A new updated guidebook has been released offering rides for cyclists on Phillip Island, in addition to walking trails.
Author and avid walker-cyclist Jeff Floyd has published “Phillip Island Walking and Cycling Guide”, which was first released last year featuring 12 day- or part-day walks, and the coast walk to Wonthaggi, as well as 33 maps with accompanying walking notes.
The new expanded edition has 10 day-rides, each with map and ride notes, ranging from 5km to 48km, and from easy to strenuous.
Phillip Island’s walk and rides are its “best kept secret”, says Jeff, adding his favourite rides are Pyramid Rock to Berrys Beach, and Cape Woolamai.
“People come from all over the world to walk the Great Ocean Road, yet here on the island it’s one of the best kept secrets, in comparison no one promotes it at all.”
The guide retails for $26.99 – available at the Cowes newsagents and the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre – with all sales and advertising after printing costs going to PICAL.
Inspiration
Jeff knows the island intimately, having been on the Nature Parks board for seven years – as well as chair for four years, while he retired as president of PICAL earlier this year.
Most days he rides or walks at least 10km, with his favourite short island walk from Pyramid Rock to Kitty Miller Bay because of its “stunning, sweeping views across the whole island”.
He’s currently in training for a walk in southern Poland.
“When I was young I would walk with the boy scouts and I’ve rediscovered the pleasure in the last 15 years. I tell my family to get off their screens and walk because it’s good for mental acuity and of course physical health.”
While other guides promote the stock standard routes around Phillip Island and the mainland, Jeff’s guide offers some hidden gems.
“The rail trail from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda is a great bike trail but not the best walking trail so instead I’ve included maps of unsigned Parks Victoria tracks all along the coast, which Parks Victoria has done nothing to map or promote.”