Phillip Island
Check out this surreal landscape… it's like an alien planet.
You wouldn't think this was once part of an island paradise. But then, Phillip Island is a place of extremes.
It lies just six kilometres south of Norfolk Island. The coastline is made up of sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops jutting hundreds of metres above the pounding surf.
We find a little inlet, and I'm off to explore. My guide Karlene Christian promised she'd show me the ropes.
The rope climb isn't as daunting as it looks, but you do need to be reasonably fit to explore this tough terrain.
And the rewards are right at the top. Check it out, it is a magnificent view.
The interior of Phillip Island is a desert. The roots of pine trees grasp at thin air. But it wasn't always like this…
In days gone by it was recorded that there were no fewer than 150 pine trees and long grass so it was fairly well timbered.
That was in the days when Norfolk Island was a penal colony. Pigs, goats and rabbits were released here as sport for the officers, and food for the convicts.
The animals on the island ate everything, leaving the topsoil vulnerable to the elements. So today, what you see is what you get.
By the mid 1800s there were no goats or pigs left on the island, but the rabbits weren't eradicated until 1988, but you can see behind me that the rejuvenation process has already started.
Plants have to be hardy to survive here.
Between gusty winds, ocean swells and feral animals, it's easy to see why Philip Island has such a problem with erosion.
Phillip Island is a rugged reminder to look after our environment - or lose it. Thankfully - thousands of seabirds now flock here each summer to breed. A great sign that the island is slowly coming back to life.
Charter Marine took me to Phillip Island for a truly unique day. For more information about this incredible environment, give Mike a call or take a look at their website.
Charter Marine's boat is powered by a Yamaha 200 Saltwater Series. For info on all Yamaha-motor products, visit yamaha-motor.com.au
While on Norfolk
- we stayed at the Governors Lodge. Cottages start at $300 and
include a full breakfast for 2. Phone their 1800 number for
more details.
