Churchill Island

The Basics

Churchill Island comprises the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, which includes a working farm, cottages dating from the 1860s, and a homestead dating from 1872. Learn about the history of the farm in the visitor center exhibition. Immerse yourself in farm life with demonstrations on pioneer farming techniques. Daily activities include cow milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking, and more. Kids will enjoy the animal nursery tour, with the chance to pet and feed select animals. There are also two main walking tracks on the island that offer great views of the Western Port.

Book your tickets ahead of time for convenience. For extra savings, book a multi-park pass that also includes Antarctic Journey, Penguin Parade, or Koala Conservation Centre, part of the Phillip Island Nature Parks.

How to Get There

Churchill Island is accessible via Phillip Island, which is around a 90 minute drive from Melbourne. From Phillip Island, access is via the Churchill Island Bridge. You can also take the V-line bus from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Phillip Island. From there, you can walk to Churchill Island or take a taxi.

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When to Get There

The Churchill Island Heritage Farm is open daily, with limited hours on December 25. All daily farming activities take place in the afternoon. Wagon rides are also available on weekends and holidays (weather permitting). And on the last Saturday of each month, a farmers market takes place on the island.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is probably most famous for its resident penguins. Visitors come to see their daily parade back to the island around sunset. Visitors can also see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre, or learn more about the Antarctic environment at Nobbies Antarctic Centre. Boat cruises around the island to see seals, dolphins, and whales are also available. The island is also home to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Recent reviews from experiences in Melbourne

Nice variety of activities

ProfessorMelody, Mar 2020

Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne

The tour itself was really great! Got to do a variety of activities and we did not feel rushed anywhere. The penguin viewing was fun, but we actually saw more closely the penguins when we walked back to the visitor center and saw them scurrying back to their borrows for the night. The reason for the loss of one star was some girls on the tour who, after the first stop, basically "stole" our seats on the bus, relegating us to the back.

Very cool penguins

Mark_S, Feb 2020

Great tour with a bit of dead time in the afternoon while waiting for sunset and the penguins which are amazing. Our guide Terry was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Seeing koalas in their natural environment

peggybrowne, Feb 2020

Melbourne Super Saver: Great Ocean Road + Phillip Island + Attraction Pass

We had Glenn on the penguins parade and he was amazing. We had Kellie on the great ocean rd tour. Did not enjoy the tour, not her fault, because of the heat and swarms of flies. Long day and anxious to get back.

Excellent!

Quincyhnchan, Aug 2019

Terry is the best tour guide! This trip is super valuable and Terry was guiding us to the best place to take photos and where to find the penguins!

Amazing Tour! Highly Recommend!

Amanda_T, Dec 2019

This tour was so amazing! From the animal sanctuaries to the penguin parade! Our tour guide was very informative and I highly recommend this tour! If you visit Melbourne, book this tour, you won't be disappointed!

Book it now!

Michelle_F, Dec 2019

This tour was absolutely fantastic from start to finish! Such value for money with all we got to do and see! If you only have time for one tour from Melbourne this is a must do!! Our guide Kurn was so nice and helpful also. A magical experience

This tour was perfect

Keitaro_M, Nov 2019

We enjoyed a whole day with our wonderful guide. He was so knowledgeable, and was always taking care of each group. We're sure that all of us made the most of the day! Highly recomend joining this tour.

Amazing - Highly reccomend

Vacation21110555947, Jun 2019

100% definitely recommend this trip to get the most out of the Melbourne area! Was sooo cool to see the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles then to go to Phillip Island. Was awesome stopping at the Wildlife Sanctuary along the way.

A Very pleasant & organize trip

Amytravel2019, Nov 2019

Kelly L, our guide was wonderful. The whole day trip was so well thought & well organized. Everyone knew exactly what time to meet & what to see because she had a notice board in the car to communicate with us ahead of time. After a tiring hot day we had tea & cakes as refreshment. It was an enjoyable trip.

Excellent trip

Happiness17927094780, Apr 2019

Arrangement is great, tour guide is friendly, drives fast and safely. Two attraction tickets is also awesome. Highly recomment this tour.

Penguin March

28beve, Oct 2019

Steven gave us lots of inside information about where to sit, and what to expect at each stop. We enjoyed the whole day and would recommend it to everyone!

Awesome! Highly recommended!

Fern J, Apr 2019

Amazing views and excellent tour guides ( Chris and Courtney with Bunyip tours). The koala encounter and kangaroo feeding was fun and the Penguins are so tiny and so cute! Viewing the sunset on The Great Ocean Road is so fantastic! We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed both trips. Thank you!