The Australian GP was then held at Eastern Creek for six successive years from 1991 to 1996, before returning to Phillip Island in 1997 where it has since remained. That Australia has produced so many stars of two-wheel racing, such as Gardner, Mick Doohan, Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Casey Stoner, is a testament to the country’s rich motorcycle racing heritage.
Australia’s largest city Sydney, in addition to places such as Adelaide, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth and the huge, remote Australian outback are all incredible holiday destinations. One could travel for months and only scratch the surface, with ancient Aboriginal culture beautifully contrasting the modern spirit of this relatively young nation.
The State of Victoria is home to the cultural urban hotspot of Melbourne, rated by some as the world’s most-liveable city. Phillip Island, meanwhile, sits 140km (87 miles) southeast of Melbourne, making it an easy drive to and from the city.
Prepare to take in the vastness of the country, the warmth of the ‘Aussie’ welcome, the diversity of the local wildlife, the seemingly endless coastal beauty and the vibrancy of the major cities.
If you want to stay on Phillip Island itself, or in the immediate area, there are plenty of options to suit most budgets. Remember to book early, because even though local businesses are accustomed to the influx of big crowds at peak times the best places do fill up fast.
Whether you are staying on Phillip Island or on the mainland, including San Remo, the small town which is adjoined to the island by a 640m bridge, this is a popular part of Australia to visit and there are a vast range of options available from apartments and cottages to rent, bed & breakfast style accommodation, camping and caravan parks, hotels and motels.
Indeed, Phillip Island sees a large numbers of tourists each year, so visitors are amply catered for in the main town of Cowes, or smaller places such as Rhyll, Newhaven and Cape Woolamai.
Victoria has some of Australia's best seafood and the ubiquitous Aussie BBQ often features fish and shellfish, as well as burgers or snags (sausages).
There are some fine Australian wines and most barmen can recommend you the perfect Aussie tipple. When it comes to beer in this part of the world the main local brews are VB (Victoria Bitter) or Carlton Draught, as well as an outstanding 'micro-brewery' scene, that has beer fans celebrating a number of unique variations.
When visiting Australia much of your time here may be spent on the road, given the size of the country. There are major differences in terms of local geography and climate, with Melbourne and Victoria being colder and often windier than more northern parts of Australia.
Australians love the great outdoors but the effects of the sun can be stronger here than other countries, so remember your sunhat, even in the cooler temperatures at Phillip Island.