Five gorgeous natural wonders to explore in Phillip Island

The swooping, dramatic cliffs of Cape Woolamai mirror the flight patterns of the vast numbers of seabirds that nest here during summer. An estimated 1 million short-tailed shearwaters (known on the island colloquially as muttonbirds) make Cape Woolamai their home during the summer months, and their descent into their nests among the dunes at sunset can be almost as dramatic as their black-and-white cousins' parade up the beach a few kilometres away. The shearwaters travel more than 16,000 kilometres from their northern hemisphere nesting place in Alaska to get to Cape Woolamai, so surely you can make the journey of a few hours to visit. The cape is the highest point on Phillip Island, with dramatic vistas out over the rough waves and a substantial beachfront the perfect place for calmer strolls. There are walks here for every kind of trekker, from short, flat jaunts through longer trails along the clifftops. Experienced surfers take to the enormous waves here, but the rough water is best left to those who know what they're doing. 

The north shore of Phillip Island holds a wild secret, with kilometres of mangrove swamp, saltmarsh and other wetlands to explore. The area is protected under the Ramsar Convention's list of Wetlands of International Importance, which is very good news for the thousands of wading birds that make their home here in summer. Spoonbills, oystercatchers, herons, egrets and cormorants can all be seen here, making the most of abundant food and temperate climes. There are boardwalks throughout the wetlands, so you'll be able to go on short or longer walks through the mudflats and wetlands without disturbing the plants and animals that live here. If you've got a bit in the tank, climb the Conservation Hill Observation Tower and be rewarded with panoramic views of Rhyll Inlet Wetlands and nearby woodland reserves.

You can't actually walk on the eponymous rock, which is separated from the main island by a short expanse of ocean, but you'll be able to get a good eyeful from the viewing platform at the tip of the island. If you have a couple of hours to spare, it's well worth the trip doing the 5km return trip to Berrys Beach. The clifftop walk is mainly over wide, flat grassland, with few obstacles or steep climbs. The views out over the ocean are lovely, and you're all but guaranteed to see some curious wallabies nibbling the grass around you. You will also, definitely, see Cape Barren geese on your walk. In winter, eagle-eyed walkers might be lucky enough to spot whales off the coast. The Berrys Beach end of the walk is via the road, which will take you down to the beach carpark. If you wear your bathers (or you don't mind swimming in your clothes), you can have a dip here before making the return journey.

Make like a dancer in the ballet of the same name and pirouette your way along an easy 1.3km path to see lush vegetation and birdlife. There are two bird hides around the track, so you'll be able to catch a glimpse of some feathered friends unobserved, as long as you are quiet and patient. If you're lucky, you can see the titular black swans here, as well as swamp harriers, cormorants, purple swamp ens and more. The walk is an easy 40-minute return over flat trails and boardwalks, so it's plenty easy to navigate. The freshwater lake itself is a significant site for the Bunurong people, the Traditional Owners of Phillip Island. 

Not all of Phillip Island's natural wonders are on land. The Forrest Caves are stunning sea caves cut into the cliffs on the south side of the island by centuries of waves. The caves are only accessible from the beach at low tide, or you can see them from a boat tour around the island. The rock is a striking red, thanks to volcanic activity over millions of years. If you go exploring make sure that you keep an eye on the water, as the incoming tide can flood the caverns quickly. Experienced surfers will also love the monster waves that lap the caves, but the rough seas are best tackled only by those who know what they're doing.