Churchill Island
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Take care when driving on Phillip Island especially at dawn, dusk and at night when wildlife is most active. To report injured wildlife, call Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300. |
A visit to Churchill Island (located off Phillip Island) calms the mind, with wide-open spaces to wander and fresh air to breathe. Explore the historical grounds and farming activities, walk the bay trails soaking in the tranquil scenery and enjoying the bird watching huts, or relax on the deck of the café with a coffee or tea in hand. Book tickets to Churchill Island.
First walked by Boonwurrung/Bunurong Aboriginal people, Churchill Island now has an important place in the history of European settlement in Victoria. Lt. James Grant disembarked from the Lady Nelson in 1801 and named the island after the man who had given him seeds that he planted, making Churchill Island the site of the first European garden in Victoria, including the first site where wheat was grown.
Since the 1850s this fertile 57 hectare island has been continuously farmed and in 1872 when Samuel Amess, former Mayor of Melbourne, purchased the island for both holiday and farming use, he built a substantial house and outbuildings. Other families on the island have included the Pickersgills and Rogers and buildings from these island inhabitants still stand today.
The historical buildings and remnants of historical gardens are now a drawcard for tens of thousands of visitors a year. An historical curator cares for the historical collection, with support and assistance from FOCIS, the Friends of Churchill Island Society. The collection can be found catalogued on victoriancollections.net.au
Friends of Churchill Island Society
The Friends of Churchill Island Society (FOCIS) is a group of enthusiastic people passionate about the history and natural environment of Churchill Island.
FOCIS raises funds through tax deductible donations, and its primary purpose is to promote the movable cultural heritage of Churchill Island. FOCIS is on the Register of Cultural Organisations with the Australian Taxation Office and offers tax deductible receipts for all donations over $2.
FOCIS provides funding for a range of projects on Churchill Island in conjunction with the Nature Parks, and also holds working bees in the historic precinct. Detailed research on the history and historical artefacts on the island is carried out by FOCIS and can be found at focis.org.au
FOCIS welcomes new members, so please contact the secretary to express your interest, or if you have any queries.
Contact:
W: focis.org.au
E: [email protected]
The Farmhouse Kitchen is a cosy café featuring rustic decor and a warm atmosphere situated on Churchill Island.
The menu explores hearty traditional and classic favourites made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, with options for breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon tea.
The Kitchen brings back the nostalgia of a working farm and food that warmed the soul. The local surroundings offer family-friendly activities, lawn games, and features an outdoor seating area with picturesque views.
Please contact us here to make your booking.
Farmhouse Kitchen opening hours
Weekdays: 11 am–4.30 pm
Weekends: 11 am–5 pm
On Farmers Market Saturday 8 am–5 pm
View the Farmhouse Kitchen menu here
A 15% public holiday surcharge will apply on public holidays.
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Churchill Island boasts a range of walking and cycling trails free to enjoy, as well as daily farming activities and digital quests around the Heritage Farm. Come explore!
Join our Bandicoot Discovery Tour - returning in December 2024
WHEN: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
WHAT: Join our guides for a special walk on Churchill Island to meet the remarkable Eastern barred bandicoot. Discover a conservation success story as the Nature Parks researchers have reestablished a wild population of the bandicoots, a species once thought extinct in the wild. Arrive just before sunset for a unique wildlife experience. Through an interactive session with our guides, learn about the bandicoots and their incredible recovery program. Then, embark on an exciting spotlight walk to see wild bandicoots foraging and exploring their nightly habitat. This rare opportunity to view an endangered species is limited to just twenty (20) visitors per tour.
Things to do
Daily Activities Schedule
- 10.30 am Blacksmithing
- 11.15 am-12.15 pm Wagon rides (only on weekends, school holidays and public holidays, $7 per ticket)
- 2.10 pm Cow milking
- 2.30 pm Sheep shearing
- 2.45 pm Working dogs
- 3.00 pm Whip cracking
Plus, the kids' activity table in the Churchill Island visitor centre with the selection of colouring, dot to dot and word search activities.
