Wildlife Encounters on Phillip Island

Phillip Island, situated in Western Port, is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the magical natural wonders of Australia, from its distinctive animals to beautiful beaches, rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes. With diverse coastline and bush land, wildlife encounters, idyllic coastal dining and family adventure, the Island has many experiences to share, all within an easy 90 minute drive from Melbourne. Nature enthusiasts will love the island's beautiful and varied beaches that offer ideal conditions for surfing, swimming, fishing and boating; and its rugged, scenic coastline and native bush land with designated hiking trails and cycling tracks, which can also be taken in from above with a helicopter tour. Food lovers can sample the region's delicious local wine and produce at the many restaurants and cafes scattered across the island or buy direct from the farm gate, cellar doors or Churchill Island Farmers' Market. Families can create holiday memories with a wide range of fun-filled attractions including a three-dimensional maze, chocolate factory, go-karts and of course the world-famous Penguin Parade.

For full information on Phillip Island's natural attractions, experiences, events and accommodation offerings, visit www.visitphillipisland.com or call the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre on 1300 366 422

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

As home to the largest colony of little penguins in the world, koala conservation centre and 20,000 Australian Fur Seals, there is plenty of opportunity to get close to nature and view wildlife in its natural habitat on Phillip Island.

One of Australia's premier wildlife experiences, the Penguin Parade draws thousands of international visitors to the island each year. Taking place at dusk each day, hundreds of little penguins emerge from the sea after a day spent fishing and waddle up to their burrows in the sand dunes. Visitors to Phillip Island can take a Guided Ranger Tour through the penguin colony before the parade starts. www.penguins.org.au

Phillip Island Nature Parks has opened a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to care for sick and injured penguins and other wildlife. From February 2014, visitors to Phillip Island will have the opportunity to tour the Phillip Island Nature Parks Wildlife Hospital. These tours will reveal what goes on behind the scenes to nurse sick, injured and orphaned wildlife back to health. The wildlife hospital provides veterinary treatment and support to injured wildlife, helping rehabilitate them so that they can be released back into the wild. www.penguins.org.au

Wildlife Coast Cruises depart daily from Cowes Jetty and offer a range of cruises that let visitors experience the region's beautiful scenic landscapes and amazing wildlife in their natural environment. Wildlife Coast Cruises has been awarded the Advanced Eco Tourism accreditation and also achieved Tourism Accreditation Australia (TAAL) business accreditation. The Eco Certification logo is recognised globally and assures customers that the business is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The accreditation also demonstrates Wildlife Coast Cruises operates to a high standard of environmental cultural and business practices with sound policies and procedures to support these.

Popular cruises include a trip to spy on the Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks off the rugged west coast of the island - breeding ground and nursery for over 20,000 seals. Visitors can have an up-close wildlife encounter and see young pups play and explore while adult seals bask on the rocks or fight for their territory.

In winter, Phillip Island welcomes the majestic, migrating great Southern Humpback Whales as they pass by Phillip Island from Antarctica. Wildlife Coast Cruises hosts Whale Discovery Cruises, taking visitors into ideal whale viewing areas. In addition to whale spotting, visitors see an abundance of native marine life, with sights of seabirds and playful dolphins. www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

The Koala Conservation Centre is an environmentally sustainable attraction dedicated to the wellbeing and future of koalas. Visitors can view the koalas in their natural habitat from the tree-top boardwalks and may even spot other native species such as echidnas, wallabies and bird life. The Visitor's Centre has educational information, a gift shop and café. www.penguins.org.au

The recently launched Phillip Island Bird Tour includes a day of bird- watching across Phillip Island's bushland, wetland and coastal habitats. Led by eco accredited ranges with excellent knowledge of the local fauna, the tour offers a wonderful up-close encounter. It is little known, but Phillip Island is home to over 200 bird species. The tour begins at dawn and concludes with a premium penguin viewing at the Penguin Parade at dusk. www.penguins.org.au

The Maru Koala and Animal Park is an award-winning, family run attraction that has been operating at Grantville near Phillip Island since 1983. Here, visitors can 'get in touch with wildlife' by patting a koala, hand feeding albino kangaroos, talking with parrots, meeting a golden possum, and getting wrapped in a three meter python snake. Maru also has an 18-hole mini-golf course, information centre and café which can also cater for group meals. www.marukoalapark.com.au

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is home to literally thousands of animal species, all gathered within a short distance of the main township of Cowes. Rare and internationally-protected birdlife can be seen in the wetlands while crabs, sea stars and other ocean animals can be found when fossicking in rock pools at the water's edge. Dolphins and whales (during migration) can often be seen splashing around in the waves and a fun wildlife activity can be found at San Remo pier when the fisherman's co-op feeds the pelicans each day at noon.