The Victorian hometown of the Hemsworths is experiencing a real estate boom
The human residents of Phillip Island – 10,387 at the last census – are decisively outnumbered by the 32,000-strong colony of little penguins that have made their home into a tourist mecca. At $57 million to build, the new Penguin Parade Visitor Centre is a sight flasher than most of the island’s housing stock, which tops out around $2 million for a beachfront property.
And, there’s plenty more to this rugged, windswept 101 square kilometres on Western Port, 140 kilometres south of Melbourne than its hordes of flightless aquatic birds and being the hometown of the Hollywood’s Hemsworth brothers, Chris and Liam.
COVID-19 may have put a temporary stop to the tourist coaches bringing in mostly international visitors but the sunset penguin parade continued regardless.
Phillip Island Nature Parks is the most popular wildlife tourist destination in Victoria – it drew 740,000 visitors in 2018, before the relocation and revamp of the visitor centre – but any tourist who wanted to get off the penguin track would soon realise the island is home to bustling towns, cafes, stunning beaches and a rugged hinterland mostly devoted to farming.
“To be honest, no one really noticed the lack of penguin tourists during COVID as they get bussed in and out and don’t make much impact on the island,” agent Kristien Formosa, of Ray White Phillip Island, says. “But the pandemic has certainly supercharged the real estate market. Areas that were hard to shift are going quickly.”
Scott Lethbridge, of Garth Lisle Property Consultants, says the island’s lure lies in the way it has kept its laid-back beach vibe despite the modern services and amenity.
“Each township still has its own characteristics,” he says. “San Remo has a good mix of shops and it’s really lively, Newhaven has a bit of an older-style demographic, Cape Woolamai has a real beachy vibe and Cowes is a growing township.”
Cowes took a blow 12 years ago with the closure of the hospital. The 2018 opening of the $6.5 million Phillip Island Health Hub, run by Bass Coast Health, helped redress the loss of retirees spooked by the nearest comprehensive medical facility being in Wonthaggi, about 45 minutes’ drive away.
Phillip Island welcomes newcomers of all ages, such as Oscar Fuccillo, an Italian who arrived six years ago.
“It was originally a journey like every other European backpacker but I found a job here and a girlfriend. It’s such a beautiful place. For anyone who loves outdoor activities and wild heritage it’s hard to beat,” says the manager of Isola Di Capri, the island’s pizzeria and authentic gelateria. “The island has definitely developed during my time here, but the community here is attached to the original lifestyle and they want to keep it that way.”
For sale in Phillip Island right now..
The views across lush green farmland across to the blue of Westernport Bay are incredible from this modern home custom-built to its location. The huge open-plan living area with a large entertainers’ deck, as well as the luxurious main suite with walk-in wardrobes and a stylish en suite, have been perfectly situated to maximise the aspect. Just five minutes’ drive into Cowes, this architectural haven feels like a whole world away.
Private sale
Agent: Ray White, Bec Anderson 0402 211 823
On the north of Phillip Island, between bustling Cowes and the sleepier village of Rhyll, hidden gem Silverleaves has one of the best beaches going, and this modern beach home is another hidden gem. The beautiful light-filled design includes intriguing touches such as a corrugated iron exterior, thatched ceilings and an antique slide servery, while multiple timber decks and living zones make living easy for the whole family or surfing posse.
Private sale
Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Brian Silver 0407 347 509
