by Located on the southern coast of Victoria, Australia, Phillip Island remains one of the most eye-catching travel destinations with impressive natural facilities and wildlife. The Phillip Island Observation Tower also called the Conservation Hill Observation Tower is in the center of the beauty of the island. It’s the Phillip Island Observation Tower that makes the visitors adore this the more, which is the tallest building on the island and gives the most amazing 360 degree views of the islands landscapes including the coastal and wetland areas that are famous all over the world. The article discusses the structure in greater detail; its historical significance, construction, design, and what’s around it enabling you to converge better your time while at the site.
Historical Significance of Phillip Island
Phillip Island centers a riveting past integrating the European culture and the lands aboriginal ways. The island was discovered by explorers including George Bass in 1801 and was later named after Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales. There were pastoral farming activities on the island and agricultural endeavors were done due to the fertile lands. Gradually, Phillip Island developed to be a popular center for sights and tourism owing to its wealth of natural beauty, and wildlife.
Another notable aspect of Phillip Island history is its connection with Indigenous culture. The island has been inhabited by the Boonwurrung people for millennia. Their history is intricately linked to the history of the island. The island is also noted for some wildlife sites which are highlighted by the Seal Rocks which houses the most populous Australian fur seal colony and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade which welcomes loads of people to come as the little penguins are put into a parade every night to the beach.
The Conservation Hill Observation Tower
The Conservation Hill Observation Tower is one such structure that has been erected on the crest of the hill called ‘Conservation Hill’. This is a contemporary structure built for the sole purpose of enhancing the eye-striking features of the places found within Phillip Island. The structure also acts as a viewing platform for the panorama of the island from the calm Summerland Beach to the rough end of Cape Woolamai. The usage of such vision towers does not hamper the general layout and views of the structures of the island owing to active measures in construction.
History of the Observation Tower
Inaugurated in 2015, the Conservation hill observation Tower was constructed with the aim of improving eco-tourism in Phillip Island. The project, shared between the Bass Coast Shire Council and several private investors, concentrated further on construction of the tower. Aiming at achieving its goals, the construction incorporated green materials and green designs in order to reduce the amount of pollution that the tower would cause to the island.
The Boardwalks which are located along the perimeter of the observation tower run through the coastline wooded reserves capturing every inch of the Island and immersing the visitors into different unique habitats. Inside the tower are interactive displays that teach about various ecological aspects of the island including its birds, migratory waders and the abundant wetland biodiversity of the Island. These displays and informative tools assist the visitors in comprehending what the natural features of Phillip Island and valued by people and deserve protection against degradation.
Getting There
The Phillip Island Observation Tower may be very easily accessed, with many options available to the visitors. The island is linked to the continental mainland through the island bridge, hence is convenient by road. It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island through several beautiful places like San Remo. For those who depend on public transport, you can find buses that operate from Melbourne and connect you to Phillip Island, although it is advisable to have a car for more convenience.
When you get into the Island, drive down Phillip Island Road and reach Conservation Hill. There was plenty of signage so it was easy to see where the tower was, and there was a visitor car park. Coming up to the tower you get beautiful views over the bay as well as a few spots such as Cowes-Rhyll Road and Rhyll Inlet which are quite scenic.
Natural Features
Phillip Island is beautifully endowed with various features such as white sandy beaches as well as tree cover reserves. North shore of the island encompasses beautiful views of the bays and splendid beaches that include Summerland Beach and Smiths Beach. The inland areas of the island include beautiful foreshore, sand dunes and areas of paperbark forests. The island is also composed of different habitats such as rock pools as well as fresh water lakes. There is the same importance in the ecology of the island whereby it is bound to the international wetlands treaty protecting migratory waders and other birds.
Architectural Design
The tower with observation for Conservcation Hill is so well architectural designed in such a way that it incorporates both modern beauty and environmental factors. Tower is made of recyclable Steel and timber sourced from the site. Its upland deck has been properly crafted to ensure that it affords the best sweeping view of the landscapes of the island, from the calm farmlands to the wider landscape of Western Port.
The structure is also constructed in a manner that enhances the amenities for tourists, for example, the raised walkways that extend into the coastal woodland. These walkways protect the island’s natural environment while allowing its easy appreciation. The viewing platform is situated in a beautifully landscaped enclosure, which gets visitors relaxed as they view the beautiful landscape that includes Pyramid Rock and the lovely foreshore.
Nearby Attractions
There are plenty of other sights apart from the Observation Tower that Phillip Island has to offer. Apart from this, there is a wedding course including a heritage farm which illustrates primitive Australian agriculture. The Seal Rocks & fur seal colony views plus informative presentations are offered at the Nobbies Centre. Yummy other points are Pyramid Rock, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, beaches like Woolamai Surf Beach Flynns Beach. Every one of these has an addon to the island’s Description as a multifaceted tourist arena.
Panoramic Views from the Tower
Observatory Tower The Conservation Observation Tower is well known because it gives an extremely broad degree of architecture unparalleled in Phillip Island. From the visitor’s level, tourists relish many unprecedented sights of many parts of the giant including:
- Coastal Views: The tower gives climbers an exceptional chance of seeing the island’s coast including its hidden beaches and favourable barbeque points. People can look out and see the crystalline waters of Western Port and Bass Strait.
- Wood land Reserves: The observer’s footbridges also allow observing the most covered cooler coastal woodland of the island, the paperbarks, and sand dunes. These features are considered to be one of the factors in enhancing the beauty of the island.
- Farmland with views: The farm lands around the island are agriculturally useable and make the island calms more interactive as one can view more than just Brandon Bay views.
- Seal Rocks and Cape Woolamai: Views of Seal Rocks and even more impressive and wild views of Cape Woolamai are afforded to visitors due to the height placement of the tower that also increases the visitor experience with dramatic and adhoc views.
Conclusion
The Phillip Island Observation Tower is surely the centerpiece of the trip, decorated with incredible views and a certain degree of ecotourism policy. One must note that the structure’s innovative pacifying design and educational elements are key in appreciating the importance of the island. You might walk around the Conservation Hill to Rhyll area, go sight seeing, or visit other places like Churchill Island THe Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island is a place where no one leaves unsatisfied.
FAQ
When does Phillip Island Observation Tower open and when does it close?
The Phillip Island Observation Tower opens quite often from 9 AM to 5 PM most days. It is recommended to call or check the main page of the website in advance due to opening hours changes depending on the seasons or other particular events.
How do I go from Melbourne to Phillip island?
You may self drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island using Phillip Island road within approximately 90 minutes. Or choose the alternative option, which is Riding the bus to San Remo Island and using the local shuttle to the Island.
Is there an option to take guided tours of the Observation Tower?
Certainly, one can choose from several options for guided tours such as the Phillip Island Penguins Express Private Tour or the Phillips Island tours. These tours have very good coverage of the sites and natural tature of the island.
What is the proper clothing I should have on while on Phillips island?
Due to the unpredictable weather, warm clothing should be worn particularly during the cold months. Good walking shoes will also help in the walking tracks and the island’s beaches.
May I take pets into the Phillip Island Observation Tower?
Animals are generally not permitted in the Observation Tower and around Phillip Island Nature Park. Some areas may have certain conditions where you can bring certain pets so it is advisable to contact the site in advance.
