Changes over time in tourism infrastructure on Phillip Island

By Tommyboi

  • First Hotel

    the first hotel the Isle of Wight opening in 1870 with the nearby Phillip Island Hotel

  • First Ferry Service

    The first regular ferry service began in 1878 making access much easier for visitors

  • The "guest house era began"

    visitors during this time could hire a horse-drawn vehicle and visit one of the many scenic ocean beaches or the small village of Rhyll

  • Golf Course created at the summer land peninsula

    Summerland penisula estate and golf course created

  • Motor Vehicle Racing began

    Motor racing, both car and bike began in 1928 with the circuit around the Island’s dirt roads. The Australian Grand Prix for cars was held for a number of years but the dust from the unsealed roads was a great problem and the major races moved elsewhere after 1938

  • First bridge was created

    On Friday, November 29th, 1940, the Premier Mr Albert Dunstan cut the ribbon and declared the first bridge open.

  • The First Car ferry

    The first car ferry, the ex Sydney ferry Killara began running in1933 and the first bridge was opened in 1940, greatly increasing the number of tourists visiting here

  • Opening of Modern bridge

    The present bridge was opened in 1969. This allowed increased development as the old bridge was subject to strict load limits. Tourists on large buses had to walk across the bridge and trucks were limited to 6 tons maximum.

  • Penguin parade building

    The Penguin Parade building was upgraded to include a new visitor centre, displays, boardwalks and viewing platforms.

  • Nature Parks created

    The current Phillip Island Nature Parks was created incorporating lands previously managed by the Shire and Department of Conservation and Environment. The buyback and removal of the houses on the Summerland Peninsula continued.

  • Summerland Estate buyback

    The completion of the Summerland Estate buyback was achieved.