This was our first destination. Well, it became our first destination because we were late for our first activity, which was supposed to be the Seal Rock Cruise. Good thing that the Seal Rock Cruise staff allowed us to move the booking to the next day. This is why I mentioned in 1 of the 15 trip planning tips that you should avoid making schedules close to your arrival flight.
From Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Airport, Victoria to Churchill Island, Victoria
Because it was my first time driving here, it took us 30 minutes longer. We left Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne around 12noon and reached Churchill around 2:30pm. Drove a total of 150++ kilometers.
87kms left! Wohoo!
What is Churchill Island Heritage Farm about?
Churchill Island, just off the coast of Phillip Island holds an important place in the history of European settlement in Victoria. The site of the first European agricultural pursuits in Victoria, the island has been farmed since the 1850's and in 1872 was purchased by Samuel Amess, former Mayor of Melbourne.
This tiny island of 57 hectares is now open to the public as an historic working farm that boasts significant natural and cultural values with world-class wetlands, ancient Moonah trees, heritage gardens and historic buildings.
Welcome sign!
Activity Schedule:
11.00am Cow Milking
1.00pm Wagon Rides
2.10pm Cow Milking
2.30pm Blacksmith
3.00pm Working Dogs
3.15pm Sheep Shearing
3.30pm Whip Cracking & Boomerang Throwing
Gated farm entrance where you have your tickets scanned
Boo! We missed it :|
Too bad we missed Cow Milking. When we arrived there, Working Dogs was just about to start.
Before this, I've only seen these working dogs in movies. Basically, a working dog is a type of dog that is not merely a pet but learns and performs tasks to assist and/or entertain its human companions, or a breed of such origin. In Australia and New Zealand a working dog is one which has been trained to work livestock, irrespective of its breeding.
For the working dogs in Churchill Island, they are considered Herding dogs. Herding dogs are still invaluable to sheep and cattle handlers around the world for mustering; different breeds are used for the different jobs involved in stock work and for guarding the flocks and herds. Modern herding dogs help to control cattle and wild geese in parks or goats used for weed control. A well trained dog can adapt to control any sort of domestic and many wild animals.(Source)
A working prop inside the Churchill Island Farm compound
It's harder than it looks. Sheep Shearing requires specialized skill so that they are shorn efficiently without cuts or injuries to the sheep and shearer. If shearing is not carried out skillfully, it is stressful to the sheep. (The above video is not mine but it's similar to what I took.)
After the sheep shearing, we went to watch the boomerang throwing activity and the whip cracking one. Throwing a boomerang is not the same for left hand and right hand people. If you're right hand, aim your boomerang at the 1-o'clock position then throw. If you're left handed, aim your boomerang in the 11-o'clock position. If you want to learn more about Boomerang throwing, I attached a PDF file below.
How to Throw a Boomerang
Bison roaming around the field
Admission Fee:
Adults (16yrs+) $10.60
Children (4-15yrs) $5.30
Australian Pensioner(ID required) $7.40
Family (2A +2C) $26.50
You can save money by purchasing the 3 park pass. This includes entrance to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Koala Conservation Center and the Penguin Parade.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm is under the management of Phillip Island Nature Parks.
How to go there by Car:
Churchill Island (off Phillip Island) is an easy 90 minute drive from Melbourne. Travel along the Monash Freeway (M1) away from Melbourne and turn off at the South Gippsland Highway exit. Continue travelling on the South Gippsland Highway (M420) and follow the signs for Phillip Island onto the Bass Highway (A420). At the Anderson roundabout, turn right onto the Phillip Island Tourist Road (B420). At San Remo, cross the bridge onto Phillip Island. Follow the signs to reach the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm or the Nobbies Centre. These attractions are no more than a 10-15 minute drive from each other.
| Address | Churchill Island |
| Town | Newhaven |
| State | Vic |
| Postcode | 3922 |
| Country | Australia |
| Telephone | 61 3 5951 2800 |
| Facsimile | N/A |
| Website | www.penguins.org.au |
| Email Address | contactus@penguins.org.au |
Thanks to Globe Bridge Data Roaming Unlimited! I was able to work, tweet and facebook even while I was in Australia!
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Cheftonio
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