Explore Australia

Seal-watching cruises: depart from the jetty to Seal Rocks; bookings on 1300 763 739. 

Penguin Parade The nightly penguin parade is Phillip Island’s most popular attraction. During this world-famous event, little penguins emerge from the sea after a tiring fishing expedition and cross Summerland Beach to their little homes in the dunes. Tours run at sunset each night, and the penguins can be spotted from the boardwalks and viewing platforms. The site also has an interactive visitor centre with fascinating details about these adorable creatures. Note that no cameras are allowed beyond the visitor centre. Bookings on (03) 5951 2800; 12 km SW.

The Nobbies Centre and Seal Rocks An interactive centre gives visitors an insight into local marine life, including Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals via cameras that you can control yourself. Outside, the island features a cliff-side boardwalk with views of the fantastic natural landmark The Nobbies and out to Seal Rocks. Walk around to the Blowhole to hear the thunderous noise of huge waves and look out for the nesting sites of vast colonies of seagulls and short-tailed shearwaters that migrate to the island annually. Informative displays explain each natural attraction. Ventnor Rd; 15 km SW.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park: features native fauna, with visitors able to handfeed kangaroos and wallabies; Phillip Island Rd; (03) 5952 2038; 3 km S. Koala Conservation Centre: view these lovely creatures in their natural habitat from an elevated boardwalk; Phillip Island Rd; (03) 5951 2800; 5 km SE. Grand Prix Circuit: the circuit is steeped in both old and recent history, which is detailed thoroughly in the visitor centre. You can also go go-karting on a replica of the Grand Prix track; Back Beach Rd; (03) 5952 9400; 6 km S. A Maze ’N Things: family fun park featuring a large timber maze, optical-illusion rooms and ‘maxigolf’; Phillip Island Rd; 6 km SE. Rhyll Inlet: wetlands of international significance, with the marshes and mangroves providing an important breeding ground for wading birds. There are various loop walks, as well as an excellent view from the Conservation Hill Observation Tower; 7 km E. Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm: fish for rainbow trout in the indoor Rainforest Pool, take a fishing lesson or wander around the self-guide bush tucker trail; open 10am–5pm; 36 Rhyll Newhaven Rd, Rhyll; (03) 5956 9255. Wineries: Philip Island Vineyard and Winery offers tastings, sales and casual dining; Berrys Beach Rd; (03) 5956 8465; 7 km SW. Purple Hen Wines also offers tastings and light meals; McFees Rd, Rhyll; (03) 5956 9244; 9 km SE. Churchill Island:a road bridge provides access to this protected parkland, which features a historic homestead, a walking track and abundant birdlife; 16 km  SE. National Vietnam Veterans Museum: details the history of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War, displays around 6000 artefacts; 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven; (03) 5956 6400; 16 km SE. Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: visit Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate with information on the chocolate-making process and a model of Dame Edna made from 12 000 chocolate pieces; visitors can even make their own chocolate; Newhaven; (03) 5956 6600; 16 km SE. Pelicans: see these unusual birds up close, with feeding time daily at 12pm; San Remo Pier (opposite the Fishing Co-op); 17 km SE. Cape Woolamai: the beach is renowned for its fierce and exciting surf (patrolled in season). From the beach there are a number of 2–4 hr loop walks, many to the southern end of the cape and passing the Pinnacles rock formations on the way. South of Cape Woolamai township; 18 km SE. Wildlife Wonderland: centre includes the Earthworm Museum, a giant earthworm and Wombat World; (03) 5678 2222; 31 km E.

