Travelling to Phillip Island? Take a moment to visit its smaller neighbour, Churchill Island. This idyllic destination is filled with adorable farm animals, historic grounds and wind-swept landscapes. And spring is a great time to visit, as you can avoid the busy summer crowds, while enjoying the milder weather and the blooming gardens. 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 in spring
Known as Moonar’mia by the Bunurong, 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 fluffy Highland cows, honking geese and busy purple swamp hens. Head to the heritage farm precinct, wander around the homestead and say hello to the local farm animals, such as horses, donkeys, chickens, sheep and even a peacock. Young visitors will be delighted by the adorable animal nursery.
At the moment, the lavender field is now in bloom, filling the air with its lovely fragrance. Around the cottages, you’ll also find herb and kitchen gardens, as well as an orchard packed with fruit trees.
Throughout the day, there’s fun activities to keep you busy, such as cow milking, sheep shearing, blacksmithing and working dog demonstrations.
Additional tours
If you love fluffy cows, you simply must take part in the Highland Cattle Experience. On this family-friendly tour, you’ll ride on a tractor-drawn wagon through the paddocks. Meet the Highland cattle up close, feed them and learn all about them.
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 only available on select dates throughout the year.
More things to do
After checking out the historic buildings and gardens, go for a stroll around Churchill Island. There’s the 4.5km Island Loop, which takes about two hours to complete, as well as the shorter North Point Loop, which is 2 km long and takes an hour. For more Aboriginal culture, take the 1km Wadjil’garook Wetland walk and look out for wetland birds.
In spring, you’ll see flowers peppered along the coastal trails. Walk by the wetlands and keep an eye out for birds and wildlife around the island and mudflats.
Saunter beneath ancient moonah trees, which are estimated to be over 400 years old. 253 trees on Churchill Island are included on the National Trust’s significant tree register, including the moonah trees, as well as a Norfolk Island pine tree, and mulberry and olive trees.
After all that walking, you might’ve worked up an appetite! Swing by the Farmhouse Kitchen and tuck into some breakfast and lunch favourites, such as smashed avo, eggs benedict or fish and chips. All the fruit and veggies are locally sourced, and when possible, they use fruits, herbs and spices from the garden. Coffee, juice and wine is also available if you’re feeling thirsty. Enjoy your meal with a view by grabbing a spot in the outdoor seating area.
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, sourced from Phillip Island and the Gippsland region. There’s over 40 stalls to discover, showcasing seasonal fruit and veg, farm fresh eggs, honey, wines and more.
Key details
📅The farm precinct is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 4.
🎫To visit the island, you will need to make a booking. Entry tickets are $17.50 for visitors over 16, and $8.75 for children aged between 4 and 15. Additional tours, such as the Highland Cattle Experience, are an extra cost.
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. Churchill Island is a cashless venue.
📍246 Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island, Newhaven VIC 3925
