When you’re travelling you’ll encounter a lot of friendly people, maybe spend a night with them or even share a remarkable journey, although a lot of the time these people will live in foreign lands far from the place you call home, therefore it’s unlikely you’ll physically reunite. However in some circumstances, a bond you form with certain individuals you meet will be strong enough to ensure you go out of your way to meet again. In 2014 Hayley was backpacking across Europe with her buddy Rosa, within the first week of their trip at a hostel in the beautiful Spanish capital of Madrid, they found a mirrored version of themselves in the form of two Australians; Kirra and Kaisha. Although they only spent around 24 hours together the friendship was instantly magical, and as we sang our hearts out at a compact Karaoke bar on our last night after way too many sangrias, it was a unanimous feeling that this would not be the last time we see each other.

Fast forward two years, Rosa is in Melbourne 6 months after Hayley and within days we are all driving to Phillip Island, the homeland of their ‘Australian twins’. They greet each other with hugs as warm as the golden sun, a full embrace and squeals of excited children that they are together again. 

Throughout the next few days, not only will we witness just how similar Kirra and Kaisha are to Hayley and Rosa, but we will be shown around the gorgeous, hipster island they live on. Top of the list is watching the sunset on the beach, now this is magical wherever you are so arguably not something specifically unique to Phillip Island, however there are multiple beaches you can observe the sun melting away into the ocean, throw in a handful of friends, drinks and smokes (whatever takes your fancy) and the magic settles like dust in attic. A blissful first evening, and we should mention that this is an ideal city escape haven from Melbourne madness, just a two hour drive and you can breathe in the fresh air, exhale the city pollution that taints your lungs and kick off your shoes for an all natural sand massage.

A drive around the ‘Nobbies’ is a must, it’s a coastal route with views that boast themselves like an aired out peacock. Undeniable beauty is evident from a number of lookouts, you’ll notice a repetition of huge chizzled rocks, dramatically sculpting out of the island, consumed by waves with as much white froth as an Irish guinness. Wind gushes wildly, and the crashing high five of the sea on rock echoes continuously. An entire choir of nature, and us the observers.

En route to the Nobbies drive there is an unexpected attraction; penguins. Now although we’ve been informed that the penguins arriving daily is an entirely natural occurrence, we can’t help but feel it is somewhat spoilt at a circus like attempt of watching them, including a charge of $50. It will allow you entry to observe the waddling, fluffy birds upon their daily activity, however it’s a little odd to us that there’s now no way of watching this for free. We didn’t pay due to budget and in all honesty principals. But it is a huge attraction for many tourists so the option is available! 

COWES is the tourist strip of the island, littered with gift shops, restaurants and ice creams-as you’d expect. It is a small stretch, but pleasant and once you reach the end of the road you’ll find yourself facing the pier/jetty. (in the UK we would say pier but most locals refer to it as a jetty). There are picnic areas and a strip of beachfront, although definitely not the islands most impressive one, but perhaps the most popular. If you’re from Melbourne it might have too much of a ‘Kilda feel’ for your liking. In which instance we’d highly recommend hopping on a boat-hiring or touring-to see the secret and secluded sandy havens hiding away in the nooks and crannies of the island.

Fortunately, Kaisha’s boyfriend has his own boat (oh to grow up on an island!) and so he did the touring for us. The wind tugged at our hair as we rip curled through waves beach hopping, jetty jumping and even making friends with a local seal.

An ultimate chill out zone is evident on this beautiful island, all bad vibes must be left the other side of the bridge as the ora is breathing out pure happiness and serenity. Highlight recommended as a weekend getaway, or if venturing up the East Coast like us, a definite stop over is required!

Huge shout out to Kaisha & Kirra for being amazing hosts & guides, also to Doogy and Kristof!! You guys rock and we had the best time on the beautiful island you call home.

Next stop, Wilsons Promontory – our first National Park!

Jonny & Hayley 🙂