Elephant Triangle 7 km

Fishing for elephant fish in Western Port has become an institution. Anglers hang out for the first signs that the fish are starting to migrate into the bay. In general terms, the Elephant Triangle (GPS: S38.26.826,... Find out more

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Cowes to Cat Bay 7 km

Cowes to Cat Bay, along Phillip Island, is a popular area for anglers chasing whiting, squid, snapper and gummy shark. Cowes jetty, a favourite with holidaymakers, is a productive platform that often produces elephant... Find out more

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Snapper Spots 8 km

Many snapper anglers prefer to concentrate along the edges of the main shipping channels. The deep water running along the western shore of Phillip Island from the Nobbies to Cowes (Buoys 1–13) is a proven snapper... Find out more

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Mosquito Channel 9 km

Corinella is about 115 km south- east of Melbourne on the eastern side of Western Port. There is a jetty, slipway and a 24-hour all-tide boat ramp. Anglers who launch their boats here regard these waters as something... Find out more

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Middle Spit 11 km

One of the most popular destinations for boating anglers is the Middle Spit, located along the western shore of French Island. Regarded as a whiting hotspot, it’s just a matter of knowing where to go and the tide... Find out more

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Carrum 43 km

The Launching Way boat ramp facility at Carrum is the best in the bay but during snapper season anglers who haven’t launched their boats and parked their cars by about 6am have to go elsewhere. Managed by Parks... Find out more

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Patterson River 44 km

The Patterson River is well known for bream, and walking and bike tracks on both sides of the river offer ease of access for bank fishing. The most productive waters are in the marinas between the Mornington Peninsula... Find out more

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Portsea to Point Nepean 52 km

The annual salmon migration into the bay is part of a chain of fish migrations including snapper and baitfish species such as sandy sprats and pilchards, as well as krill. For the salmon, it isn’t so much the need... Find out more

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Anderson Inlet 52 km

Some would argue that Anderson Inlet, near Inverloch, isn’t an estuary but a bay. It has three creeks, Screw, Pound and Cherry Tree, plus the Tarwin River flowing in to it, and is situated about 140 km south-east... Find out more

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Queenscliff 54 km

Queenscliff harbour has a solid reputation for mullet, silver trevally and salmon. In some years, large runs of couta can be enjoyed in the harbour, and garfish are a common late-autumn visitor. On the debit side, the... Find out more

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Wildlife-watching - Phillip Island 6 km

Phillip Island is best known for the little penguins that come ashore every night (bookings essential). But spend time exploring the area and you will find Seal Rocks, with Australia’s largest colony of fur-seals,... Find out more

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Swim with dolphins, Sorrento 45 km

In the warmer six months of the year, the eco-accredited Moonraker Charters will help you get in the water, swimming alongside Australian fur-seals and bottlenose dolphins. Of course, swimming is not compulsory on the... Find out more

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Marine Discovery Centre, Queenscliff 54 km

Primarily set up to educate school children about the marine environment, this government-run facility also has an interesting holiday program and an interactive aquarium and touch tanks. Holiday activities include... Find out more

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Dandenong Ranges National Park 69 km

About an hour’s drive out of Melbourne, some 35 kilometres east of the city, this park has forests of towering mountain ash and lush, damp fern gullies. Around 300 kilometres of walking tracks crisscross the park,... Find out more

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Cycling around Melbourne 72 km

Melbourne has an active cycling community that has helped develop and establish some great routes and a network of cycle paths. One of the best sources of information is Bicycle Victoria. One option is to hop on the Main... Find out more

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Indigenous tours - Melbourne 74 km

To grasp what Melbourne was like before the skyscrapers arrived you can take a two-hour Koori Heritage Trust walking tour. You will gain an insight into Indigenous history and the natural and cultural landscape of the... Find out more

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Mountain-biking around Melbourne 75 km

With 20 kilometres of tracks developed by the Mountain Bike Association of Australia, Lysterfield Lake Park has something for all standard of mountain-biker, including family-friendly loops and exciting single-track... Find out more

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Melbourne Zoo 78 km

Melbourne has a choice of two excellent zoos: Melbourne Zoo, with more than 320 species on display; and the 225-hectare open range zoo at Werribee, about 30 minutes drive from the city centre (access from the Princes... Find out more

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Bicentennial National Trail - Healesville starting point 92 km

