal can move on four limbs — it can raise its body and move on land. They can roll and wrestle. Fur seals are agile swimmers and skilful fishers with octopus, squid, and fish as their catch. They can dive deep into the ocean up to 200 meters in depth.

A male fur seal measures around 135 to 227 centimetres long and can weigh from 218 to 360 kilograms. The female fur seal can weigh around 41 to 113 kilograms, which is smaller than the male. When the male seal matures it sports a dark mane of coarse fur. A fur seal can live up to 20 years.

Of Australia’s around 13 seal colonies most of them are located on the rocky islands and shores around the Bass Strait. Australian fur seals have made Seal Rocks of Phillip Island a colony of which their population is 30,000 and still growing. The island is one of the largest Australian fur seal colony.

In the 19th century, fur seals were overly harvested. They’re almost extinct that it took a long time for its population to recover. Australia passed a law that protected the fur seals from seal hunters.

Between October and December is the fur seals’ breeding season. This is the best time of year to see them on the rocks with the young playfully wrestling each other, the mothers nurse their young, and some of them relaxing and bathing under the sun.

Phillip Island’s fur seals have increasingly become a favourite tourist attraction next to the Little Penguins. They can entertain tourists too with their playfulness.

Travel with Eco Platypus to have a unique and memorable Phillip Island tour experience. Book our One-Day Phillip Island Tour which highlights a visit to a wildlife park to get up close with some of Australia’s native wildlife, learning more about the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic at the Nobbies Centre, viewing the Australian fur seals playfully tanning on the rocks of Seal Rocks, and watching the famous penguin parade at the Summerland beach.

The tour is guaranteed to be one of its kind and full of fun. There’s also a twist of sweetness in this tour because we visit a chocolate factory and try some samples. Of course, the main highlights must be the fur seals and the little penguins.

Surf Beaches on the Great Ocean Road

February 22, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Great Ocean Road | Eco Platypus Tours

The Great Ocean Road is home to many of Victoria’s surf destinations. In fact, Torquay is Australia’s iconic surfing town. It is renowned for Rip Curl Pro, an annual surfing event that attracts surfers from the world over.

Surfing sites dot the shores from Torquay in the east stretching to Warrnambool in the west. From end to end there’s Bells Beach in Torquay, Point Richie in Warrnambool, and the Black Nose Point in Portland.

The popular surfing beaches along this coastal stretch are Bells Beach, Fairhaven Beach, and Johanna Beach. Other well-known beaches are Wye River, Jac Juc, Point Addis, Castle Cove, Discovery Bay, Lorne, and Portsea.

Torquay’s Bells beach stands out as the best and the most popular surfing spot. It is a cultural icon that symbolises Australia as the world’s surfing centre. The yearly Rip Curl Pro event is a testament to that — inviting the big names in the surfing world.

Rip Curl Pro is Australia oldest professional surfing competition. Both Aussie and international pro surfers join the competition every Easter. Bells Beach’s point breaks are consistent especially during autumn (and winter). The swelling of the Southern Ocean creates powerful waves over 5 metres high.

Johanna Beach near Cape Otway was the site for the 1970 World Surfing Championship. Surfers around the world gathered here to brave the beach’s fast and powerful waves. Johanna Beach is known for the balanced left and right breaks with consistent waves of over 1.5 metres high.

Fairhaven Beach’s rugged surf and rough waves have made it a heaven for pro surfers. Plus, with the Otways serving as a backdrop to this 6 km long strip of surf beach.

Another surfing spot with a picturesque backdrop is the rough surf of Gibson Steps. The 300-metre long and 2.5-metre high waves will test your mettle in the surf. And of course, with the iconic 12 Apostles at the backdrop, it is the most beautiful surfing spot in the world.

For beginner and less experienced surfers, better stay safe in the milder surfs of Lorne or Anglesea. You may also like to visit the Warrnambool Surf Club and try some tricks on the surf.

Surfing sure is a big thing on the Great Ocean Road. Should you wish to travel to this Australian surfing capital booking a tour with us could be a good start.

Check out our Great Ocean Road Tour which brings you to the scenic spots along the route. One of the stops is the 12 Apostles where you can experience the raw beauty of southern Australia. You also get to visit some rugged surf beaches.

