About

First walked by Bunurong/Boonwurrung Aboriginal people thousands of years before European arrival, Churchill Island (known in language as Moonar’mia) is located just off Phillip Island when first crossing the connection bridge at San Remo. Churchill Island Heritage Farm covers 50.7 hectares and has an important place in the history of the European settlement in Victoria and was the site of the first English garden complete with a crop of wheat established in 1801. Today, there are restored historic buildings from the 1860s and 1870s, established grounds, ancient Moonah trees, extensive wetlands, a visitor’s centre and a licensed café.

As a historic working farm, visitors can experience ‘hands on’ farming demonstrations reminiscent of a bygone era with sheep shearing, cow milking and working dog demonstrations run every day except Christmas day - all included in the entry fee. Carriage rides operate during school holidays and special events, weather permitting.

The Island forms part of the Churchill Island Marine National Park with the waters and mudflats surrounding Churchill Island listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Two island walking tracks offer magnificent views across Western Port Bay and provide excellent bird viewing opportunities (Cape Barren Geese, Royal Spoonbills, Pied Oyster Catchers, Ibis, Seagulls, Herons and Pelicans). There are also views to be seen of Tortoise Head and French Island as you follow the boardwalk. The whole island is heritage listed with Heritage Victoria and the historic buildings are classified by the National Trust. Churchill Island is easily accessible by an all-vehicle bridge from Phillip Island.

Our collection

Churchill Island Heritage Farm Collection (1978)

This collection of cultural objects, items and built-heritage forms the basis for the operations of Churchill Island Heritage Farm, which is located on Churchill Island in the Bass Coast region of Victoria. In 1801, during a survey of Western Port Bay, Lieutenant James Grant came ashore and built a cottage, cleared land and planted the first wheat and corn crops grown in Victoria. His plantings formed the first known European garden and was created using seeds provided by John Churchill. Today the working farm features a homestead, built by Samuel Amess who was a mayor of Melbourne and owner of the island in approximately 1872. The cottages and associated outbuildings were built by John Rogers in the 1860s and remain along with agricultural machinery, implements and tools, farm engines and dairy equipment, as well as a great many historical photographs. The collection is managed by Churchill Island Heritage Farm curator.

Themes: Shaping Victoria's Environment, Peopling Victoria's Places & Landscapes, Transforming and managing land and natural resources, Building community life, Shaping cultural and creative life