Activities |
Phillips Island and Gippsland |
Attractions
Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve
Agnes Falls, at 194ft (59m), are the highest single span falls in Victoria. The falls are situated 100 miles (160km) southeast of Melbourne near Toora on the South Gippsland Highway. The Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve protects a small remnant of the forests that once covered the Stzrelecki Ranges. The canopy of eucalyptus provides food and nesting areas for a variety of birds, including the laughing Kookaburra and a range of honeyeaters. All plants and animals in the reserve are protected, and camping is not permitted. There are designated walking trails.Address: Silcocks Hill Road, Toora; Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au; Telephone: (0)3 131 963 (Parks Victoria Information Centre)
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
This park is unique and picturesque, offering lakes, wetlands, marine and terrestrial environments. It is a narrow coastal reserve covering 17,584 hectares along a portion of Victoria's Ninety Mile Beach, from Seaspray to Lakes Entrance. There are designated camping sites and a picnic area. Access to the park is from Seacombe.Address: Sperm Whale Head Road, Seacombe; Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au; Telephone: (0)3 8627 4699; Admission: Free
National Vietnam Veterans Museum
Next to the Phillip Island Airfield is Australia's only museum that deals with aspects of the Vietnam War, with more than 5,000 artefacts, memorabilia and photographs on display. The museum relies on volunteer staff who are veterans of the Vietnam War or connected family members, all uniquely suited to guide and answer visitors' questions. Displays vary from large vehicles and weapons to articles of clothing, badges, maps and personal letters.Address: 5 Churchill Road South, Newhaven; E-mail: vvmuseum@nex.net.au; Website: www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org; Telephone: (0)3 5956 6400; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm; weekends and public holidays 10am to 5pm; Admission: By donation
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
At Cowes, racing enthusiasts enjoy visiting the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, originally opened in 1956, which annually hosts two international motorcycle events, the Superbike World Championship and the Qantas Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The Circuit has a Visitor Centre, which includes information displays on the history of motor sport on Phillip Island, a circuit viewing area, a café, water gardens and wildlife enclosures. Guided walking tours take visitors to off-limits areas around the track, including the winner's podium, the pit lane and the control tower. Visitors may also experience an adrenaline-pumping triple lap ride with an experienced racing driver in the HSV Hot Laps.Address: Back Beach Road, Phillip Island; E-mail: info@phillipislandcircuit.com.au; Website: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au; Telephone: (0)3 5952 9400; Opening time: Visitor Centre open daily 9am to 7pm. Guided tours daily 11am and 2pm. HSV Hot Laps from 5pm Monday to Friday; Admission: Guided tours: A$18 (adults); A$9 (children 5-15); HSV Hot Laps: A$199, A$299 or A$349 for one, two or three people respectively
Wilsons Promontory National Park
The Promontory (known as 'the Prom') once linked Tasmania to the mainland. It has been a reserved area since 1898, with its 80 miles (130km) of coastline framed by vast granite masses, mountains, forests and fern gullies. The focus for tourism and recreation is at Tidal River, about 19 miles (30km) inside the park boundary, where visitors enjoy the sandy beach at Norman Bay, and Squeaky Beach with its pure white quartz sand. It is possible to walk up Mt Oberon or take 'the Prom Lighthouse Trek' with a ranger along the southern section of the Park.Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au; Telephone: Parks Victoria Information Centre: 131 963; Admission: A$9.90 per car per day. Multi-day passes for 2 and 5 days are also available