What to bring
• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
• Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking
• Reusable water bottle (we have drinking fountains on-site)
• Insect repellent (we don't sell this in store so please bring your own with you)
• Snacks (our Churchill Island Cafe has a delicious range of breakfast and lunch items, but you may wish to bring your own snacks with you as well)
• Binoculars & a camera (to capture memories of your visit)
Walking Trails
• Churchill Island loop: 4.5kms – 2 hours – moderate
• North Point loop: 2kms – 1hour – easy
• Wadjil’garook Wetland: 1km inside the entrance. Follow the paths to learn about Aboriginal culture and view wetland birds.
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Ticket options
- Adult (16 years+) - $16.00
Child (4-15 years) - $8.00 (children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Family (2 adults and 2 children) - $40.00
Australian Pensioner (ID required) - $11.20
Discounts & Savings
Save with a 3 Parks Pass
Visit our Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm for a discounted price.
Valid pensioner cards
Pensioner ticket prices apply to Australian Pensioner Cardholders and Seniors Cardholders only. Card must be presented on entry.
Companion and Carer cards
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Visitors with a Victorian Carers Card are entitled to entry at the pensioner rate to all Phillip Island Nature Parks attractions. |
Student card
Unfortunately, we do not offer a student rate. Child tickets are valid for ages 4-15.
Health Care card
Unfortunately, we do not offer a health care card discount.
Farm precinct:
Daily 10 am–5 pm
Last entry 4.30 pm
Cafe:
Weekdays: 11 am–4.30 pm
Weekends: 11 am–5 pm
On Farmers Market Saturday 8 am–5 pm
Daily Activity Schedule:
10.30 am – Blacksmithing
11.15 am – Wagon Rides (only on weekends, school holidays and public holidays, $7 per ticket)
2.00 pm – Cow Milking
2.30 pm – Sheep Shearing
2.45 pm – Working Dogs
3.00 pm – Whip Cracking
Visiting the penguins? Check our penguin arrival calendar to see what time the Penguin Parade starts throughout the year.
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Churchill Island:
246 Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island, Newhaven 3925
How to get there?
By car: Phillip Island is located 90 minutes drive from Melbourne. Allow a further 10 minutes from the bridge to get to Churchill Island. Free car parking on site.
By bus: Public transport is limited on Phillip Island. V-line operates a bus to Phillip Island’s main town, Cowes, from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne city.
Please note that the V-line bus does not go to Churchill Island.
By taxi: Contact Phillip Island Taxis on 03 5952 2200 to arrange transfers on Phillip Island.
Tours and Transport: Contact a Visitor Information Centre in Melbourne or on Phillip Island for tours and transport options
Accessibility at Churchill Island
We are committed to offering an accessible and inclusive experience throughout Churchill Island and have a range of facilities for people of all abilities and sensory needs.
Visitors with Mobility needs
- Allocated parking spaces
- Disabled toilet facilities
- Smooth, hard-packed gravel paths with moderate gradient
- Variety of sealed rest areas provided throughout
- Pram and wheelchair parking at all farming activity stations
Visitors with Sensory needs
- We are a certified sensory-inclusive site for with professionally trained staff
- Sensory bags available, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards - these can be checked out for free by leaving an ID with our staff
- Weighted lap pads available - these can be checked out for free by leaving an ID with our staff
- Headphone Zones and Designated Quiet Areas
Look at Churchill Island's Social Story to help prepare for your visit
Access Keys:
Phillip Island Nature Parks' Access Keys help to provide increased access and inclusion for people of all abilities including those living with a disability (physical and invisible), cognitive impairment, anxiety, those living with a temporary disability, the ageing population, parents with prams and overseas visitors.
Visitors with Assistance animals
Phillip Island Nature Parks welcomes visitors who use assistance animals certified by a registered authority. Assistance animals must remain on designated paths and restrained by a harness or lead.
Companion and Carer cards
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Companion Card holders are entitled to one free of charge admission for all admission ticket types. Companion Card tickets cannot be purchased online and must be arranged in advance by phoning 03 5951 2830 or visiting one of our sites. Card must be presented on entry. Equivalent overseas cards are also valid. |
Visitors with a Victorian Carer 'We Care' card are entitled to entry at the Australian Pensioner rate to all Phillip Island Nature Parks attractions. Concession card must be presented on entry. |
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