Why You Should Visit Phillip Island, Australia

Imagine that little corner of the world where penguins magically come up on the beach one night, divine, rustic aromas fill your nostrils and your dinner table and quaint, sleepy towns dot the landscape. There's just that on Phillip Island, a short 2-hour ride from bustling Melbourne, Australia. But if you're looking for less sophisticated fate and the bang of your surf against the turf, this little island has got a pleasure corner for you, too.

A visit to Phillip Island easily translates to a night on Summerland Beach for the world-famous Penguin Parade. It's an almost surreal, magical experience as you sit there by the sand, watching the beautiful Australian dusk and listening to the gentle waves when little by little, the silhouette of the rolling turf metamorphoses into a playful eddy of tiny heads bobbing out of the water, moving along the ebb and flow of the tide. Right before your eyes, hundreds, if not thousands of tiny blue fairy penguins emerge from the open ocean and onto beach, just as they have for hundreds of years, as if oblivious to the bands of humans crowding the grandstands and cooing in amazement from the distance. It's a truly beguiling sight, and one you wouldn't want to miss out on. Depending on the season, the number of penguins that come ashore may vary, which is why the peak seasons of mid-spring to summertime pack the largest crowds and an advance booking for tickets is advisable.

And what would Aussie be without our beloved koala friends? Phillip Island is also home to the Koala Conservation Center in the Rhyll district, where you can walk on elevated platforms-which serve up excellently for that close-up wildlife encounter-through thickets of fragrant eucalyptus trees for an afternoon of koala spotting. Other nearby attractions include spectacular nature walks and a marshy bird sanctuary that are just as nice, if you have extra time in your hands, though not absolutely essential.

Nearby Churchill Island is another wonderful afternoon walk through the shrubs. What makes this island so special is that it's got a bit of history up its sleeve, dating back to Australia's colonial years. The homestead has been recently refurbished and lots of pristine sceneries and undisturbed wildlife abound around the trails. Some immaculately landscapes also dot the area, and rounding the circuit on some horsedrawn carriages will not in the least make you feel wanting when you leave the park.

There's nothing like kicking back to a warm meal after an exhausting day of sightseeing. You will most likely pass through Cowes, which is the main town of Phillip Island, if you take the bus service. It's an awfully quiet place, and you get the impression of a sleepy little town where one family is intimately familiar with the other. There are a sprinkling of what feel like mom-and-pop restaurants serving up Italian, Australian, Greek fare-a melting pop of cuisines for this size of a town! It's a fabulous way to wind down after a busy day and the relaxed mood of the town is an extra treat.

If your appetite for exploration has not yet been sated, you can jump into a mesh of quaint little fishing villages and bed and breakfasts, Australian style, in Phillip Island. Now I haven't been to any of these villages outside of Cowes myself, but my friends have driven around the island and have gotten-tell me about it-some of the warmest memories in these villages. Newhaven is worth a mention here, and aside from fishing, there are many nature trails, beach walks, surfing areas, a handful of parasailing opportunities and some marinas to enjoy along the way.

Before planning a trip to Phillip Island, it will certainly help to consult websites and travel brochures. You can save on tickets by purchasing the 3-park pass that includes the Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservatory and Churchill Island. Family passes can also save you a bundle. There are lots of excellent, affordable accommodation options throughout the island if you're thinking of spending a few days here. The best time to go is in the summer, so be sure not to forget to pack the suntan and the surfboard!