Welcome to Bass Coast and Phillip Island

BASS COAST

Bass Coast & Phillip Island

The Bass Coast and Phillip Island are rich in diversity and offer their own unique take on Australia’s coastal regions. The area boasts isolated beaches, lush farmlands, historical landmarks and much more.

Whether it’s a romantic weekend for two or a fun filled family holiday you’re after, Bass Coast and Phillip Island have it all! Showcasing a number of towns along this stunning coastline such as Cowes, San Remo, Newhaven and Inverloch, most are within an easy two hour drive south east of Melbourne.

Phillip Island offers a wide range of entertainment, shopping, restaurants, craft centres, and sporting facilities and events. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy surfing along the rugged southern coastline which faces Bass Strait or families looking for safe swimming areas can head for the protected northern beaches nestled into Western Port.

For those who would like to take in the scenery, there are 15 walking tracks on and around Phillip Island ranging in distance and difficulty. These tracks are well defined and will take you to many interesting places that are not accessible by car.

Just off Phillip Island lies Churchill Island. The island marks the first European settlement in Victoria and, today, remnants of its pioneering days can be seen in its restored cottages. The tiny island can be walked or cycled and every fourth

Saturday of the month visitors can peruse the farmers’ market between 8am and 1pm. Drop into the visitor centre for more information on this historic island.

Wildlife Coast Cruises offer a seal watching cruise to one of Australia’s most unique natural experiences. Be enthralled at the sight and sound of fur seals at Seal Rocks in Bass Strait. For a host of unique, interactive and stimulating activities that appeal to adults and children don’t miss the award winning theme park A Maze ’N Things. It is a bizarre world of illusions, puzzles, mazes and mini golf that provides fun and entertainment for everyone.

Tourism boomed in the late 1920s when an access track to the penguin colony was built. Every evening at dusk delighted visitors watch the world’s smallest penguins as they gather in small groups at the water’s edge and set off across the beach to their burrows in the dunes at the Penguin Parade.

Be sure to visit some of the quaint townships situated along the Bass Coast to explore all that this beautiful region has to offer.

Cowes Foreshore

A Guide to Phillip Island

TOURS AND SIGHTSEEING

Exceptional Phillip Island Area Tours can take you on sightseeing tours across the whole region, as far afield as Wilsons Promontory. If you want to get off the beaten track and enjoy hidden gems, meet artists and provedores, or simply learn more about the area, join a local Exceptional guide.

View an array of marine life and amazing coastal scenery with Wildlife Coast Cruises. Enjoy seal watching, lunch cruises, Twilight Bay, winter whales, and more.

Experience the stunning Phillip Island coastal scenery from the air with Phillip Island Helicopters. With a variety of scenic flight options take advantage of this amazing experience which showcases how beautiful Phillip Island truly is. There are 5 flight options, from 8 minutes to 25 minutes.

For thrill seekers take a fast-paced Ocean Adventures Thundercat Racing Boat or Drift Jetboat Tour.

The Koala Conservation Centre, located at 1810 Phillip Island Road, allows visitors to view koalas in their natural environment from treetop boardwalks that wind through eucalypt woodland.

At Maru Koala & Animal Park you can get up close and personal with the animals. Hand feed and pat the koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. For a keepsake of your trip have a professional photo taken with one of the koalas. Hourly koala tours.

PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUIN PARADE

Check out Phillip Island’s most popular tourist attraction, the penguin parade. Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Here you can watch the Little Penguins emerge from the water at dusk and dash home across the sand to their burrows at Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Penguin Parade. Get tickets at www.penguins.org.au

WALK AND CYCLE

With 100 kilometres of coastline and more than a quarter of the island conserved for the environment, Phillip Island’s walking and cycling tracks are a well-kept secret. Try these tracks:

Penguin Parade - A cycle or one-hour walk from the Penguin Parade to the carpark at The Nobbies Visitor Information Center. This walk takes you south west along a small unsealed road where spectacular coastal views can be observed.

