Five great reasons for a winter escape in Phillip Island

JUST over 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is an ideal place for a romantic weekend getaway with a selection of cosy accommodation, great restaurants with open fires and outdoor activities to blow away the winter blues.

And don't forget to take advantage of the Rhyll Winter Escape Package for just $395 per couple for a two night getaway. The Rhyll Winter Escape Package includes two nights luxury B&B accommodation at Oak Tree Lodge, gourmet breakfast daily, a 20% discount on dinner at The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant, a 10% discount on a bottle of wine and cheese platter at Purple Hen Winery, 50% discount on the new Wild Oceans Eco Boat Adventure to Seal Rocks ($42.50 per person) and 20% off the Ultimate Penguin Tour at the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade ($69.15 per person). The Rhyll Winter Escape Package is available until 31 August, 2015. Bookings can be made directly with Oak Tree Lodge on 03 5956 9090 or via www.oaktreelodge.com.au. Oak Tree Lodge is in the sleepy Phillip Island village of Rhyll and has luxurious self contained accommodation and cosy open fires all wrapped up in beautiful, English garden surrounds. A lovingly restored period home, Oak Tree Cottage features contemporary mod cons including king and queen size beds, complete kitchen, washer and dryer as well as an outdoor setting, the perfect place to take in the picturesque natural surrounds on a crisp mid winter's morning.

There are plenty of reasons for couples to take a short break to Phillip Island this winter including:

The Cape Kitchen: The Cape Kitchen opened its doors to food lovers in early 2015 and has been enjoying rave reviews ever since. Showcasing the best local produce in its changing breakfast and lunch menu and nestled in its picturesque waterfront location, it’s an ideal location for some warming winter indulgence. What: Newly opened waterfront restaurant showcasing the best local product in its breakfast and lunch menu Where: 1215 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, Phillip Island How: For bookings and inquiries phone 03 5956 7200

The Shearing Shed Located on the outskirts of Cowes, Phillip Island, this original 1950s shearing shed has been transformed into a beautifully rustic restaurant with a cosy open fire place and a unique menu of seasonal flavours and sustainable ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden and from local producers. Featuring a delicious selection of Phillip Island’s premium produce complemented by an extensive wine list and great service, it’s an ideal location for a romantic meal this winter. What: A restaurant featuring local flavours housed in a former 1950s shearing shed When: Open for dinner (from 5pm) on Thursday to Sunday and for lunch (from 12noon – 3pm) on weekends Where: 116 Gap Rd, Cowes, Phillip Island How: For bookings please phone 03 5952 3928 or visit www.theshearingshed.com.au

Wild Ocean EcoBoat Adventure Tour This winter, thrill seekers can sign up for a Wild Ocean EcoBoat Adventure Tour which weaves its way beyond the island’s shores on a high speed tour of the rugged coastline. Adventurers can expect encounters with the local Australian fur seal colony at Seal Rock along with spectacular views of the Summerland Peninsula’s cliffs and the explosive blowhole at The Nobbies. From June through to September nature lovers also have the added possibility of a breathtaking close encounter with migrating humpback, orca and killer whales. The Wild Ocean EcoBoat Adventure Tours run for 60 and 90 minutes and prices start at $85 per adult. What: A thrilling, off shore EcoBoat tour of Phillip Island rugged coastline and its inhabitants When: Tours run year round departing 3:00pm daily from Cowes Pier How: For bookings and more information visit www.penguins.org.au or phone 03 5951 2800.

Exceptional Phillip Island Tours Exceptional Phillip Island Tours, a brand new luxury tour company, offers travellers an insider’s perspective to Victoria’s natural holiday playground, with bespoke guided tours that go off the beaten tourist trails to uncover the region’s hidden treasures. Small groups of up to 10 people travel in a spacious Mercedes minibus, embarking on scenic adventures through the island farmland and along spectacular coastlines, stopping off to discover delicious local produce right from the source. Guests can request a personalised tour to suit their individual interests, ensuring each trip is unlike any other. What: Individually tailored, small group tours with passionate, local guides When: Tours run daily Where: Across Phillip Island How: For bookings and inquiries visit www.exceptionalphillipisland.com.au

Phillip Island’s Walking Trails Phillip Island is also an ideal destination to explore on foot with picturesque walking trails to be found in every direction. Walkers can meander along cliff top tracks and coastal boardwalks or hike to the historic beacon at Cape Woolamai and venture inland to discover the mangroves and mudflats of the island’s world renowned wetlands. What: Scenic walking trails abound across the Island When: Phillip Islands’ walking trails are accessible throughout the year How: For more information visit www.penguins.org.au

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Scott Podmore

Award-winning writer, editor, photographer, videographer and owner of October Grey Media. Specialising in travel and lifestyle content and a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Has contributed regular content for the NewsCorp stable of newspapers and magazines, TravelTalk mag, The Departure Lounge and many more publications in Australia and internationally. Follow on Twitter & instragram #scottpodmore

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