Acclaimed as the longest-marked, nonmotorised, multi-use trekking route in the world, this track traverses an incredible 5330 kilometres from Healesville to Cooktown in north Queensland, passing through 18 national... Find out more

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Birdwatching around Gippsland 93 km

This stretch of Victorian coast offers some of the best birdwatching in the country. Two locations, both Ramsar-listed, are worth a visit. Protected by the northern arm of Wilsons Promontory, the wetlands of Corner... Find out more

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RACV Cape Schanck Resort 30 km

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has boomed as a golfing destination during the past 15 years, with some of the finest course designers lining up for a crack at creating a masterpiece on this premium piece of... Find out more

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The National Golf Club (Old course) 31 km

Australia’s largest golf club, The National boasts three 18-hole courses – the Old, Ocean and Moonah layouts – all spread across exceptional ocean-side terrain on the Mornington Peninsula, at Cape... Find out more

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The National Golf Club (Moonah Course) 31 km

While Peter Thomson’s design team got to work on the Ocean course, The National hired Greg Norman and his chief architect Bob Harrison to create what would become known as the Moonah course. Both layouts opened... Find out more

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The National Golf Club (Ocean Course) 32 km

Nearly a decade after the celebrated opening of Robert Trent Jones Jnr’s Old course, the club’s board discovered that the adjoining property was to be put up for sale. It could be seen from the highest... Find out more

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Moonah Links (Legends Course) 34 km

The Legends course might have been the second course built at Australian golf’s new home, but it was so well received by golfers that today it is regarded as the better of the two. The course officially opened... Find out more

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St Andrews Beach 34 km

When it comes to quality golf courses and how to design them, American Tom Doak is a learned man. His second and most recent Australian creation – St Andrews Beach, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula... Find out more

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Moonah Links (Open course) 34 km

When Australian golf’s governing body decided in 1998 to shift its operations to a custom-built facility on some Mornington Peninsula farmland, many golfers reckoned it an ambitious move. But the Australian Golf... Find out more

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Settlers Run Golf & Country Club 36 km

Throughout his playing days Greg Norman drew huge crowds eager to witness his incredible ball-striking. Confidently striding the fairways, his mere presence made him one of the game’s biggest ever drawcards. He... Find out more

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Peninsula Country Golf Club (South Course) 36 km

A round at either of Peninsula’s two courses is always an enjoyable mental and physical challenge. Upon finishing his remodelling of the North course, Mike Clayton turned his attention to the South,... Find out more

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The Dunes Golf Links 37 km

If you are looking for true links golf in the tradition of the great courses of Scotland and Ireland, you can satisfy your desires here. The Dunes has become one of the most popular courses on the golf-rich Mornington... Find out more

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Harry’s on the Esplanade

With an enviable location on the waterfront in front of the pier, this casual beachside restaurant enjoys panoramic views across Westernport Bay, with a retractable roof for year-round alfresco dining. The daily menu has... Find out more

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Hotel

Across the road from the jetty in one of the oldest buildings in Cowes, this happy beach-house-style restaurant converts into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday evenings after dinner. Enjoy views over Westernport Bay to... Find out more

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Infused

Away from the foreshore holiday crowds, this contemporary space houses local artwork and boasts a covered bar with couches where locals love to relax. A roll-down plastic awning swings into action if the weather sours.... Find out more

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Foreshore Bar and 
Restaurant

Rustic and chic, this restaurant is blessed with stunning 180-degree water views from its vantage point on Phillip Island in the quiet village of Rhyll. Take a seat on the deck to enjoy open-air seaside dining, making... Find out more

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Red Hill Brewery 20 km

Becoming hop farmers wasn’t part of their business plan when David and Karen Golding first applied to develop a microbrewery and cafe from their Mornington Peninsula property. Ultimately, though, they were advised... Find out more

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Matilda Bay Garage Brewery 46 km

