Phillip Island, Australia's favourite holiday playground, is jam-packed with exciting events and fresh experiences for the last month of summer. From the waterside action and family fun at the San Remo Channel Challenge (20 February) and the on track thrills of the FIM Superbike World Championship (26 - 28 February) to the monthly Park Run on Churchill Island and the gourmet delights and local produce at the Churchill Island Farmers' Market, there are events to keep the whole family entertained. Visitors can work up an appetite with a stand up paddle, windsurfing or traditional surfing experience with new water sports operator, SUP Windsurf and then make a beeline to the delightful Sweetly; a new ice-cream and gourmet goodie store in San Remo, the Cheeky Goose Café; a great new family friendly restaurant in Cowes or the recently opened Churchill Island Café.
Here is a just a taste of some of the freshest highlights waiting to be discovered on Phillip Island this summer:
31st San Remo Channel Challenge, Saturday 20 February
The iconic San Remo Channel Challenge is Victoria's premier Aquathon event where the swim and run event is the highlight of an exciting day-long family festival. While the athletes challenge it out in the 550 metre swim and 2 kilometre run (from 11am), the town of San Remo comes to life with children's rides, market stands, food vendors, the ever popular 'Hole-in-One" golf challenge, a fashion parade by Full Circle Surf, live music and more.
FIM Superbike World Championship, 26 – 28 February
Motorbike enthusiasts flock to the Island to see everyday Superbikes; the kind many of the spectators might own, speeding around one of the finest race tracks in the world. The spectacular Phillip Island Circuit has one of the highest average speeds of any circuit in the world, making for exciting viewing for punters. The off track action includes an Expo where all the latest motorcycles and accessories are on show, a Kids Super Zone with rides and activities and more. W: http://worldsbk.com.au/world-sbk-home
Park Run on Churchill Island
Every Saturday at 8am runners meet at the Churchill Island Café before setting off of the scenic five kilometre track around beautiful Churchill Island. The group rejuvenates after the run with refreshments in the Churchill Island Café, making it a perfect event for experienced runners or beginners looking for a social vibe.
W: http://www.parkrun.com.au/phillipisland/course/
Churchill Island Farmers' Market & Churchill Island Café
Held outside the Churchill Island Visitor Centre from 8am until 1pm on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Churchill Island Farmers' Market showcases the bounty of locally grown fresh produce and gourmet delights from Churchill Island, Phillip Island and surrounds. The recently reopened Churchill Island Café with its tempting and ever changing seasonal menu is open from 9am and is the perfect place to unwind after a morning of shopping.
W: http://www.visitphillipisland.com/event/churchill-island-farmers-market/ and http://penguins.org.au/attractions/churchill-island/
SUP Wind Surf
Founded by board-sports enthusiast, professional windsurfer and master instructor, Jonathon Bouillir, SUP Wind Surf offers classes in Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), windsurfing and surfing for any level of water sport experience. Lessons are conducted in private or small groups and are tailored to individual goals whether it be getting up for a first wave or refining already mastered techniques. W: www.supwindsurf.com.au/#surfingisourlife
Sweetly
Sweetly, a delicious new ice-cream and gourmet goodies retailer in San Remo, stocks tempting ice-cream and sorbets made by Prom Coast in South Gippsland along with a selection of other tasty morsels including gourmet candy, hand crafted popcorn, nuts, spreads, dessert sauces and more. Sweetly is the creation of Louis, a passionate 26 year old who has always relished his time holidaying in San Remo and has now left the corporate world to bring an extra touch of sweetness to the area. W: www.sweetlysanremo.com
Cheeky Goose Café
Adding to the list of family friendly dining options in Cowes, the Cheeky Goose Café recently opened its doors. Located in the former St Marys Church which has been lovingly restored and features a deck area, Cheeky Goose Café offers a delicious menu of seasonal meals, homemade cakes, great coffee and local wines. Visitors can also select culinary delights from the great range of gourmet retail products. W: www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/cheeky-goose-cafe/ and https://www.facebook.com/cheekygoosecafe
Check out the official tourism site http://www.visitphillipisland.com and follow Phillip Island on social media via @phillipisland on Instagram and Twitter and https://www.facebook.com/Friendsofphillipisland on Facebook
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