Bush to Bay - This cycle/walk takes you from the Koala Conservation Centre to Rhyll. This track combines the Oswin Roberts Reserve tracks and the Conservation Hill and Rhyll Inlet tracks. The approximate length of this walk is seven kilometres one way.

Churchill Island - There is a five kilometre walking track around the island which will take around two hours. The North Point Loop, which is two kilometres, will take approximately one hour. Both tracks can be cycled.

Koala Conservation Centre, Credit: Phillip Island Nature Park

Phillip Island Nature Park, Credit: Phillip Island Nature Park

Phillip Island cycling

Churchill

Phillip Island is a picturesque getaway that boasts plenty to see and do.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Escape the daily grind and give your body time to revitalise on Phillip Island with a number of rejuvenation options. Phillip Island’s personal health service industry provides a wide range of services.

With a pristine natural environment to work-out in, Phillip Island also has day spa facilities and beauty services where one can escape to relax and recharge. The region’s slow pace and fresh sea air makes it a perfect getaway to focus on your wellbeing.

FOOD AND WINE

Scattered about the island are restaurants and cafés galore. They’re often in the most idyllic and unlikely spots: beside farmland with grazing Highland cattle, on balconies overlooking Western Port, amid the bustle of main streets and laid out along the foreshore of seaside villages.

The Island’s cool climate, rich volcanic soil and moderating influence of the sea coalesce into excellent wine producing country. The quality of wine is clear from the consistently good performances of the island’s wineries and, off the island, Southern Gippsland has developed a reputation for quality cool-climate wines.

Sweeten your visit to the region by calling into the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory - a treat for the whole family!

FISHING

For the rod and line fisherman, a pleasant day can be had tossing a line in from the jetties at Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll, San Remo and Corinella. Fishing in the bay is also a popular pastime, as is surf fishing.

Charter fishing expeditions depart from Rhyll and San Remo, and hire-boats are available from Rhyll, Cowes and Corinella. Boat ramps are located at Rhyll (all-tide ramp), Anderson Road in Cowes West (larger craft not at low tide), Newhaven and Corinella. Newhaven and Corinella also have slipways.

A licence is required for leisure fishing in Western Port and is available at fishing outlets or online along with regulations on maximum and minimum sizes of fish.

BEACHES & COASTLINES

From relaxing bay beaches to world-class surf beaches, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches and coastlines in San Remo and Phillip Island. For calmer swimming and family friendly beaches head to Cowes Main Beach, Red Rocks Beach, San Remo Back Beach, Ventnor Beach or Silverleaves beach. For surfers check out Smiths Beach or YCW beach for smaller waves, and Cape Woolamai and Surfies Point for more experienced surfers.

PHILLIP ISLAND CIRCUIT

The Phillip Island Circuit is home to premier motor racing events each year including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship and the Island Magic. The circuit is open year round with a range of fun activities that will drop your jaw and dazzle your eyes.

Let rip in a Go Kart on the 760 metre scale replica Grand Prix track. With individual lap time print-outs you can challenge yourself against the clock and, with tandem karts available, the whole family can enjoy the thrill.

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Fishing off San Remo Pier

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Cowes

Cowes is a bustling hub of cultural, artistic and recreational life.

Soak up the seaside holiday vibe in Cowes and spend a lazy day in seaside eateries, take a stroll and do a bit of shopping for giftware, fashion and artisan wares, take the time to unwind at one of the divine day spas, play a round of golf, or just cool off with a swim. The sheltered beach at Cowes is great for swimming or having a picnic on the foreshore.

To find out about early life on the island stop by the Phillip Island Historical Society Museum where you will find exhibitions on geology, maritime history, aboriginal culture and the life of the early settlers.

Mussel Rocks, Erehwon Point and Red Rocks offer scenic beachfront picnic spots and free electric barbecues. Take a charter boat out to Seal Rocks or the koalas on French Island. Allow extra time in Cowes to explore the many nearby attractions, including the iconic Penguin Parade and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre.