Our Reverse Great Ocean Road Day Tour begins the journey with our first stop at Colac, and it ends at Torquay. This tour lets you explore the Otways and the limestone coasts of Port Campbell. You get to have the chance to visit the surfs of Apollo Bay, Anglesea, and Lorne.

Experience the changing colours of a southern Australian sunset with our Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour. The tour brings you to the surfing towns of the Great Ocean Road with a final stop at the 12 Apostles on Port Campbell at dusk.

Sunset at the 12 Apostles

February 20, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 1 Comment

12 Apostles | Eco Platypus Tours

Behold the sun, sky, clouds, sea, and land.

Behind a collection of limestone stacks called the 12 Apostles, the sun conceals itself as it sinks into the seemingly calm seas of the Southern Ocean. The picture is that of a union of heaven and earth. On the horizon, the sea meets the sky, and on the land, I stand to watch the phenomenon from not so far a distance.

There is peace at the surface creating a serene atmosphere, drowning out the chaos of the rough surfs of Port Campbell.

The changing colours of orangey light, pinkish clouds, on a golden horizon overwhelm the sky that’s blue and the turquoise ocean hue. Off the shores are the 12 Apostles standing firm, they are the towering pillars, cliffs, and gorges made of limestone carved throughout time by the bashing of the ocean and the wind. Below lies the rugged bubbly surf rolling onto sandy beaches.

Three, four, five pillars of stone glitter golden as the rays of the sun crash on the surface, reflecting back the light with enchanting colours.

Sun and sea, they are one like an eye divine flecked with gold.

A few moments later dark shapes are formed outlining the towering pillars. The silhouettes of the apostles appear like some dark spots in a colourful painting of which the canvass is nature.

The image is enchanting and the experience magical. Impressive, glorious, picturesque, no adjective can describe and exhaust the depth of nature’s work of art.

Sunset at the 12 Apostles is a spectacular conclusion to a day tour of the Great Ocean Road tourist route.

After exploring the ancient rainforest of the Otways, getting up close to Australia’s native animals and the lovely birds of Kennett River and Lorne, learning the tragic story of Loch Ard Gorge and dipping in its pristine shallows, or marvelling at the naturally formed towers of the fallen London Bridge, sunset remains to be the perfect time to reflect about life’s deeper meaning.

As the salty ocean breeze caresses my skin, I bask in the dying sun and breathe in the minty and invigorating air that gives life to a weary soul. When the spirit is tired no more, such experience cannot be captured by the camera. It can only be stored in memory, adding to the wealth of one’s experience.

Soaking in the magic and the spectacle, getting lost in the work of art that only gods can paint with materials heavenly — such is the sunset at the 12 Apostles.

Getting to Port Campbell is easy through the help of Eco Platypus. Such well-organized trip ensures a time well-spent. More time to yourself and more time for reflection.

Check out our Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour which highlights the big-ticket scenic attractions on the Great Ocean Road. The tour concludes with the spectacular sunset at the 12 Apostles. Included in this tour are a visit to a chocolate factory, viewing the breathtaking coastal lookouts, listening to tales about Loch Ard Gorge, and much more.

Picnic by the beach on Phillip Island

February 18, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Phillip Island | Eco Platypus Tours

Phillip Island remains one of Victoria’s top tourist hotspots and it only takes a good 140-kilometre drive from Melbourne CBD. The island showcases its natural scenic spots with impressive views and native wildlife. It also has many cultural attractions. And the best thing is you can have a picnic on its beaches.

The island’s beaches are among the best in the world. Up north, the pristine and calm waters are ideal for kids and for “the not strong swimmers.” Down south, the surf beaches have strong rip and current with large consistent waves. They belong to strong swimmers and hardcore surfers.

There are many things you can do on the beaches of Phillip Island which has a 90-mile coastline. You can stroll down the sandy beaches and the rocky shores or bathe and bask in the sun. You can swim in the shallows or surf on the waves. Or you can simply have a beachside picnic with family and friends.

If you’re not into surfing, then let’s go north. The beaches here offer a relaxing and calm environment. Ventnor Beach is a paradise having a picturesque scenery of white sand, turquoise waters, and impressive ocean views.

