Churchill Island Melbourne
Discover a charming historic farm and tranquil nature reserve with stunning coastal views and engaging animal demonstrations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Churchill Island Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a charming historic farm and tranquil nature reserve with stunning coastal views and engaging animal demonstrations.
"A beautiful and peaceful place to visit with lovely walking tracks and plenty of wildlife."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your entry tickets in advance, especially for bundle deals.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around the farm, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Homestead
Main Farm Area
Step back in time at the beautifully preserved 19th-century farmhouse, showcasing colonial life.
Farm Animal Demonstrations
Farmyard
Witness engaging sheep shearing and cow milking demonstrations – a hit with all ages!
Scenic Walking Trails
Island Perimeter
Wander through peaceful gardens and coastal paths with stunning ocean views and wildlife spotting.
Highland Cattle
Pastures
Meet the adorable and majestic Highland cattle that roam the island's lush pastures.
Planning Your Visit
Island Escape: Plan Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your entry tickets in advance, especially for bundle deals.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around the farm, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch amidst the beautiful gardens or by the coast. Cafe available too.
📸 Capture the Charm
The historic buildings, animals, and coastal views make for fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your entry tickets in advance, especially for bundle deals.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around the farm, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch amidst the beautiful gardens or by the coast. Cafe available too.
📸 Capture the Charm
The historic buildings, animals, and coastal views make for fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🦘 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for wallabies and various bird species as you explore the island's natural beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Churchill Island for its peaceful atmosphere, historical charm, and engaging farm activities. The scenic walking trails and adorable Highland cattle are frequent highlights, making it a beloved spot for families and nature lovers. While the on-site cafe is noted as a bit pricey, the overall experience is highly rated for its relaxing and educational value.
"Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Churchill Island offers a very nice view and friendly staff. The highland cattle are adorable and add to the charm of the place. There are plenty of games to enjoy while waiting for the shows. During our visit, we played chess and watched the cow milking demonstration, which was quite interesting. They also have a sheep shearing show, but our group wasn’t interested in that, so we decided to skip it and head home."
Sujinda Jarubhat (CuteCuteChannel)
"Churchill Island in Phillip Island offers peaceful gardens, historic farmhouses, and scenic walking trails. It’s perfect for family outings, picnics, and learning about local history and nature in a beautiful setting.❤️😍👌"
Moditha Anushanga
"Churchill Island is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It has lovely walking tracks with views of the ocean and plenty of wildlife like wallabies and birds. The old farmhouse and buildings show what life was like in the past, and there are fun farm activities like sheep shearing and cow milking that kids will enjoy.
The island is clean, well-maintained, and easy to explore. There’s a café with tasty food, though a little expensive. Parking is easy, and the staff are friendly. Overall, it’s a great spot for a relaxing day with family or friends."
Naroju Naveenkumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Churchill Island is by driving from Melbourne, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It's located just off Phillip Island, connected by a bridge. Public transport options are limited, so a car is highly recommended.
Yes, ample parking is available at Churchill Island, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging. You would need to arrange transport to Phillip Island and then find local transport or a taxi to Churchill Island. Many visitors opt for self-driving tours.
Yes, Churchill Island is a small island situated just off the coast of Phillip Island and is connected by a bridge, making it easily accessible as part of a Phillip Island visit.
The best way to explore Churchill Island is on foot. The island is relatively small and features well-maintained walking trails that allow you to discover its historic farm, gardens, and coastal scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entry ticket is required to access the historic farm, demonstrations, and gardens. You can purchase tickets at the entrance or online.
Yes, bundle tickets that often include entry to the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island are available and can offer good value.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, entry to Churchill Island is considered reasonably priced, especially if purchased as part of a multi-attraction pass. Check the official website for current pricing.
Churchill Island typically opens daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
While you can walk around the island's perimeter and enjoy some views for free, access to the historic farm, animal demonstrations, and specific gardens requires a paid ticket.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the historic 19th-century homestead, engaging farm animal demonstrations (sheep shearing, cow milking), beautiful gardens, and scenic walking trails with ocean views.
Yes, Churchill Island hosts regular animal demonstrations, including sheep shearing and cow milking, which are popular with visitors of all ages.
Absolutely! Families with kids love Churchill Island for its interactive farm activities, adorable Highland cattle, and open spaces for them to explore.
You can often spot wallabies, various native birds, and sometimes even seals from the shore. The Highland cattle are also a major draw.
Yes, Churchill Island is a wonderful spot for a picnic. There are designated areas and beautiful scenery to enjoy your meal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers a selection of food and drinks. While tasty, some visitors note it can be a bit pricey.
The closest dining options are in nearby Cowes on Phillip Island, offering a range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. San Remo also has eateries.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option and is permitted at Churchill Island.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic homestead, the charming Highland cattle, the blooming gardens, and the scenic coastal lookouts offer fantastic photography opportunities.
Yes, the island's coastal views, rolling hills, and historic structures provide beautiful landscapes for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the farm, the open spaces and walking trails provide room for kids to explore, and the peaceful gardens are perfect for a family picnic. The historical aspect of the homestead can also spark curiosity. Consider purchasing a bundle ticket that includes other Phillip Island attractions for a full day of family fun.
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Walkers
The island's tranquility and opportunities for wildlife spotting – including birds and wallabies – make it a peaceful retreat. Pack a camera and binoculars to make the most of the natural environment. The combination of gentle exercise and beautiful surroundings provides a refreshing escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial Life
Beyond the homestead, the island actively brings history to life through engaging demonstrations. Witnessing the skill involved in sheep shearing or the traditional methods of cow milking provides a tangible connection to the island's agricultural heritage. These activities are not just educational but also entertaining, making history accessible and fun for all ages. The presence of Highland cattle, with their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats, adds to the rustic charm and historical ambiance of the farm.
Nature and Wildlife Encounters
Visitors often report spotting wallabies hopping through the fields and a variety of native bird species in the trees and along the shore. The gentle sounds of nature, combined with the picturesque vistas, make for a truly relaxing experience. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or pausing to take in the views, Churchill Island's natural setting is a significant part of its appeal, offering a tranquil escape from the everyday.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit