Churchill Island: Going Back In Time

Churchill Island: Going Back In Time

         Churchill Island is a small island with a land area of only 57 hectares. It is near Phillip Island and is connected to it by a bridge. When travelers cross the long concrete bridge at San Remo leading to Phillip Island, they turn right at New Haven to reach Churchill Island. Churchill Island faces the Western Port. Guests get a glimpse of farming in the early days of European settlement in the State of Victoria.

        Named after the Englishman who supplied agricultural seeds that were planted throughout the island, Churchill Island is historic. It was discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders who circumnavigated Australia in late 1700s. Ownership of the island, which is agrarian in nature, changed many times. It was owned, at one time or another, by John Rogers, Samuel Amess, Gerald Buckley, Dr. Harry Jenkins and others. It is now owned by the government of Australia. The farm and the structures have been restored for greater appreciation by visitors.

        Cows and sheep grazing on the verdant pastures overlooking the bay and a windmill can be seen as guests enter the heritage farm. There is a stable where working horses are kept. There is a sheep shearing area. There is a workshop. Next to it is a foundry. Around the farm are old Norfolk Island Pines. The ancient houses and cottages of the former owners have been rebuilt. Guests go back in time.

        Noticeable are the beautiful gardens planted with a variety of colorful flowers. Visitors get to smell the fragrance of the flowers. Gala birds and cockatoos can be seen on tree branches and some are on the ground. Some visitors prefer to have their meals or snacks at the restaurant at the Visitors Center. From there, there is a magnificent view of the heritage farm and the bay.

- Konted

View of the bay from the entry point of the Heritage Farm at Churchill Island

The Heritage Farm at Churchill Island is about 125 kms. away from Melbourne 's Central Business District.

Usual farm activities

Old wheels of a horse-drawn carriage near the Visitors Center

View of sheep grazing as one walks around the farm

Energetic kids have  the whole day to run around the farm.

Doing it standing

A view of Western Port from the farm

One happy family

Peacock moves around the beautiful garden

Machine working shops and  a smithy

Souvenir shot

A working horse at the farm

It is alright....

Horse stables

Handlers leading Clydesdale horses to the stables

Clydesdale horses originated from Scotland and they can grow to 6 ft. tall.

Actual shearing is scheduled at 2pm.

Getting ready for the show

Vintage cannon in front of the Amess House was from the American Confederate ship Shenandoah while huge Norfolk Island Pine tree was planted in the 1800s by then Churchill Island owner Samuel Amess. .He was former mayor of Melbourne City.

The restored Amess House. Samuel Amess and his family stayed at Churchill Island for many years.

Antique furniture at the Amess House

The beautiful gardens

Spring flowers

Smell the fragrance

There are beautiful flowers wherever you go.

Variant of the Bird of Paradise

The Rogers Cottages built in 1866 by island owner John Rogers

Interior  of the Rogers Cottages

Stockroom at the Rogers Cottages

The Rogers family stayed at Churchill Island for several decades.

Horse-drawn carts were used in selling milk in the 1800s.

Gala birds

4-wheel wagon dating back to the 19th Century

A wooden horse by artist Dean Smith using a chainsaw.

Taking a brief rest

Unique bench near the Visitors Center

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The Nobbies At Phillip Island: A Must-See

The Nobbies At Phillip Island: A Must-See

         Situated at the South Gippsland region and about 125 kilometers away from the city proper of Melbourne is Phillip Island. Passing through towns with good roads and scenic rural views, travel is easy. Phillip Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State of Victoria. On any given day, thousands troop to this beautiful island facing the Bass Strait. Five principal towns and/or subdivisions comprise Phillip Island, namely, New Haven, Rhyll, Cowes, Ventnor and Summerlands.
         
      While many travelers are eager to see the Penguin Parade, where penguins return at dusk to the sand dunes of Phillip Island after a long day at sea, there is another tourist destination at the island that is equally popular. It is The Nobbies where the rugged coastline near Bass Strait can be viewed.  The views are really stunning. Strong waves pound  the rocks. Rocks serve as sanctuary for seals and seabirds.

       A long wooden boardwalk enables visitors to have a clearer view of Phillip Island's natural wonder. One may opt to watch from a far distance. Or he may get near to take good photos. Or he may venture to get closer to the rocks. But his movements are confined within the boardwalk which starts from the right side of the Nobbies Center to the southern side. Around the cliffs are seabirds resting amidst the colorful flowers that bloom in spring and in summer. For a magnified view of the rocky parts of the sea, there are telescopes in strategic areas. One particular view that will surely catch the traveler's attention is the Blowhole where waves pound the rocks as they go deeper in what looks like a cave. The sights are really astounding.

          There are other places to see at Phillip Island. There is the Koala Conservation area. There is the town of Rhyll where one can go boating. Or the town of Cowes where one can have a hearty meal at the town center. Or the town of New Haven for its fish port and its famous Chocolate Factory. Open to the public during prestigious events is the Grand Prix Circuit. With time still on one's hand, a tour of the nearby Churchill Island is recommended. Staying three days and two nights at Phillip Island gives one sufficient time to better appreciate the beauty of Phillip Island.

- Konted

The Nobbies Center at Phillip Island

It is part of Phillip Island Nature Park.

The view from the right side of the boardwalk

The Nobbies is situated at Point Grant.

Strong waves slam against the rocks.

Photo taken from a dangerous part of the cliff

View of the Nobbies Center as one goes down the boardwalk

Another stunning view from the boardwalk

The southern part of the Nobbies

Souvenir shot

Another souvenir shot

There are telescopes at strategic locations to allow visitors to have a closer look of the seal colony.

Busy taking photos

The boardwalk as one goes farther away from the Nobbies Center

Seabirds

Flowers bloom in spring and in summer.

The much-talked about Blowhole.

Closer shot of the Blowhole. It looks like a cave shaped by the strong waves.

The rugged coastline

View of the long boardwalk extending to the south.

The friendly Seagulls

Telescope near the Blowhole

Visitors going down the boardwalk

The Nobbies is a favorite destination of families going on a vacation. It is about 125 kilometers away from Melbourne City proper.

The Nobbies is closed  one hour before sunset. It is a measure taken by authorities to protect native wildlife.

Restaurant at the Nobbies Center with a good view of Bass Strait

Parking area adjacent to the Nobbies Center

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