How do you get to Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is a short 90-minute drive South East from Melbourne. By car, you will take the Monash Freeway from Melbourne and head along the South Gippsland Highway until you reach the Bass Highway. Just follow the road signs to the San Remo Bridge that will connect you to this charming Island. Otherwise, take a V/Line coach from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD to Cowes on Phillip Island. Check the V/Line website for current daily departure times.
Not interested in doing it yourself? Jump on a fantastic 1 day Phillip Island tour that will highlight all of Phillip Island’s attractions.
What can you do on Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is a small island situated in Western Port Bay and overlooks the striking wild coastline of the Southern Ocean. While it takes no more than 25 minutes to drive from one side to the other, Phillip Island is abundant with experiences and wildlife to keep you thrilled for days. A day tour will allow you ample time to take in the top attractions, whereas three days will give you plenty of time to get off the beaten track, sample local wine and produce or relax on secluded beaches.
Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade begins at dusk every night of the year; rain, hail or shine. You will experience the truly delightful sight of the smallest penguin in the world pop out from the ocean, coo to their awaiting family as they waddle back to their burrows with the catch of the day. The Penguin Discovery Centre has erected an eco-friendly boardwalk to experience the penguins up close. Access to viewing areas opens one hour before estimated penguin arrival time. Self-guided viewing starts from $26.20 per adult, and guided tours are available at an added cost.
No photography is allowed at the penguin parade. The flash can disorientate the little creatures and conserving their natural environment will ensure they return. Prepare for the elements with layers and wet-weather gear. This is by far the busiest of all Phillip Island attractions.
Visit the Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate
Celebrate all things chocolate at Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate. You will enter a chocolate paradise with amazing attractions, fascinating facts and the most satisfying chocolate to try for free. There’s even a chocolate waterfall! Entry is free and is open 7 days a week. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore.
Visit the Koala Conservation Centre
Meander along the Eucalyptus tree-top boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre to see Australia’s most iconic creature in their natural habitat. The six-hectare bushland is home to plenty of native birds, wallabies and echidnas. Entry starts at $13.00 per adult and is open daily.
Join a Seal Tour with Wildlife Coast Cruises
Experience a close encounter with one of Australia’s largest colonies of fur seals in their natural environment. This 90-minute boat ride will take you to the Nobbies sea-cave to watch the antics of these fun loveable seals. Tickets start from $85 per adult for the Adventure Tour and operate daily.
Visit Cape Woolamai
One of the most spectacular attractions around Phillip Island is Cape Woolamai. See why this giant consistent wave break is popular amongst adventurists. It is the island’s highest point and the region was recently declared a National Surfing Reserve in recognition of its fantastic surfing history and sublime natural environment. Stroll along one of the four coastal walking track loops at Cape Woolamai and stop at viewing platforms to take in the serenity of the pink granite Pinnacles, the Beacon and Old Granite Quarry.
Visit Churchhill Island
Discover the ways of the land and how it use to be at the Churchill Island Heritage Farm on of the most popular Phillip Island attractions. It is recognized as the site of the first agricultural pursuits in Victoria. Here you will learn the olden day secrets as the rangers and farmhands complete the daily heritage farming routine such as sheep shearing, working dogs, cow milking, whip cracking and wagon rides. Make friends with the local highland cattle, Clydesdale horses and baby farm animals. Entry costs $13 per adult and is open daily.
Entertain your family at A Maze’n Things
Get Lost in the amazing world of surprising optical illusions, epic mazes, fun puzzles, mind-blowing magic and maxi mini-golf that will amuse, delight and entertain both adults and children. Tickets start from $35 per adult for admission to Puzzle Island, Magic Manor and the Giant Maze, or $46 per adult if you want to include Maxi Mini Golf as well. Open daily.
Visit the township of Cowes
The quaint town of Cowes has everything you will need for your Phillip Island adventure, including the Visitors Centre, supermarkets and petrol stations. Relish in one of the many seaside cafes and renowned local restaurants. Meander through contemporary and Indigenous artworks at Mingara Gallery, or shop for artisan wares. Relax at the main beach and watch the world go by as the boats lap against the calm water.
Phillip Island Gand Prix Circuit and Go Karting
Phillip Island is home to several major heart pumping motor racing events each year, including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Superbike World Championship and V8 Supercar Series. Alight your adrenaline by zooming around this fast track with a genuine race car driver! Prefer something a little less face-paced? Drive your own go-kart around a smaller replica of the circuit.
Phillip Island Local Markets
The local Farmers Market operates on Churchill Island every 4th Saturday of the month from 8am to 1pm, with over 40 stalls selling local gifts and produce from Gippsland. The Cowes Island Craft Market is on the 2nd Saturday of the month selling local artisans crafts, clothes and local produce. Fancy a ‘Trash and Treasure’ experience? Check out Market on Chapel on the corner of Chapel Street and Warley Avenue on the 4th Saturday of the month.
Pelican Feeding at San Remo Pier
Make sure you do not miss the San Remo Fishermans Co-op feeding the pelicans daily at 12 noon at the San Remo Pier. Learn the life of a Pelican and how we can conserve their natural environment. You may also be lucky enough to see large Stingrays that graciously glide through the water on the shoreline or from the pier.
