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Island Hopper, Issue #074,, Fall into Autumn
April 02, 2025

April 2025: Issue #074

Hello,

Welcome to Island Hopper! I hope you will discover lots about Phillip Island and the surrounding area.

Easter on Churchill Island

Easter is always a popular time on Phillip Island, and once again, all the Easter Fun is happening at Churchill Island.

Live music from Friday to Sunday with lots of activities such as a scavenger hunt, old-time games, working horses, wood carving and lots more.

There are also plenty of food and drink options available.

All the events are included in the entrance ticket for Churchill Island Heritage Farm (except for the wagon rides).

For the full program of events, click here:

Easter on Churchill Island

Working Horses at Churchill Island Easter Festival

History of Hot Cross Buns

We are all familiar with Hot Cross Buns at Easter.

The hot cross bun tradition as we know it, probably began in England. From there it spread to other Commonwealth countries as well as the United States.

As to the exact origins of the bun, some suggest there may be pagan references such as the Saxons honouring Eostre, the goddess of spring or light, with similar buns. The cross on the buns could represent the four seasons or the four phases of the moon.

Similar practices of baking and decorating cakes with crosses were observed by other ancient cultures, including the Druids, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, who honoured Diana, the goddess of the hunt and the moon.

But the bun we know is thought to have been first made by Thomas Rodcliffe, a 14th century monk at St Albans Abbey in Hertfordshire, England.

It is believed he baked spiced buns and delivered them to the poor on Good Friday, thus beginning the tradition of hot cross buns.

The cross on the buns came to symbolise the crucifixion, and the spices and fruits were seen as representing the spices used to anoint Jesus' body.

During the Tudor era in the 16th century, the London Clerk of Markets issued a decree forbidding the sale of spiced buns except on Good Friday, Christmas, and at burials.

How things have changed, with this treat now being available nearly all year round!

The first known mention of hot cross buns comes from a rhyme in the 1733 book Poor Robin's Almanack in 1733: "Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs, with one or two a penny hot cross buns”.

Some of us of a certain age might remember the nursery rhyme about hot cross buns!

Bon appetite!

Easter Holidays on Phillip Island

The Easter weekend always falls as part of the Victorian school holidays. And there is lots for children to do on Phillip Island, with the most popular attraction being the Penguin Parade.

Did you know Tourism Australia recently voted the Phillip Island Penguin Parade as one of the top 10 attractions in Australia?

If you are thinking of heading to the Penguin Parade, make sure you book in early as it sells out very quickly at busy times.

Phillip Island Nature Parks reported recently that the Penguin Parade sold out a record 47 nights between December and February – so book now!

There is a new elevated Shearwater Boardwalk so all visitors can have a loop experience to the viewing stands. Remember you might also see be bandicoots from the boardwalks as well!

Check out things you can do for free here:

5 Free Things To Do On Phillip Island

And don’t forget the beaches as the Easter break is the unofficial end of summer!

The long-range weather forecast for Phillip Island is looking pretty good so be prepared to spend some time having beach fun – swimming, sunbathing, rock pool rambling or beachcombing. And remember to swim only at patrolled beaches.

Easter will be the last weekend for the summer season that Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club will be patrolling beaches. We thank them for taking care of us and our beach visitors over the summer months!