For more information on Cowes, drop into the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre, 895 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven.

Rhyll

The sheltered port of Rhyll is a lovely village a few minutes from Cowes.

Hire a boat and cast a fishing line into the bay or kayak or canoe around nearby Rhyll Inlet and Swan Bay.

Take in some of Phillip Island’s wildlife with a walk along the Rhyll Inlet, Conservation Hill and Oswin Roberts Reserve. Spot a koala from the elevated boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre.

Take the time to visit the OutbackChef Wild Food Farm in Rhyll. OutbackChef supplies an amazing range of native herbs, spices, fruits and berries, working directly with wildharvesters, Indigenous communities, farmers and growers in regional and remote areas. Grab a coffee and cake at the Wild Food Café while you are there.

Newhaven

A popular day trip from Melbourne, Newhaven offers numerous activities that include boating, bowls, fishing, sailing, scenic drives, swimming, tennis and water skiing. Other features include restaurants, cafes, specialty shops, a children’s playground, a marina, a boat ramp and a jetty.

CAPE

Woolamai

Explore the natural wonders of Cape Woolamai.

Cape Woolamai is Phillip Island’s highest elevation point and boasts ancient granite rock that provides stunning vistas from any vantage point. Visitors can explore the coastal scenery along any of the trails which include the Cape Woolamai Circuit, Pinnacles Walk, Old Granite Quarry Walk and Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk.

Cape Woolamai is also one of the most popular surfing destinations in Victoria and home to a colony of mutton birds (seasonal) that can be observed returning home on dusk after a day out on the ocean.

Rhyll Pier

Cape Woolamai

Newhaven

This small picturesque fishing village is close to the mainland, surf beaches and the historic Churchill Island.

San Remo

San Remo is the gateway to Phillip Island on the eastern entrance of Western Port.

Holidaymakers can enjoy ocean fishing and boat charters that leave from the jetty. Buy fresh seafood or fish and chips from the fishing co-op, watch the pelicans feeding on the San Remo foreshore near the jetty at 12 noon each day, or just enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along the George Bass Coastal Walk. For some refreshments including great coffee and fudge, drop into BEANd along Marine Parade.

Places to See

KILCUNDA

Kilcunda is located 117 kilometres south east of Melbourne. This charming town offers a range of activities and events for visitors to enjoy including fishing, surfing, swimming, tennis and walking.

One unique event is the Kilcunda Lobster Festival, which is held annually come rain, hail or shine. The festival begins at 9am on Sunday of the Australia Day long weekend in January.

The festival activities include live entertainment, food and market stalls, fun amusements and, of course, lobsters! Local lobsters can be purchased or you have a chance to win a lobster on the spinning wheel that operates all day. Free entry and lots of things to do for all the family!

LEONGATHA

Nestled at the foot of the Strzelecki Ranges, Leongatha is a rural township known for its dairy production.

Leongatha is the major shopping and service centre in Prom Country and hosts a broad range of services and facilities for visitors including shops, fast food outlets, cafes and a four cinema complex.

Justifiably proud of both its civic and private gardens, Leongatha hosts Daffodil, Camelia and Rose Shows annually.

The Great Southern Rail Trail, a 53 kilometre cycle trail, commences at Leongatha and sprawls south east towards Foster for those keen to explore the region on bikes.

If you enjoy golf, make sure you take in a round at the Leongatha Golf Club boasting a beautfiul 18 hole course which was designed by H. Vernon Morcom.

BASS

Bass, named after the explorer George Bass, was settled as far back as the 1860s.

The fertile environment of Bass offers the perfect conditions for dairy farming. And if you love cheese, then you’re in for a treat. Bassine Specialty Cheeses showcases artisan cheeses which are produced on the farm. A cafe is open for tastings and sales 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am to 6pm Friday to Sunday.

Inverloch

Located 140 kilometres south east of Melbourne, Inverloch has become one of Victoria’s premier holiday locations.

