Phillip Island Overview
Phillip Island is one of the best places in Australia to view the small 'Fairy' Penguins which come inland every evening to rest in their sand burrows.
The penguin parade as it is known can be viewed from the visitors centre which provides ample viewing opportunity from observation boardwalks and viewing stands, allowing the birds to be viewed in their natural habitat.
Around Sunset is the best time to see the "penguin parade".
This is when the penguins cross Summerland Beach and return to their burrows in the sand-dunes after a day spent fishing for food in the waters around Phillip Island.
Koalas are also present on the island .
Phillip Island also has famous motor racing circuit which hosts several world class events each year.
Motorsport Mecca
Phillip Island is also famous for being home to The Australian Motor Bike Grand Prix and several other motor sport events including:
The Australian Super Bike Championships, V8 Supercars rounds, Konika V8 Supercars, The Phillip Island 1000. There is a small selection of accommodation and hotels on Philip Island.
Philip Island Circuit
Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit is also a tourist attraction in its own right, even when there is not a motor sport event being staged.
The lap record is held by Valentino Rossi who set a time of 1:32.233 on his 500 cc Honda in 2002.
Although his lap record will not be in danger, you can also ride round the circuit on a pushbike tour if you visit the Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre.
There is also a motor sport museum, a cafe and daily walking tours of the circuit.
phillip island accommodation
Phllip Island has a small selection of accommodation.
Alos see our general Melbourne accommodation for hotels and resorts and our Backpacker accommodation for hostels.
Location
Phillip island is located in the mid south of Victoria, to the south of Melbourne, and has a Latitude of 38.4°S and a Longitude of 145.2° E.
Driving To Phillip Island
Some approximate driving times to Phillip Island:
11Hrs From Sydney (1000Km)
2Hrs From Melbourne (135Km) )
20Hrs From Brisbane (1900Km) )
10Hrs From Adelaide(860Km)
See Route and Distance Calculator for more accurate driving times and routes from additional locations.
Flying To Melbourne:
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), has both international and domestic terminals, is around 25km (10 miles) north west of the city. There is a good selection of accommodation at Melbourne Airport
The journey should take approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxis, hire cars and airport shuttle buses are available.
As a guide, the approximate flying time from Melbourne to Perth is 4 hours, to Sydney 1.5 hours, to Brisbane 3.5 hours and Cairns 3.5 hours. Times do not include travel time to and from airports and adequate time prior to check in etc.
Victoria School & Public Holidays
New Years Day Tue 1st Jan.
Australia Day Mon 28th Jan.
Labour Day Mon 10th March
Good Friday 21st March.
Easter Monday 24th March.
Anzac Day Fri 25th April.
Queens Birthday Holiday Mon 9th June.
Melbourne Cup (Melbourne Metro only) Tue 4th November.
Christmas Day Thu 25th Dec.
Boxing Day Holiday Fri 26th Dec.
(End and start school on preceding and next week day (Mon - Fri) respectively)
School Starts Tue 29th January
Easter Holiday 21st March To4th April.
Winter Holiday 30th June To 11th July.
Spring Holiday 22nd Sept To 3rd Oct.
Summer Holiday 22nd Dec To Jan 27th
Starts Sunday 5th October
Ends 5th April 2009
Note: Dates for guidance only. Always check with your individual School as variations may occur for individual education authorities or establishments and dates may be subject to change. Always check with relevant State or Territory education department to confirm holiday periods at the commencement of each school year. Not all Public Holidays for individual regions within each state and territory are shown and public holidays falling on weekends are not listed. Not all Public Holidays may be applicable to all employers, organisations etc so always check with your employer, education authority etc which public holidays are applicable.
Melbourne Climate
These figures are for guidance only:
Approximate Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):13 / 56
Spring(Sep-Nov):19/ 66
Summer(Dec-Feb):26 / 78
Autumn(Mar-May):20 / 68
Approximate Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 49
Spring(Sep-Nov): 62
Summer(Dec-Feb): 51
Autumn(Mar-May): 56
