Victoria’s secret: 5 easy Phillip Island road trips you should know -

Phillip Island is a peaceful refuge, known for its flora and fauna – think penguins and fur seals – as well as its mesmerising sunsets, fantastic surfing, romantic dining and outdoor adventures on land or at sea.

A road trip doesn’t have to be a long trip. On Victoria’s Phillip Island, the answer to the perennial, “Are we there yet?" question is usually, “Yes, we are!"

Cape Woolamai Walk, Phillip Island, VIC, Australia — Phillip Island is a peaceful refuge known for its flora and fauna.

It packs so much into its 101 square kilometres, you’ll be hopping in and out of the car for hours, and even days on end, to see seals, koalas and, of course, penguins. You can surf, swim or just saunter at uncrowded beaches, and taste everything from succulent seafood to local wines. And there are modern and ancient history lessons, too.

Cape Woolamai Walk, Phillip Island — Victoria’s Phillip Island packs so much into its 101 square kilometres.

Phillip Island is a great destination to visit, whether as a weekender down from Melbourne or as part of the great around-Australia drive. Here are five easy road trips on the island that cover so many of the attractions and, once out of the car, there’s plenty to see and do on foot, too.

Road Trip, Phillip Island, VIC, Australia — Road trips on Phillip island can cover so many attractions.

1. San Remo to Churchill Island

San Remo sits at the mainland end of the bridge onto the island, and it’s a good spot to break the drive if you’ve come down from Melbourne or across from Gippsland. It has a fisherman’s co-op , which means two things: the freshest seafood – including great fish and chips – and pelicans, which are fed daily at noon on the foreshore next to the bridge.

Fish and chips at San Remo Fishermans Co-op, Destination during a Phillip Island Roadtrip, Gippsland, VIC, Australia — Dig into the freshest plate of fish and chips at the fisherman’s co-op.

Once you’ve crossed onto the island, stop by the Visitor Information Centre for maps, brochures, ideas and indispensable local knowledge. It’s only five kilometres to Churchill Island, but you might be waylaid at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory in Newhaven. Give yourself an hour for the tour into Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate, where even your entry ticket is edible, or just drop into the cafe and shop for a hot chocolate and treats to take home, from boxed selections to a mega three-kilogram chocolate bar.

Hot chocolate at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Gippsland, VIC, Australia — Drop by the cafe for some hot chocolate and treats to take home.

Turn right just past the Chocolate Factory for Churchill Island where the working farm – on land first walked by the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people – was established in the 1850s. Many buildings from the 19th century still dot the 57-hectare island, where you can see displays of milking, shearing, working dogs, blacksmithing and whip-cracking. There’s a wetlands walk, and the picturesque cafe is open for late breakfasts and lunch.

A Family at Churchill Island, on a roadtrip to Phillip Island, Gippsland, VIC, Australia — The working farm in Churchill Island was established in the 1850s.

2. Newhaven to Rhyll

You’ve got two things to do right from the start in Newhaven. Take a scenic flight from the airport with Phillip Island Helicopters and then drop into the National Vietnam Veterans Museum . This engaging facility, run by volunteers, has countless interpretive displays of Australia’s involvement in war, from tanks and aircraft down to the balls used in the controversial conscription ballots.

Red wine being poured onto glass, Purple Hen Winery, Phillip Island, Gippsland, VIC, Australia — Taste the specialty wines at Purple Hen Wines.

Just out of town, look for a small road on the left to the Forrest Caves, a series of dramatic coastal formations visible at low tide.

As you continue along the main road of Phillip Island, you’ll soon see a sign to Purple Hen Wines , one of two wineries on the island. It specialises in pinot noir and shiraz, plus red and white sparkling wines. Back on the road, you’ll be in Rhyll in no time; the tranquil village is located on a protected inlet with a lovely boardwalk through the mangroves. You can follow that boardwalk and enjoy lunch at Wild Food Farm and Cafe , a showcase for native herbs, spices, fruits and berries. Try a wattleseed scone, or perhaps a pepperberry beef pie or even Davidson plum jam with your barramundi. The farm store also sells a huge selection of products inspired by native ingredients, such as dukkah and spiced bush tomato relish and a Davidson plum syrup.

Lunch spread, Wild Food Farm and Cafe, Phillip Island, VIC, Australia — Wild Food Farm & Cafe showcases native herbs, spices, fruits and berries.

3. Cowes Pier to Nobbies

Cowes is the central hub of Phillip Island, a town with a holiday vibe servicing your shopping and dining needs and offering a range of accommodation. For coffee and brunch, head to casual cafes such as M&O Cafe and Tapas , The Waterboy Cafe and Island Whole Foods , which will please proponents of a plant-based diet.