Despite an influx of seasonal visitors each year, Inverloch has retained the original, intimate feeling that has been attracting people to the town for the past 130 years.

Fortunately for visitors, the town’s beautiful beachfront is able to accommodate almost every form of water based activity, including kite surfing, kayaking, boating, sailing, water skiing, wind surfing and surfing.

For a fun day out for the family, make sure you check out Inverloch’s Dinosaur Dig Site. For more information and bookings, visit www.sgcs.org.au

For more information on the region, drop into the visitor information centre located at 16 A’Beckett Street.

To Cape Paterson

To Wonthaggi

To Korumburra

To Leongatha, Morwell To Venus Bay

Eagles Nest at Inverloch

Wonthaggi

Wonthaggi offers many recreational pursuits for visitors to the region including wind surfing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, rockpools, sailing and fishing.

ArtSpace Gallery Wonthaggi is a contemporary art space which offers changing exhibitions, artworks by regional artists and unique artisan gifts. Be inspired by the 2D and 3D contemporary and traditional art. For what’s on, visit www.artspacewonthaggi.com.au

Closed in 1968, the State Coal Mine has been re-opened to offer visitors underground tours among other interesting activities. Open daily 9.00am until 4.00pm, see website for underground tour times.

Hikers and walkers have at their disposal some of the most picturesque walks including the Bass Coast Rail Trail. Other walks include the Wonthaggi Wetlands and the Old Rescue Station.

The Bunurong Coastal Drive running from Anderson to Inverloch is one of the loveliest coastal drives in the country.

Situated approximately 133 kilometres from Melbourne, Wonthaggi is the retail and commercial hub of the region.

JANUARY

Kustom Nationals

Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show

Woolamai Picnic Racing

International Island Classic - Motorcycle

Cape Family Festival - Cape Paterson

Cape Aquathon - Cape Paterson

Wonthaggi Power Car Show & Shine

Kilcunda Lobster Festival

The Hills are Alive

Inverloch Classic Wooden Dinghy Regatta

Ocean Sounds Festival

FEBRUARY

San Remo Channel Challenge

Cowes Classic

Bass Coast Barracudas TriathlonCape Paterson and Inverloch

Woolamai Picnic Racing

Superbike World Championship

MARCH

Woolamai Picnic Racing

Human Powered Vehicle GP - Wonthaggi

Inverloch Jazz Festival

Phillip Island Classic Historic Car Racing

APRIL - OCTOBER

Easter Fun Festival - Churchill Island

Easter - Coronet Bay Easter Fair

Phillip Island Festival of Stories

San Remo Fishing Festival

Tour of Gippsland

Australian Superbikes Championship

Island Whale Festival

Blessing of the Bikes

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

NOVEMBER

Bass Coast Cycle Challenge

Phillip Island Jazz Festival - Cowes

Island Magic Car Racing

Woolamai Picnic Racing

Phillip Island Pro Surfing QS1000

DECEMBER

Sounds of Summer - Inverloch

Christmas and New Year’s Eve Eventsheld across Phillip Island and Bass Coast

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.visitbasscoast.com or www.visitphillipisland.com

Underground Viewing at the Penguin Parade, Credit: Phillip Island Nature Parks/Visit Victoria

Services

Markets

Churchill Island Farmers’ Market

1st Saturday of the month 8am to 1pm

Coal Creek Farmers’ Market Fresh Produce

2nd Saturday of the month 8am to 12.30pm

Cowes Night Market Treasures, Craft & Fresh Produce

January, February, March & April 5pm to 9pm

Cowes Island Foreshore Markets

December to June – Saturdays from 3pm to 9pm

Cowes Market on Chapel

4th Saturday of the month 9am to 2pm

Grantville Market Treasures, Craft, Fresh Produce

4th Sunday of each month 8am to 2pm

(Except December when market falls on 3rd Sunday)

Inverloch Community Farmers’ Market

Last Sunday of each month 9am to 1pm Inverloch Farmers’ Market

of each month 8am to 1pm

TROPICANA MOTOR