Cowes Beach offers a family-friendly feel. The current is gentle and the waves small. The sea is safe for children and for the not strong swimmers. Along the shorelines, facilities and amenities for public use are available.

Red Rocks boasts of its spectacular sights. The red rocks at the backdrop make it a must visit. It is also a great place to relax and to cool off in the shallows. There are picnic tables and toilets the public can use.

Down south, Woolamai Beach is great for those who want to try their mettle on the waves. Strong rips and current with large consistent waves will have your hands full. It is where the island’s surfing action happens. Surf Beach is for pros and hardcore surfers.

For beginner surfers, the calm and gentle waves of Smiths Beach would be a good place to start. The beachside is peaceful and relaxing. You can have a picnic here or sunbathe with a good book in hand. Like Woolamai, Smiths Beach is well-patrolled.

Summerland Beach is where the most spectacular phenomenon of the island happens — the penguin parade, a must-see on Phillip Island. Access to the white beach is only until dusk because, at sunset, they are coming. The penguins.

Like Smiths, Shelly Beach gives you a relaxing atmosphere. Its smaller and gentle waves are friendly to beginner surfers. The place offers a quiet environment for sunbathing and relaxation with impressive views.

Tag your family and friends along, let’s hit the road to Phillip Island’s beaches. Travel with Eco Platypus to have a unique tour experience to one of Victoria’s big-ticket tourist destinations.

Check out our one-day Phillip Island Tour that highlights a short excursion to the surf beach of Woolamai and to the Summerland Beach for the penguin parade. Also included in this tour is a visit to the Nobbies to see the Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks.

The Little Penguins of Phillip Island

February 16, 2018 ecoplatypus_17 Comment

Philip Island | Eco Platypus Tours

You can see them waddle the white sands of Summerland Beach every day at dawn and at dusk. In the morning, they wobble to the ocean to fish. As the sun sets they parade back to their nests in the dunes.

The smallest in the penguin world, the little penguins measure only about 43 centimetres tall and weigh just around 1 kilogram. Sporting a blue plumage on the upper part and white underneath, male penguins are normally larger than the females. With an average lifespan of 6.5 years, the little penguins are known to be monogamous showing fidelity to their mating partners. They start to breed at the age of three or four.

Little Penguins are flightless, and they are no flight risk. But they are skilful fishers and excellent swimmers, too. They can dive into the ocean up to 2 metres deep. Feeding on fish and squid, they work hard the whole day fishing in the waters of Phillip Island.

Little Penguins can be found along the shorelines of southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. In Victoria, Phillip Island is one of the largest little penguin colonies in the region.

It is on Phillip Island where the famous “penguin parade” is happening all year round every single day despite the season. They parade in the morning; they parade in the afternoon. But the best time to watch the parade is at sundown. Witness the spectacular show as over 30,000 pairs of penguins crowd the sands of Summer Beach, swaying their way toward their burrows in the sand dunes.

The little penguins have a vital role in the economy of Phillip Island. In 2016, Phillip Island Nature Parks that manages the tourism activities for the penguin parade reported a $498 million contribution to Victoria’s economy. The influx of tourists created more than 2,000 jobs in the same year.

Since the little penguins are a major economic driver in the island, the government has allocated an annual budget for the protection and conservation of the seabirds. The Visitor Information Centre was built to provide information about the little penguins and to promote responsible eco-tourism.

If you happened to be in Melbourne or in any part of Victoria, bring your family and friends along to Phillip Island for the spectacular experience of the penguin parade. It is going to be fun and full of excitement. The experience with nature and the natural feel of the environment would be memorable.

Eco Platypus facilitates travels to Phillip Island and elsewhere in Victoria. Please check out our Phillip Island Tour with Koalas package. Highlights of the tour include a visit to a wildlife park to get a closer look at the koalas, exploring the pristine beaches and rugged surfs of the island, visiting the Nobbies Centre and the Seal Rocks to see the fur seals, and watching the main stars of the day – the little penguins.

Experience the spectacular penguin paradewhere the lovely sea birds waddle their way back to their nests at dusk.

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