Cowes has kilometres of north-facing beach, so do make a booking at beachfront restaurants such as Beach HQ or Hotel Phillip Island . The drinks list at Grenache Wine Bar includes more than 100 gins so it’s your go-to for a pre-dinner G+T before settling in for Pino’s Trattoria for pane all’aglio (garlic bread) and spaghetti arrabbiata followed by a scoop of gelato at Isola di Capri .

Hire an e-bike for a spin around town from Super Cruzer , or spend time on the water with Wildlife Coast Cruises .

Wildlife Coast Cruises, Phillip Island, Australia — Spend some time on the water with Wildlife Coast Cruises.

Just south of Cowes is a pair of wonderful family attractions: A Maze’N Things , with its wacky maze, illusions and puzzles, and the neighbouring Koala Conservation Reserve with its two treetop boardwalks for close encounters, plus wallabies and other wildlife on its easily accessible bushland trails. Across the road is the Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant and Bar , home to a great variety of Phillip Island brews.

Rusty Water Brewery and Restaurant, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia — There’s a variety of Phillip Island brews to try at Rusty Water Brewery.

South-west from Cowes, it’s an easy 15-kilometre drive to the most rugged and spectacular part of the island, the western tip known as The Nobbies. On the way down, check out the amazing range of products at The Store . At The Nobbies, the cliffside boardwalk gets you up close to these distinctive rocks and you can look beyond to Seal Rocks, home to the country’s largest colony of Australian fur seals. For a more immersive experience, take a virtual voyage through the Southern Ocean, one of many amazing interactive encounters on offer at Antarctic Journey .

Seal Rocks, Phillip Island, Gippsland, VIC, Australia — See the country’s largest colony of Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks.

We’re not ignoring the world-famous Penguin Parade that you pass just before you arrive at The Nobbies; it’s an evening show, and one like no other.

Penguin sighting at the Underground Nature Parks, Phillip Island, Gippsland, VIC, Australia — Don’t miss the daily parade of little penguins.

4. North to South Loop

From the top of Phillip Island to the bottom and back mightn’t look too far, but you’ll need hours to take in every bit of adventure and nature along the way. Head south-west from Cowes through Ventnor and follow the Newhaven road before turning south to remote Kitty Miller Bay, where you’ll see remnants of the SS Speke, shipwrecked in 1906.

If beachcombing has given you an appetite, there’s a broad menu at Phillip Island Winery , supported by great summer varieties such as prosecco and rosé.

Pyramid Rock, Walking, Phillip Island, VIC, Australia — If you’re keen on a good walk, there is a track linking to Berry Beach.

The day’s third coastal highlight is Pyramid Rock, a distinctive formation best viewed from the lookout at the tip of the cape. (If you’re keen on a good walk, there is a track linking to Berry Beach.)

On non-event days, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is still an arresting sight, because of the way the track dips and twists towards the ocean, making it one of the most exciting circuits in Australia. And you can get a feel of what it’s like yourself on a 750-metre-long track with Phillip Island Go Karts.

Go Karting, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Phillip Island — Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is one of the most exciting circuits in Australia.

5. Smiths Beach to San Remo

Smiths Beach is one of the most diverse beaches on the south coast, offering everything from rock pools for paddling in to surf breaks rated as some of the most beginner-friendly in Victoria. If that appeals, Island Surf School can get you started.

There are plenty of other board-riding spots to inspect all the way around to Cape Woolamai, although that’s a break best left to experienced surfers. Instead, explore the scenic Cape Woolamai wonderland on foot. Park at the surf club and follow the loop track off the southern end of the beach down to the cape, where’ll you’ll see everything from wallabies to migratory shearwaters, and maybe even whales in winter.

Cape Woolamai Drift Boat Ocean Adventures, Phillip Island, Australia — There are plenty of other board-riding spots to inspect all the way around to Cape Woolamai.

Soon you’ll be back to San Remo, but maybe only after a meal at the Saltwater restaurant in Newhaven, which juts out right on the jetty and boasts 270-degree waterfront views. If you want one last thrill, Ocean Adventures in San Remo can take you diving, snorkelling on a sea scooter or drifting in a jetboat. Just leave some energy for the drive home.

Roadtripping at Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia — Don’t forget to leave some energy for the drive home.

Want more?

How do they fit all of this in 101 square kilometres, you may ask? Well, there’s even more to see and do, so go to visitphillipisland.com.au

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.

You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.

1. Lake Tyrrell

Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.

2. Nhill Lake

There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.

3. Lake Bringalbert

Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.

4. Lake Hindmarsh

If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.

5. Pink Lake

Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.

6. Lake Lascelles

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.

Victoria’s secret: 5 easy Phillip Island road trips you should know