Destination overview

Phillip Island is situated in Western Port and is only 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. A place of natural beauty, sandy beaches, tranquil wetlands and unique wildlife, most visitors flock to Phillip Island to see the famous fairy penguins.

With its mixture of natural and man-made attractions, Phillip Island is a great destination for family holidays. The diverse coastline ranges from shallow swimming beaches to wild ocean beaches that are popular with surfers. You’ll find a range of wildlife experiences and many child-friendly attractions.

Phillip Island Nature Park is home to Australia’s most popular natural attraction, the Penguin Parade. In addition, the Nature Park features a range of other unique Australian attractions including the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre.

However, it is the Penguin Parade experience that is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, the little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never to be forgotten.

Stroll along the Nobbies boardwalk to view the majestic rugged south coast and blowhole, and see the Southern Hemisphere's second largest fur seal colony. The Nobbies Centre is one of Australia’s newest marine attractions. Explore and discover the secrets of the incredible southern marine environment including seals, sharks and dolphins via interactive displays and cameras that allow you to zoom in and out on these marine creatures.

Towering gums at the Koala Conservation Centre and woodlands of the Oswin Roberts Reserve provide a safe home for the island’s koala population. Koalas can be viewed at the viewing area and tree-top boardwalk at the Visitor Centre. Or a gentle stroll can be taken through the woodlands of the Oswin Roberts Reserve.

Churchill Island, accessed by bridge from Phillip Island, is steeped in history. Deliciously fragrant gardens surround the historical homestead amidst a variety of bird life. The island is a working farm with Highland cattle, sheep, ducks, chickens and Clydesdale horses. Ranger talks, machinery demonstrations and festivals bring the island to life throughout the year.

There is a diverse range of established walks around the island. Cape Woolamai, Kitty Miller Bay and Nobbies walks feature good beach and bush tracks and boardwalks predominantly along the rugged south coast. Conservation Hill and Rhyll Mangrove boardwalk overlook the Rhyll wetlands and Rhyll Inlet, offering excellent bird watching opportunities, while Swan Lake nature trail leads to the only permanent freshwater lake on the island and offers viewing hides, to watch the lake's bird life.

While Phillip Island is better known for its penguins, a hidden gem is Purple Hen Wines. Located near the township of Rhyll, the vineyard is perfectly positioned to produce excellent cool climate premium wines.

Another must is a visit to the Rhyll Fishing Park. Open to the public, Rhyll Fishing Park offers you the chance to catch and cook your own trout. The store at the Park is also packed with many other gourmet sensations from the local area to complement your catch.

Participate in scheduled cruises to visit natural attractions including Seal Rocks, home to a colony of Australian fur seals, or enjoy French Island's rich diversity of flora and fauna, or enjoy a return cruise across to the Mornington Peninsula markets where you can purchase some of Victoria's finest hand produce.

Swimming and Surfing
Phillip Island is renowned as one of the most consistent and varied surf locations in Australia. The swell is rarely too small to surf and depending on its size, you can usually find a sheltered break in any wind.

Motor Sports
Phillip Island is also well-known for its motor sports. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is home to massive motor racing events each year, including the MotoGP, World Superbike Championship and the V8 Supercar Series.

When visiting Phillip Island there are a number of destinations that you will want to visit. These include Cowes, San Remo, Newhaven, Rhyll, Cape Woolamai, and the Bass Coast.

Cowes
Celebrate life by the water and soak up the seaside holiday vibe in Cowes, Phillip Island’s commercial hub, which positively bustles during the holiday season. Spend a lazy day in seaside eateries, take a stroll and do a bit of shopping for souvenirs and artisan wares, or just cool off with a swim down at the foreshore.

San Remo
Greet the fishing boats of San Remo as they return home with a fresh bounty of seafood. This authentic fishing village is the gateway to Phillip Island and a great place to buy fresh fish or catch your own. Walk in historic footsteps along the cliffs from San Remo to Kilcunda on the George Bass Coastal Walk. Take detours to deserted beaches and bays, passing by Quarry Rocks where stone was quarried to build Melbourne business chambers.

Newhaven
Stroll along Newhaven’s waterfront and absorb the atmosphere of this picturesque seaside village. Cast a line and catch the family dinner, picnic by the bridge or grab your board and hit the waves. Or, take to the air on a scenic helicopter flight to admire the coastal beauty or catch up on some shopping.

Rhyll
Wander through the pristine natural surrounds of Rhyll and discover abundant wildlife before relaxing in the village atmosphere of this island retreat. Observe koalas at close range from a treetop boardwalk at the Koala Conservation Centre or explore the mangroves of the Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Hill and greet migratory mutton-birds inbound from Alaska.

Cape Woolamai
The ancient pink granite of Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, rises out of the ocean with majestic beauty. Golden sweeping beaches linking the Cape to Phillip Island’s volcanic past make this a perfect place for a beach walk at any time of the year. The series of walking tracks and viewing platforms take the more adventurous to breathtaking areas such as the Pinnacles, the Cape Woolamai Light and the old Granite Quarry.

Bass Coast
The Bass Coast is a perfect getaway for any season. Make your way through the rolling green hills of the hinterland taking the time to stop and enjoy the delightful villages. Follow the majestic cliffs near San Remo to Inverloch’s sandy beaches where you will find great swimming and surfing. Enjoy water activities, significant cultural sites such as the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine and many kilometres of scenic walking tracks including the George Bass Coastal Walk and Bass Coast Rail Trail.