Is Phillip Island the new Daylesford?

-Dee Farrell, Rainbow Tourism Concierge, visits Melbourne's backyard.

From trendy restaurants and boutique shopping to new vineyards and cooking schools, there’s more to do than photographing sleeping koalas, spotting seals and stalking little fairy penguins…

Phillip Island is famous for its nightly parade of little penguins, secluded beaches, exquisite sunsets, and magnificent flora and fauna. 

While there’s no such thing as a vibrant scene, gay and lesbian visitors are increasing as local operators spread the word that yes, there is more to do here than in Daylesford. 

I was definitely surprised by the variety of activities available. Besides those PC little penguins (you can’t call them fairies any more!) there are magnificent walking tracks amongst the mangroves and plenty of chances to get nose to nose with wildlife.  Other “musts” include visiting the wineries, enjoying good food at Chicory Restaurant, relaxing at a well-appointed B&B like Spice Island, or catching the sunset from your private deck at MistiBlue.

 I was attracted to  Phillip Island by Peter, the mastermind behind Chicory Restaurant, after he described his wine list, fresh seafood selections, and bragged about the kaffir lime and lemon tart. My mouth was watering for days in anticipation.  I drove down on Thursday (closed on Wednesday), and was disappointed that there was no barramundi available that evening.  So I went with the chef’s speciality, smoked quail with Chinese herbs and namjin dressing. Coupled with the recommended wine – a new release Purple Hen Merlot - I had a thumbs-up dining experience for under $75 for two!

Painted in a Café Noir, Chicory Restaurant is bright by day yet by night is glowing with the magic and romance of subdued lighting and candlelight.  The venue also presents various regional artists from the local Mignara Gallery.  Chicory is vying to be a venue during the Jazz Festival (first week in October), so if music is your dessert, put it in your diary.
 
Phillip Island is a great escape for two or more nights.  One time you can try Spice Island and the next stay at MistiBlue on the bay in your choice of the charming elevated studio or one of the cottages in the tropical garden setting at the rear of the property. 

Spice Island offers the ultimate in contemporary studio accommodation.  There are three distinctive units, called Sage, Chili and Lime. I loved being treated to all the touches of a 5 star city hotel in a nature-based rural retreat.  Run by former caterers who want to start a cooking school by springtime, the husband and wife team obviously love colour, spice and fine art. Their attention to detail is carried through to the tapas served in the loft breakfast nook at your pre-selected breakfast time- anytime before your late checkout.  How sensible!

I had a great introductory visit…lesbian and gay-friendly accommodation, white table cloth restaurant, self-indulgent shopping, award-winning wineries - all in an exceptional setting by the bay.  I’ll be back!

Melbored?  Need to get closer to nature?  Why not find yourself in the new gay-friendly mecca on quiet Phillip Island.

Quick Facts:

Getting there

Drive 2 hours south on the M1 in non-peak traffic.  Slip away by 3pm some Friday and head for the principal hub of Cowes.  You can also get there by V-line  or bus for a lot less than a tank of petrol.

Action attractions

• Walking and cycling tracks
• Grand Prix races
• Surfing & fishing
• Cruising (the eco kind)
• Cellar door tastings.
• Don’t miss Silver Waters and Purple Hen vineyards set by the bay.
• Phillip Island Tours

Rainbow places & people

• Chicory Restaurant (115 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Ph: +61-3-5952-2655) for those serious about food and passionate about wine; operates Thursday to Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Tuesday for dinner from 6pm - late.
• MistiBlue by the Bay, a women-owned, charming B&B for the entire G&L community. 

            “There is a little community down there but it is well hidden. Most people go down to the island to ‘escape.” 

–  Peter Stephenson, Chicory Restaurant co-owner and President of GLOBE in Melbourne.

            “This seaside destination is an ideal gay/lesbian retreat. Bring nothing but your romancing/getaway gear.”

– Cheree Dyson, owner, MistiBlue-by-the-Sea B&B.