Welcome to Ventnor, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia. We’re glad you’ve decided to visit our island, and we want you to feel right at home. No doubt you’ve already settled into your holiday home away from home, so let’s get right on with the introduction, shall we?
Our small island, all 100 square kilometers of it, was named for Arthur Phillip, the first governor of Australia’s New South Wales territory. More than 60% of our available land is used for sheep and cattle farming, but of course that isn’t what you’ve come to see, is it? Surely you had other things in mind.
Perhaps you’ve come because of our rich history in motor racing. We’ve been hosting major racing events here since 1928, when the normal streets here were used in the first Australian Grand Prix. We realized later this could be improved – if you are here on holiday, you hardly want to step out the front door of your holiday accommodation and into the middle of a racetrack! In 1956, we opened up the local Grand Prix Circuit, and it has made us proud on many occasions. We hosted the Phillip Island 500k Endurance Race from 1971 through 1977, and the World Motorcycle Championship in 1989, and World Superbike in 1990. That year also saw the return of car racing here with the Australian Touring Car Championship.
Remember that you’re not the only one headed here. While our quiet island normally boasts a total population of just over 7000 souls, in summer time that number explodes to more than 40,000!! That means you need to be on your toes in order to secure your holiday rental home or villa, and to make sure you can book accommodation in the area you prefer.
One major challenge here is resisting the urge to just sit still on the beach and relax. It’s your holiday, so of course it’s your option, but we could recommend a couple of other activities.
Whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner, or with your whole family, consider a visit to nearby Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm. Never been fishing before? Don’t worry! Our friendly fishing instructors will kit you out and advise you on what to do. Try the more challenging outdoor lake or the easier indoor lake. When you’re done, have your catch prepared to your liking for the freshest fish you’ll ever have. You also have the option to take it away prepared for later cooking, so if you have fully self-contained holiday accommodation, this could be a good choice for you. While on site, take a short bush walk and focus on the edible plants that provide the real taste of Australia. The farm is only 15 minutes away from Ventnor by car, so there’s no reason to miss out!
Perhaps you’d like to have a glass of wine after your lunch at the trout farm. Head on over to our local winery, the Phillip Island Vineyard & Winery. Many varietals are on offer here, from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Shiraz and Cabernet Merlot. They even offer a special Riesling dessert wine. The local climate is quite well suited to growing many varieties of grapes. Depending on how much time you want to spend at the vineyard, consider booking your holiday rental home nearby.
Though Ventnor is less than 150 km SSE of Melbourne, we enjoy a milder climate here. In the hot months of January and February, we typically see daytime high temperatures in the 23.5 degree Celsius range. During the winter, in June through August, nighttime low temperatures dip to 6.5 – 7.5 degrees Celsius. No problem – pack some warmer clothes for the winter nights, and ask for a holiday rental home with a fireplace, if that suits your fancy. Winter or summer, Ventnor and Phillip Island make a welcoming holiday destination.
Holidaymakers coming from the United Kingdom to Ventnor will find the trip splendidly simple to arrange.
• Book your holiday rental accommodation as far in advance as is practical. As we mentioned, this is a great holiday spot and prime locations could get filled early.
• Book your airfare from London to Melbourne. You will find yourself spoiled for choice in this respect. All major air carriers have multiple daily departures to Melbourne from all of the London metropolitan area airports.
• Hire a car in Melbourne. Ventnor is roughly 2 hours away, via the town of San Remo. Cross the bridge onto Phillip Island and you’re nearly home!
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about your new home away from home, Ventnor, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia. We’ll be waiting for you to arrive!
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