Chris's Phillip Island, VICTORIA
Airing Date: Aug 21st, 2006
Guest presenter Chris Hemsworth has a soft spot for Phillip Island. He's a local, so he knows the best spots to go.
Sure, the scenery's stunning and the penguins draw the crowds but there's a lot more to the place than meets the eye. Named after Governor Arthur Phillip, Phillip Island is 140kms or approximately 2 hrs drive from Melbourne. The Penguin Parade and Seal Rocks are the main tourist venues on the Island.
Phillip Island has over 100 kilometres of coastline, a lot of it suitable for surfing and/or swimming. Phillip Islands' claim to fame is the Australian Grand Prix.
The first races on Phillip Island took place in 1926 known then as the 100 mile race. The length of the Grand Prix circuit is just over 4 kilometres and is a heart-stopping thrill for enthusiasts.
From a more personal perspective, Chris Hemsworth, one of the stars of "Home and Away", rates the surf on Phillip Island as very consistent with big swells and windy conditions - better than Bells Beach also in Victoria. He gets all his surf boards shaped from Island Surfboards, a local surf company with 2 stores and a factory on the Island.
He loves Dr Foods Bakery - a good place to go grab a pie or pastry after a surf. Chris' top surf beaches on the island are Cape Woolamai or Express Point. A favourite activity of his is Go-Karting at the mini replica track at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Quest Phillip Island - Ph: (03) 5952 2644, Web: www.questphillipisland.com.au
1 bedroom apartment from $175 a night. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 21/8/06.
Qantas - Web: www.qantas.com
One way to Melbourne from $137 ex Adelaide, $138 ex Sydney, $189 ex Brisbane, $285 ex Perth. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 20/7/06.
Bass Coast Shire Council: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au
Phillip Island Nature Parks: www.penguins.org.au
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au