Previously operating as the Stockade Brewery, this South Dandenong-based microbrewery was acquired by the Foster’s-owned Matilda Bay Brewing in 2004 and re-badged as their ‘garage’ brewery. Then head... Find out more

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2 Brothers Brewery 59 km

A microbrewery is not exactly what you might expect to find tucked away among panel-beaters and sheet-metal fabricators in the industrial estates of Moorabbin, 20 minutes south-east of Melbourne. While the location may... Find out more

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Mountain Goat Brewery 73 km

Kicking off in 1997, home-brewer Dave Bonighton and music industry booking agent Cam Hines proved that two good mates can start a successful microbrewery with no money, but with unlimited enthusiasm, dogged perseverance... Find out more

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Foster's Group (Abbotsford Brewery) 74 km

Re-branded as the Foster’s Group in the 21st century, Carlton & United Breweries was formed in 1907 through an amalgamation of the city’s six largest beer-makers: McCrackens City Brewery, Victoria... Find out more

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3 Ravens Brewing Company 80 km

This microbrewery began operating from the basement of the successful Thornbury-based engineering company Zetkin and has proved to be an interesting diversion or sideline for the principal business. Some of the company... Find out more

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Grand Ridge Brewery 81 km

One of the country’s longest-running craft breweries began life as the Strzelecki Brewery in 1988, but operated for only a brief period before being re-branded as Grand Ridge under new ownership. Over the ensuing... Find out more

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Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 89 km

Craft brewers come from all sorts of different backgrounds but classical pianist Simon Walkenhorst and his opera singer wife Beth Williams are among the more exotic. Together, they started Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company... Find out more

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Holgate Brewhouse 137 km

Paul and Natasha Holgate have travelled a decidedly different path to most other craft-brewery operators over the past decade or so. They started brewing ales from a shed adjacent to their family home in Woodend in the... Find out more

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Otway Estate Brewery 146 km

Located 12 kilometres from Colac, Otway Estate Winery was established in 1983, specialising in cool-climate wines; a microbrewery was added in 2007. Head brewer Luke Scott oversees the production of up to 15 different... Find out more

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Balnarring East Beach C Reserve 12 km

This is the easternmost of the 3 beach reserves at Balnarring – you can get to it from Feathers Rd. It’s just over some dunes from yet another idyllic beach in this area, where swimmers and members of the... Find out more

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Balnarring South Beach A Reserve 12 km

One of 3 beach reserves at Balnarring, South Beach A is accessed via Mason Smith Rd. It’s opposite a protected beach that’s ideal for young children, and there’s also a toddler’s playground to... Find out more

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Balnarring Koala B Reserve 12 km

Located opposite the Balnarring general store, the Koala B Reserve is one of 3 beachside parks here. It comprises a nicely laid-out campground that’s only a hop, skip and a jump from the beach – for the... Find out more

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Fairhaven camping area (walk-in camping) 13 km

The Fairhaven campsites are in a beautiful natural setting on the western shore of French Island, 5 km north of Tankerton off Coast Rd. It’s a great spot to kick back for a few days. While you have your feet up,... Find out more

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Airs Farm camping ground (walk-in camping) 15 km

Toast your toes around the open fire (wood supplied) at this private campground, nestled in bushland some 10 km east of Tankerton. The owners will pick you up or you can walk or cycle along Bayview Road to reach the... Find out more

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Point Leo Foreshore caravan and camping area 15 km

There are plenty of activities for campers on the Point Leo foreshore. Top of the list is a refreshing dip just off the beach or a surf at one of the 7 local breaks. Canoeing, fishing and waterfront strolls will also... Find out more

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Shoreham Foreshore Reserve caravan and camping area 16 km

You can camp all year long at this restful foreshore reserve. Take long walks along the nearby cliffs, cool off in the waters of Western Port, or spend the afternoon sampling fine vintages at a local winery.... Find out more

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Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat 23 km

Dramatic coastal views are the norm at this quiet beachside caravan park, located between Wonthaggi and San Remo. The beaches here are safe for kids, plus there are good spots for a snorkel and plenty of walking options,... Find out more

