Phillip Island postcode history: Penguin parade, bridge, MotoGP and more
Phillip Island has been one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations for years. From the MotoGP to the penguin parade, here’s a look at postcode 3922.
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Known as one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, Phillip Island has a population of more than 10,000 people.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Bunurong people who based themselves around Western Port.
Phillip Island attracted European settlement on January 5, 1798 by George Bass, who named the island after Governor Arthur Phillip.
George Bass was the first European to visit Western Port.
He sailed down the coastline from Port Jackson in a whaleboat.
Seals followed the explorer’s voyaged, harvesting the animals on the Bass Strait islands and Seal Rocks near the Nobbies.
In 1842, the McHaffie brothers took out a lease on Phillip Island and grazed sheep in the area.
They lost all but 640 acres when the island was opened up for closer settlement between 1868-69.
Conditions proved harsh for settlers because of the lack of water so many left the island.
An edible flower plant called chicory was one of the few things that could grow in the harsh climate.
The island’s tourism industry started to boom almost immediately after settlement and the first hotel Isle of Wight opened in 1870 with regular ferry services beginning in 1878.
The penguin parade and motor racing begun in the 1920s which bought lots of visitors to the area.
Phillip Island locals Bern Denham, Bert Watchorn and Bert West first started leading visitors down to parade.
It cost five shillings to watch the creatures make their way back home after a day out at sea.
As the penguin parade grew in popularity, fences and viewing stands were built to ensure the penguins were kept safe.
In 1952 the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club opened up a circuit on private land adjacent to the south coast.
It went into decline in the 60s until it was bought by Len Lukey who resurrected the circuit.
Reconstruction work was done on the track in order to hold the 1989 MotoGP.
Since then, it has operated in the same spot, becoming a true Phillip Island icon.
The first bridge connecting to Phillip Island was opened in 1940 and the present bridge opened in 1969.
The new bridge allowed increased development as the old bridge was subject to strict load limits.
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Contact Brooke at brooke.grebert-craig@news.com.au