Travelling to Phillip Island over the summer? Take a moment to visit its smaller neighbour, Churchill Island. This idyllic destination is filled with wide-open spaces, adorable farm animals and historic grounds. To get there, you’ll need to drive roughly two hours from Melbourne, then go across a bridge from Phillip Island. Bookings are required.
Churchill Island
Known as Moonar’mia by the Bunurong, the Traditional Owners of the area, this 57-hectare island has been continuously farmed since the 1850s. As you cross the bridge, you’ll feel whisked away to the days of yore, with plenty of highland cattle, honking geese and busy purple swamp hens. Head to the heritage farm precinct, and meet Max the Clydesdale horse or Andrew the peacock. Wander around the homestead and take part in fun activities like blacksmithing, wagon rides and whip cracking at certain times during the day. There will also be working dog demonstrations, cow milking and sheep shearing.
After checking out the historic buildings and gardens, go for a stroll on one of the on Churchill Island. Walk by the wetlands, saunter underneath ancient moonah trees and keep an eye out for birds and wildlife around the island and mudflats. There’s the 4.5km Island Loop, which is about an hour and 45 minutes, as well as the shorter North Point Loop, which is 2.km long and takes an hour to complete. For more Aboriginal culture, take the 1km Wadjil’garook Wetland walk and look out for wetland birds.
After all that walking, you might’ve worked up an appetite! Swing by the Farmhouse Kitchen and tuck into some locally sourced and seasonal ingredients at the cafe. You’ll find plenty of traditional and classic favourites for breakfast and lunch. There’s also an outdoor seating area, so you can enjoy your meal with a view.
For something a little different, swing by just before sunset for the Bandicoot Discovery Tour. In this exciting experience, you’ll learn all about Eastern barred bandicoots, and take a walk to see them foraging and exploring at night. This tour is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December.
If you love a good market, Churchill Island also hosts a farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month. Pop by from 8am to 1pm for locally grown produce.
Key details
The farm precinct is open daily from 10am to 5pm. To visit the island, you will need to make a booking. Tickets cost $16 for visitors over 16, and $8 for children aged between 4 and 15.
As you are getting out and about in nature, don’t forget to bring things like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.