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Rosebud Foreshore Reserve caravan and camping area 32 km

There are literally hundreds of campsites scattered throughout the Rosebud Foreshore Reserve, which stretches for 7 km between Anthony’s Nose in McCrae to Chinamans Creek in Rosebud West. Wander along the bayfront... Find out more

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Capel Sound Foreshore Reserve camping areas 34 km

There’s plenty on offer for water lovers at Capel Sound, including fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating, the latter aided by a boat launch. Both of the reserve’s camping areas have plenty of powered sites... Find out more

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BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park 32 km

This is a good quality park in the far outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It is a great base for those exploring the Mornington Peninsula or those connecting with the Sorrento to Queenscliff ferry. Bookings are... Find out more

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BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park 46 km

Just 6 km south of Dandenong, this is a good quality park, ideal for those wanting to stay on the eastern side of Melbourne. It is very close to the Jayco factory. Bookings are required in peak times and a minimum-stay... Find out more

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BIG4 Beacon Resort 57 km

This award-winning establishment has all the trimmings you would expect of a park of this quality, including an indoor heated swimming pool and tennis courts. It is just a short walk to the beach. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Bellarine Bayside Holiday Parks - Portarlington 64 km

This beachfront park with a large number of powered sites is a very popular summerholiday park on a safe, bayside beach, with loads of appeal for families. The park has extensive facilities and is just 1.25 km from the... Find out more

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Riverview Family Caravan Park 67 km

This is a large holiday park with a long frontage to the Barwon River. It is popular with families during summer. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and long weekends, with a minimum-length stay period during... Find out more

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Wantirna Park 67 km

This is a large park with a limited number of tourist sites. Located in the eastern suburbs, its facilities include tennis courts and a recreation room. It is good value. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Barwon Heads Caravan Park 68 km

This is a large park fronting the wide picturesque estuary of the Barwon River close to the river mouth. It is a popular summer beachside park and just a short walk from the town centre. Waterfront sites are available at... Find out more

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Warragul Gardens Holiday Park 68 km

This owner-operated park has spacious grassy sites, good facilities and great amenities. However, the focal point is the magnificent gardens; these alone make the park worth a visit. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Glen Cromie Caravan Park 71 km

In a large, park-like setting on the banks of a stream, this is a popular caravan park during weekends and holiday periods. It is a great place for a family break and just a short drive from the greater Melbourne area.... Find out more

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Crystal Brook Tourist Park 78 km

This park is undergoing a transformation and will cater for tourists. It has good facilities and is located in a leafy area of the northeastern suburbs of Melbourne. A minimum-length stay applies during holiday periods.... Find out more

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All Seasons Eco Resort 
Phillip Island

This holiday resort offers accommodation in 211 villas scattered over hectares of gentle countryside overlooking Phillip Island’s beautiful rural farmland. They range from well-appointed spa studios to two- and... Find out more

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Holmwood Guesthouse

What started life as a modest cottage in 1934 is now a lovely guesthouse offering B&B accommodation in three guest rooms. Guests have access to a welcoming lounge with books, magazines and the daily papers, made even... Find out more

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Quest Phillip Island

This is one of the most convenient and central accommodation options in the heart of the township of Cowes, one block from the local shopping precinct and restaurants. It offers 31 one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced... Find out more

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Silverwater Resort

This fully integrated resort is a welcome addition to the island’s family-friendly accommodation options. Set on hectares of high undulating land above San Remo, it enjoys spectacular views over the bay and along... Find out more

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Alto Hotel on Bourke 75 km

Although it is not doing anything radical, this plush hotel on Bourke Street is one of the most ecologically aware in Melbourne, and should be commended for its power-saving measures, garbage sorting, supply of... Find out more

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Apollo Bay Youth Hostel 141 km

