28 October: Phillip Island
This week on Postcards Glen spends a night at the brand new Silverwater resort with its spectacular views and later explores the island. Lawrence meets the local wildlife and tries his hand at caravanning. Brodie visits a local fun park with lots to do for all the family and Bridget journeys to Spice Island with its studio style chalets and soon-to-be opened cooking school.
Silverwater
It seems like no matter where you look on Phillip Island there is always something happening. Just two kilometres before you hit the bridge to the island and San Remo you'll find Silverwater Resort, the newest and biggest development this side of the Peninsula. Recently completed in October of this year, no expense was spared on Silverwater Resort with more than 160 luxury apartments and impressive facilities set on a 21 acre property. The apartments are beautifully positioned on the hill with views of Phillip Island or Western Port Bay, so once you have arrived, it's just a case of finding the one that's most suited to you.
Ph 03 5671 9300
Reservations 1800 033 403
www.silverwaterresort.com.au
Koala & Caravan Park
If you are a caravanner or camper and you're coming down to the Phillip Island then you have to go to the Cowes Caravan Park, right on the beach at Phillip Island. It's your quintessential Australian park, with all your Aussie essentials and more. In fact, it has recently been awarded four stars by the RACV using their triple A tourism star rating system. With a fantastic summer line up of activities including outdoor movies, discos, golf days, fishing comps and beach activities, this really is the perfect place for a summertime family getaway. However, the fun doesn't have to stop at the park, because when your camping adventure is over, Maru Koala and Fauna Park is home to almost every native Australian animal you can think of. You won't find any lions, tigers or bears here, Maru is reserved purely for the true blue, fair dinkum Aussies!
Cowes Caravan Park
164 Church Street, Cowes
Ph 03 5952 2211
www.cowescaravanpark.com.au
Maru Koala and Fauna Park
1650 Bass Highway, Grantville
Ph 03 5678 8548
A Maze N' Things
Winner of the Victorian Tourism Awards, A Maze N' Things is the most interactive attraction on Phillip Island. The entire family will have a fantastic time here but you'll need to bring along two things, an inquisitive mind and a good sense of fun. A Maze N' Things has the biggest range of world first activities to amaze and amuse. A family ticket costs $50. For more information visit their website.
Open seven days from 9am until 6pm.
www.amazenthings.com.au
Three Park Pass
Phillip Island is undoubtedly one of our most popular tourist destinations, but once you've arrived what should you do? If you're coming to Phillip Island to do the whole nature thing chances are you've got your heart set on seeing some fairy penguins, which is great, but there's a lot more to Phillip Island than just fairy penguins. Churchill Island is the site of the first European landing and once home to the Lord Mayor, but its current residents are proving to be very popular. Although this place has some interesting history it is also a great spot to bring the kids. There's plenty of animals here so they can do everything from shearing sheep to milking cows. That should keep them out of trouble for a little while. For more information on Phillip Island Nature Parks visit the website.
Ph 03 5951 2800
www.penguins.org.au
Spice Island & Cooking School
Spice Island offers contemporary studio style accommodation set on two acres. The place has an exotic name tying in with the owners latest venture a cooking school which is about to open. Situated one and a half hours drive south of Melbourne at Sunderland Bay on Phillip Island, Spice Island is the perfect getaway for some rest and relaxation.
Prices to stay at Spice Island are from $195 per night per couple, breakfast included and their cooking school starts in January. Give them a call for details or go to their website.
Ph 03 5956 7557
www.spiceisland.com.au
What's On
Festival of Gardens
For nine days from next weekend you can view a wide range of beautiful gardens including classical beauties and native landscapes around Castlemaine and Maldon, at this year's Festival of Gardens.
Where: Castlemaine & Maldon
When: 3–11November
More: Phone 03 5472 3412 or visit www.festivalofgardens.org
TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz
The TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz includes 90 events and more than 350 national and international artists performing throughout Wangaratta and the surrounding wine regions.
Where: North East Valleys
When: 2–5 November
More: Phone 1800 801 065 or visit www.visitwangaratta.com.au
2007 Mildura Jazz, Food & Wine Festival
Or if you are closer to the Murray then the popular Mildura Jazz, Food & Wine Festival is also on next weekend with live music played on paddleboats and in clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Where: Mildura
When: 2–5 November
More: Phone 1800 039 043 or visit www.jazzwine.com.au
