Victoria Islands.There are 31 Victoria islands, most of which are just barren rocky pieces of land jutting out of the sea along the coastal fringe. There are, however two notable exceptions, French Island, one of Victoria’s most remote and little known destinations and Phillip Island, one of Australia's greatest hidden treasures. French Island is a true paradise. Although twice the size of nearby Phillip island, it has a population of only about 60 people. Referred to as the ‘island outback’, French Island is only accessible by a short ferry ride from the Stony Point Station (near HMAS Cerberus) and Cowes on Phillip Island.
Undeveloped and isolated, French Island has no local government, no sealed roads, no piped water, no council rates and generates its own electricity.Home to over 580 species of flora including 100 species of orchid, French Island is a haven of serenity. The 11,100ha French Island National Park (which covers most of the island) contains environments ranging from mangrove salt marsh areas to open woodlands and is home to an equally diverse range of wildlife but of course it's most famous residents would be the koalas, which thrive on the island after being introduced in the 1880's. Book a bus tour, go for a horse ride or get closer to nature on the variety of walking and cycling tracks. French Island is a must on any tour calendar. I doubt there’s a motorcycle fan in the world who hasn’t heard of the Isle of Man and it must be likewise said of Phillip Island. Phillip Island is known for its motorcycle racing but what isn’t quite so well known is that it is home to the worlds smallest penguins.
Ingeniously named little penguins, they stand only 33 cm tall. They're exceptional animals with a coat of midnight blue, which helps camouflage them while they’re in the ocean. During the day the penguins stay in the water looking for food, at night, they emerge from the sea to hurry back to their burrows. This habitual return from the sea has become known as the "Penguin Parade." Beginning right around sunset and generally lasting for an hour or so, the little penguins scuttle out of the sea in throngs to the amazement and pleasure of all who watch. Adult tickets are $17 and $27 for "penguin plus" seating. The penguin parade is run by the Philip Island Nature Parks a not for profit organization. Nature Parks works to conserve natural habitats and all proceeds from the penguin parade tickets go to helping the penguins. Australia is known for its koalas, it's known for its kangaroos and great white sharks, it's known for its wallabies and brightly colored fish but what it's not known for are its penguins. While penguins are definitely the main attraction, the whole of Philip Island is devoted to ecotourism and is a definite ‘must see’ while you’re travelling around Victoria.
Another big attraction is Churchill Island, a place fondly referred to as an historic farm. Churchill Island is a 57 ha island in Western Port, Victoria and it’s connected by a bridge to Phillip Island. It is the site of the first European settlement in Victoria and it contains a working farm and a homestead, dating from 1872, which is open to the public. The island adjoins the 670 ha Churchill Island Marine National Park Churchill Island is all about heritage and there's an abundance of old buildings and walking tracks that will expose you to historical beauty and charm that you don’t find in many places. On Churchill there are plenty of places to eat and don't leave without meeting the farm animals. 31 islands, most of which you can’t visit but don’t miss out on the ones you can.........enjoy, John. Our RSS feed will be updated periodically with all the latest travel deals and special offers. Please subscribe by clicking the button to the left (XML/RSS) to receive notice of these updates without any risk or obligation. PLEASE NOTE: If you don't know what an RSS feed is just click this link. Click here to return from Victoria Islands to The Discount Travel Guide home page. |