This relatively new hostel was built with an eco-friendly design, including thermal storage banks and other passive solar heating and cooling. It also has solar hot water, rainwater tanks, a worm farm, drought-tolerant... Find out more

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Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology 155 km

There are not many better-thought-out ecotourism ventures than this superb multi-award-winning facility on Cape Otway. It has its own 66-hectare wildlife refuge and doubles as a shelter for injured and orphaned wildlife,... Find out more

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MillDuck, Harcourt North 190 km

This strawbale house won a Most Energy Efficient Home award (North West Region) when it was built. More than 1000 trees have been planted on the property since it was purchased, and it is now an alpaca stud. The B&B,... Find out more

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The Buckland, Bright 239 km

With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out more

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The Odd Frog, Bright 244 km

This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out more

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Gumbuya Rest Area 56 km

77 km E of Melbourne (L) or 40 km W of Yarragon (R) Small secluded area well off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S38 04.274 E145 39.807... Find out more

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Bunyip Rest Area 64 km

29 km W of Yarragon (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S38 05.446 E145 48.423... Find out more

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Torquay Park Area 81 km

Middle of town via Gilbert Street Small town park on the Esplanade. GPS: S38 19.51 E144 19.38 ... Find out more

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Trafalgar Park Area 85 km

Middle of town Parking adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS S38 12.481 E146 09.272... Find out more

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Anglesea Park Area 92 km

West side of town Large area adjacent to the road on the west side of town. Good facilities. GPS: S38 24.33 E144 11.19 ... Find out more

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Urquharts Beach Park Area 97 km

6 km SW of Anglesea (L) or 23 km NE Lorne (R) Small area located 500 metres off the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S38 26.10 E144 07.49 ... Find out more

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Leigh River Rest Area 110 km

27 km W of Geelong (R) or 122 km E of Mortlake (L) Large grassed area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S38 05.945 E144 03.855  ... Find out more

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Lorne Park Area 110 km

East side of town Small town park on the foreshore off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S38 31.51 E143 58.48 ... Find out more

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Traralgon Park Area 112 km

32 km E of Trafalgar (L) or 7 km W of Traralgon (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S38 12.670 E146 29.230 ... Find out more

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Meredith Park Area 122 km

West side of town Large area located in a side street (turn off at the roadhouse) at Pioneer Park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 50.818 E144 04.397  ... Find out more

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Winchelsea Park Area 126 km

On the riverbank Large grassed area just off the highway. Very good shade and facilities. GPS: S38 14.19 E143 49.18 ... Find out more

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Blind Joe Creek Park Area 138 km

21 km E of Traralgon (R) or 2 km W of Rosedale (L) Large grassy area just off the highway. GPS: S38 09.306 E146 45.890... Find out more

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Clarendon Rest Area 138 km

26 km S of Ballarat (R) or 60 km N of Geelong (L) Large secluded area just off the highway behind some shady trees. GPS: S37 42.501 E143 58.964... Find out more

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Yea East Rest Area 139 km

1 km E of Yea (R) or 30 km W of Alexandra (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 12.758 E145 26.283... Find out more

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Willows Rest Area 140 km

1 km NE of Rosedale (L) or 25 km SW of Sale (R) Large grassed area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S38 08.504 E146 47.481... Find out more

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Apollo Bay Park Area 141 km

Adjacent the information centre Small town park on the foreshore. Good facilities. GPS: S38 45.19 E143 40.10  ... Find out more

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Colac Park Area 144 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S38 20.16 E143 35.41 ... Find out more

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King Parrot Creek Rest Area 145 km

21 km SE of Seymour (L) or 17 km NW of Yea (R) Large area well off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 08.741 E145 16.08... Find out more

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Sheepwash Lagoon Rest Area 145 km

11 km E of Yea (R) or 20 km W of Alexandra (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 09.841 E145 31.421  ... Find out more

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Claires Rest Area 148 km

25 km E of Yea (L) or 6 km NW of Alexandra (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 09.466 E145 39.699 ... Find out more

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