Keen city cyclist Paris Pollock and his partner sample the Phillip Island coastal bike trail and find plenty to like and a few niggles.
By Paris Pollock
Here are my thoughts on the experience of biking on Phillip Island:
Next time we are down I’m keen to explore further, especially crossing to the mainland and taking the trail to Wonthaggi and around the place.
The figures:
The circuit was 42 kilometres and Paris and Shelley were on the road for just under two and a half hours.
Here are my thoughts on the experience of biking on Phillip Island:
- The sections along the coast and through nature reserves were serene and stunning.
- We saw lots of wildlife, mainly wallabies and birds.
- On Pyramid Rock Road corrugations made cycling uncomfortable, though not unmanageable. Though being passed by fast cars on a dirt road and getting covered in dust is never pleasant.
- Coming off the coastal trail onto Berrys Beach Road we experienced fast cars which was unpleasant.
- It would be nice to be able to continue to follow Watts Road to the Nobbies. As it was we were not keen to take Back Beach or Ventnor Road because of the high-speed traffic, so we didn’t get to the Nobbies, which was unfortunate because by that point we were keen for a warm drink and some food!
- Crossing Phillip Island Road at the Smiths Beach Road intersection felt dangerous.
- Getting between features (coast and nature reserves) on separated trails was nice for the safety, however not the most pleasant bit of riding being next to high-speed highways (loud road noise, pollution and lots of dead animals).
- Not being able to complete the trip as a loop of the island was frustrating.
- While not forced onto major roads, to visit key features of the island without backtracking left us on a narrow 100km/h road (Rhyll – Newhaven Rd). Due to the time of day we were only passed by five cars but this was still very unpleasant.
- It was frustrating not being able to access the coast and being forced onto Back Beach Road past the GP circuit.
- Unfortunately the chip shop in Rhyll was closed – I was getting excited about that!
- Scenic Estate Reserve is very special but could use better signage from the road. We missed it on the way in (thought it was a driveway).
- The key cutter in the Cowes Mitre 10 was super friendly and helpful – the man saved the trip!
Next time we are down I’m keen to explore further, especially crossing to the mainland and taking the trail to Wonthaggi and around the place.
The figures:
The circuit was 42 kilometres and Paris and Shelley were on the road for just under two and a half hours.
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