Churchill Island — Local services in Churchill Island

Churchill Island is a 50.7-hectare (125.3-acre) island in Western Port, Victoria, Australia. It is connected by a bridge to Phillip Island. It is the site of the first European garden in Victoria. It contains a working farm, cottages dating from the 1860s and a homestead dating from 1872, all fully restored and open to the public.The island adjoins the 670-hectare (1,656-acre) Churchill Island Marine National Park.The island is maintained by Phillip Island Nature Parks. In 1801, during the course of a survey of Western Port, Lieutenant James Grant had some of his convict crew fell some trees and build a blockhouse on Churchill Island. They cultivated a patch of soil and Grant planted seeds of wheat, corn, potatoes, peas, coffee berries, apples, peaches and nectarines given to him for the purpose of creating a garden "for the future benefit of our fellow men be they Countrymen, Europeans or Savages" by John Churchill of Dawlish in Devon, England. This was the first European garden and crop of wheat grown in Victoria. Samuel Amess, a former mayor of Melbourne, purchased the island in 1872 and built the substantial home that still stands today. The Boonwurrong people may have visited Churchill Island for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. Remains of stone foundations from two unknown buildings are also preserved on the island. The Churchill Island Marine National Park adjoins the island's western shore, and Western Port bay, in which the island is located, is listed under the...

Here's a review of Churchill Island:

A Hidden Gem in the Phillip Island Nature Park

Churchill Island is a tranquil and historic gem nestled in the Phillip Island Nature Park, Victoria, Australia. This charming island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and wildlife encounters.

Pros:

Pristine beaches and scenic walking trails Historic farm buildings and homestead Wildlife spotting, including wallabies, birds, and seals Guided tours and interactive exhibits Stunning views of the surrounding waters and coastline

Cons:

Limited accessibility for those with mobility issues Some areas may be closed due to conservation efforts

Highlights:

Exploring the restored 19th-century farm and homestead Taking a leisurely walk along the beach and spotting wildlife Enjoying a picnic with breathtaking views Learning about the island's rich history and conservation efforts

Tips:

Plan your visit according to the tide times for optimal beach access Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery Don't miss the guided tours for a deeper understanding of the island's history and...

I did a lovely walk on the North Loop. It's an easy walk with lots of spots to stop and soak in the views. It took me about 2 hours but I was taking it slowly. The track is well signposted.

The history of this island marks its name as Millowl of the Boon Wurrung language group and gives a history of its first English occupant, Lieutenant Grant. There is a cairn that marks where Grant's first house was and information about the garden he planted (wheat, barley, corn etc). The French planted a similar garden on French Island. It was a beautifully windy day with sun and light rain showers so it was good to have layers, a wind proof rain proof jacket and beanie along with short sleeves for the sunny moments! 4 seasons in one day weather for sure! I stopped for a delicious lunch in the cafe at the end of the walk. It's in the Churchill Island information centre. Overall, a...