130 km south east of Melbourne. This island is reached by way of a bridge from the mainland. It is popular with holidaymakers from Melbourne, and renowned for its wildlife. The big attraction here is the celebrated Penguin Parade. This is conducted with some dignity by dozens (sometimes hundreds) of fairy penguins every evening at Summerland Beach in the south-west of the island. The spectators, alas, are not always so dignified; and at weekends the crowds can be large, over-regimented and the whole thing becomes something of a farce. Try when it’s quieter.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to see and do on the island. There’s swimming and surfing on the southern beaches; Cape Woolamai, in the south-east, has a walking trail; and here you can also see colonies of mutton-birds. These birds migrate from across the Pacific (Japan, Alaska), but it’s claimed that they always arrive here precisely on 24th September. Also near here you can see colonies of seals at the rocks off Point Grant, there are popular tours available during the morning. And if you haven’t yet, visit the Koala Conservation Centre (www.penguins.org.au/attractions/koala-conservation-centre; open 10am – 5 pm daily, entry fee), where of course you can get up close and personal with one of Australia’s native cuties. There is also whale watching during migration season that begins in June. Humpback whales and Southern Right Whales can be seen off the coast, and there are boat and helicopter tours available from the island. You can keep up to date with the current sightings on the Phillip Island Visitor Information website here (www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/whale-watching) and check out their exciting map.

The island’s main town is Cowes, in the north. Here you can hire a bike on Thompson Avenue. (The only public transport is the tour bus to the Penguin Parade). From Cowes you can take boat trips to French Island and the seal colonies; and there’s also a ferry across to the Mornington Peninsula.