The Nobbies Centre
Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
The Nobbies Centre sits on the very Western tip of Phillip Island overlooking the wild waters of Bass Strait. It sits atop the cliff top giving a commanding view. The state of the art centre boasts the latest in technology in eco-tourism and wildlife displays.
In an Australian tourism first, cameras using defence technology allow you to zoom in to view the world's largest Australian Fur Seal colony. You can secretly observe the 20,000 strong colony as they frolic above and below the water. The cameras allow you to zoom on the bird life nesting on the cliffs and to take your own photos. From an accessibility point of view this technology allows people with disabilities to enjoy the same experience in a truly inclusive environment.
Large plasma screens run mini presentations on the native marine and bird life and regularly beam live footage from the seal rocks.
A further highlight of a visit to the Nobbies centre is the boardwalk that winds its way around the cliff face. This boardwalk is accessible to wheelchair visitors and gives spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the famous Blowhole.
Accessibility Features
Visitors Centre
On entering the centre drive up to the building. There are three disabled car parking spots on the right hand side of the main building nearest the observation area and outdoor picnic tables.
The Centre is entered nearest the road in. Inside the centre there is a gift shop, cafe, accessible toilets and the interactive interpretative centre nearest the main panoramic windows. The three levels of the building are all access by ramps, the entry to cafe area on the left hand side and from the cafe to information centre on the right hand side. The information centre has a wealth of information of the local marine and bird life as well as the controllable "Seal Cams" Entry to the centre is free but there is a charge for the use of the cameras.
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Outdoor Observation Deck
Adjacent to the car park is the outdoor observation deck. The deck is equipped with telescopes that are coin operated. There is a specially designed telescope allowing use by people in wheelchairs. This observation deck gives a great view over Seal Rocks and on to Flinders on the far side of the entrance to Western Port Bay.
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The Boardwalk
The entrance to the boardwalk is next to the outdoor observation deck. It winds around the cliff to the left to give spectacular views of the rugged Bass Strait coastline below. Following it around to the end will give views right down the Island's coast to the east and on a clear day a view across to Wilsons Promontory. At the end of the boardwalk you will be rewarded with a view into the famous blowhole which can be quite awe-inspiring when there is a swell running in Bass Strait. The maximum gradient on this boardwalk is 1 in 14 and there are frequent level resting points during these grades. Taking your time is not a hindrance as it gives time to take in the native bird life on the cliff face. About half way along the boardwalk there is a second path which doubles back and descends. This boardwalk takes you to a lower observation deck affording a closer view of the seals and bird life. It requires retracing back to the main boardwalk. It does continue to form a circuit but ends in stairs back to the visitor centre.
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Location
Phillip Island is a 90 minute drive from the centre of Melbourne via the Monash Freeway and the South Gippsland Highway. Once on the Island the The Nobbies is clearly sign posted. Follow the back beach road to the far western end of the island. For further details see their web site
Map courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks