The bridge – the link to you experiencing the best things to see and do on Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a popular holiday destination in Victoria not only for visiting tourists but many locals coming on weekend getaways or longer holidays. And they all come to experience the amazing attractions at Phillip Island. From spending time on the beaches, getting up close and personal with the local wildlife, being amazed at the rugged coastline and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the main town of Cowes. And of course, they come to see one of the best Phillip Island attractions, the penguin parade. And now you are coming to enjoy the best things to do on Phillip Island.

I have been to Phillip Island a number of times and love it even more with each visit. Even though many visitors may go for one day I would suggest you try to stay at least a couple of days. Then you can truly appreciate all the things to see and do on Phillip Island. Plus, as the penguin parade occurs late evening, if you are visiting Phillip Island with kids, you will be pleased you stayed on the island so your little ones still get to bed on time.

Following is my complete guide on what to see and do in Phillip Island. I’ve included how to get there and around, best places to stay on Phillip Island and where to eat. Plus, information for visiting Phillip Island with kids and on a romantic weekend escape from Melbourne.

PHILLIP ISLAND SNAPSHOT

WHERE | 140km south-east of Melbourne
HOW BIG | 23km (14 miles) long & 10km (6 miles) wide
HOW TO GET THERE & AROUND | Car, V/line bus and bus tour
BEST ATTRACTION | Penguin Parade
WHERE TO EAT | Phillip Island Hotel, Cowes

Best Things to do on Phillip Island

Check out the Phillip Island attractions map following. There aren’t many roads on Phillip Island so you will be able to follow the main roads to places to visit in Phillip Island. Being a small island, you can drive to different places in about 20-30 minutes. You can plan your day of seeing the best things to do on Phillip Island from the map.

See the Penguin Parade

Watch the penguins come ashore: Thanks to the Penguin Parade for use of the photo.

If you have only come to Phillip Island for one thing, it will be the nightly Penguin Parade. This is the most famous of all the attractions in Phillip Island and tops any list of best things to see and do on Phillip Island. And for very good reason.

The penguins have long been coming ashore but1985 saw a dramatic decline in penguin numbers due to houses, shops, traffic and bushfires. So the penguin parade was introduced to ensure penguin numbers didn’t decline further. Today, the colony of little penguins is thriving at around 40,000.

Every night at sunset penguins that have been out hunting for food for most of the day return to the island and their burrows. And why do they come ashore in one particular spot on Phillip Island – I’m not sure! But the phenomenon is so popular a special viewing area has been built. This is so us humans can see nature at its best, and to keep us at an appropriate distance.

The parade is extremely popular so I suggest you ensure you pre-purchase your ticket as there may be a long queue if you don’t. I would also suggest you take a blanket and a cushion to sit on as the viewing area can be very cold even during summer. The wind off the ocean is brutal and goes straight through you and the seating isn’t that warm either so wrap up. Some people bring a picnic with a warm drink with them to enjoy while waiting for the penguins. I don’t think I have ever been so cold as I was waiting for the penguins!

It can take a while for the penguins to come ashore, and the kids can get impatient, so park staff provide an informative talk about the penguins. Then one or two penguins may arrive to squeals of delight, then a flurry of them.

As well as the penguin parade there is a very interesting program centre to learn more about the penguins before or after walking along the boardwalk to / from the viewing area. Along the boardwalk you can see many nests. A word of warning, there are few rules when you watch the Penguin Parade. There is no flash photography as the light can harm and frighten the little penguins. There are security guards on watch who will kick you out if you use a camera during the parade.

If you are visiting Phillip Island with kids take note that this can be a late night, so it is wise to book accommodation so you can get the little ones into bed asap. For everyone else, you could hit one of the bars or the pub in Cowes!

You can read more about how you can spend an evening at the Penguin Parade in my post here.

Feed the Pelicans at San Remo

The pelicans at San Remo

San Remo is technically not on Phillip Island but it is the last town on mainland Victoria before you cross the bridge to Phillip Island. Each day at 12 noon on the San Remo Beach beside the pier local pelicans line up waiting to be fed by the San Remo Fishermans Co-Op. The area is coned off so you can get up close and personal with them. Watch them be fed, which takes about 15 minutes. It is an interesting thing to watch and a great pre-cursor to all the wildlife on the island. I would suggest you stand well back from the pelicans. As if you have little kids with you, these pelicans are big and nothing will separate them from their lunch.

San Remo is more than feeding pelicans, it is a cute little seaside town. There is accommodation here if you don’t want to stay on Phillip Island. Plus it’s a great place you can chill in one of the cafes or enjoy some fish and chips along the shoreline. And you can cross the bridge to Phillip Island any time you want.

Nobbies Centre

Wander the wild Phillip Island coastline

Another of the main amazing things Phillip Island has is the Nobbies Centre. This is an ecotourism destination located at Point Grant, on the western tip of Phillip Island (see map). It features educational displays and the usual cafe and gift shop. However, it is the magnificent rugged scenery that steals the show.

Stroll along the Nobbies boardwalk and be treated to the wild Phillip Island coastline. See the blowhole which has been created by the large southern swells that can hit the coast. It blows sideways unlike say the Kiama Blowhole in NSW that blows upwards. Hopefully, if the weather is right you will be treated to a blowing blow-hole with water crashing and splashing everywhere! Maybe see some Silver Gulls nesting while you walk around, usually during spring and early summer. Rug up here as the wind can be chilly.

The scenery is just fantastic on this part of the island and if you stand at The Nobbies and look across the ocean you will see Seal Rock in the distance. This is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. This is one of the best free attractions Phillip Island offers.

To see the seals up close and personal you will need to take a cruise, if you would like to purchase a ticket for the cruise you can purchase one here. You can also book a cruise while on the island. If you would like to include the seal cruise as part of a full-day tour to the island then you can purchase a ticket for the tour here.

While at the Nobbies Centre, go on the virtual journey from Phillip Island to Antarctica. This is one of the newer attractions on Phillip Island and is worth adding to your list of amazing things in Phillip Island to do. There are plenty of informative displays and interactive exhibits to keep everyone interested, including kids on Phillip Island, particularly the school age kids. Discover the animal life around Phillip Island, the Southern Ocean down to Antarctica.

My family particularly liked seeing the massive screen projections of Antarctica and how it felt like we were standing with penguins on an iceberg – ‘super cool’ were words I heard mentioned. So if looking for a kid-friendly Phillip Island activity, this one kept my kids occupied for a couple of hours! Even the couples on their romantic Phillip Island weekend getaways looked entertained! There is a cost to enter this display.

Do a Lap at Phillip Island Circuit

Superbikes @ Phillip Island Motorcycle GP Track

The Phillip Island Circuit is a major sporting arena that hosts motor sporting events such as the Moto GP and the World Superbikes. If you are a bit of a speed demon and interested in motorbikes then this is the place for you. You can take a guided tour of the circuit which includes access to trackside areas. And the views from the track over the ocean are amazing! You can even organise to drive a lap with an experienced race car driver to take your own motorcycle for a lap. There is also the History of Motorsport Display to discover. It is a display showing the story of Phillip Island’s racing heritage from 1928 to present day. And if you would like to do a lap or two go karting, there is a go karting track next to the circuit. For more details on what to see and do at this Phillip Island activities check out the Phillip Island Circuit website here.

See the Koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre

Walk amongst the koalas

For one of the more sedate attractions at Phillip Island, take a visit to the Koala Conservation Centre. The Koala Conservation Centre has done a great deal for saving the local koala population of Phillip Island. The centre is not only an educational experience but it allows you to get up close and personal to the koalas while experiencing them in their natural habitat. There are three walks of varying lengths you can do to see the koalas. It is wonderful walking around the boardwalks up in the trees seeing them in their native habitat. My kids did find it a little boring at times, as they had to work hard sometimes to spot a koala, but when they did, it was exciting!

Hang out in Cowes – Phillip Island’s main town

Main street in Cowes is a great place to hang out

Another of the free things to do in Phillip Island is hang out on Thompson Street, the main street of Cowes. Cowes is the main town on Phillip Island. It provides all visitors and locals with the most food options, local shops and services. There are many cafes, restaurants and pubs catering to different tastes and budgets. It is well worth a walk up one side of the street and down the other to visit everything that is along this strip. From craft shops to surf shops to medical centres to cafes there is plenty to see.

The main road ends down at the wharf where there is a big park to enjoy. If visiting Phillip Island with kids this is a great place to let them run around and let off some steam. It’s also a great place for a picnic. Many families and couples set up on the grass to enjoy a swim in the water or to watch a sunset. This area is also very popular during ‘Schoolies’ in November/December. School leavers choose Cowes as the place to party after finishing school. Phillip Island was actually the place my son and his friends chose for their schoolies! It was well organised and even had buses to take them home to their accommodation.

Cowes has plenty of accommodation on offer which is mostly in walking distance of the main street. Making it is a great place to base yourself while on your Phillip Island holiday.

The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Enjoy the chocolate and maybe make some yourself!

When working out what to do in Phillip Island, a visit to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a great choice. The Chocolate Factory is a great place for all things chocolate and is one of my favourite places to visit on Phillip Island – well I am a chocoholic after all! And I often visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery – read my post on that here! Of course you can just hit the cafe for a yummy chocolate treat or discover Panny’s amazing world of chocolate.

There is an entrance fee to Panny’s. Inside there are interactive exhibits so you can learn about the cocoa bean used to make chocolate. Plus, take part in designing your own chocolate to eat. My son loved doing this – can you tell from the smile in the photo!

Get lost at A Maze’N Things

Another of the Phillip Island things to do to add to your list of Phillip Island activities is a visit to A Maze’N Things. As my kids are older, and I have a partner who loves mini golf, this was a must visit Phillip Island activities to do for us. A Maze’N Things is a mix of mini golf, a puzzle island, a SkyTrail (10-metre high ropes course adventure with over 30 varying obstacles), and a maze. It reminded very much like those small mini golf places family fun parks on the Gold Coast you come across. This turned out to be a fun thing to do for us while on Phillip Island. Everyone got involved in the activities and it was such a fun family friendly activity.

Enjoy Phillip Island’s Beaches

Surf Beach

Of course being an island, popular Phillip Island tourist attractions are the many beaches. Some are surf beaches while others are bay beaches. Ensure when swimming, you swim between the flags. They say the best for swimming is Cowes Main Beach and the best for surfing is Cape Woolamai and Smiths Beach. Here is a quick lowdown on them. I particularly like Smiths Beach myself.

If you’d like to learn to surf check out Island Surfboards. A public lesson costs around $75 and a private lesson costs around $175. Or check out Girls on Board.

Woolamai Surf Beach

If you’re looking to hit the waves then head to Woolamai Beach which is famed for its strong rips and currents. It is patrolled over summer and if you love the sun and surf you will be kept busy.

Smiths Beach

Situated to the south of the island, Smith’s Beach is tucked away in a secluded bay. It offers calm waves and gentle surf for beginners and its bay-side location provides a very relaxed atmosphere.

Summerland Beach

If it’s wildlife you’re seeking then Summerland Beach is a must-visit as this is the scene of the famous Penguin Parade. You can access the white sandy shores until dusk but then, the area is cleared to make way for the penguins to come ashore.

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach boasts small waves perfect for beginners, but this can depend on the swell. It is also great for water sports and has great views of the surrounding areas.

Ventnor Beach

Ventnor Beach is great if you don’t want to surf but spend your day swimming and sunning yourself. It is a great place to relax and offers breath-taking views towards the horizon.

Cowes Beach

Cowes Beach is a stretch of sand situated at the end of the Main Street of Cowes. It’s a popular place for families who have accommodation in Cowes and it has shallow waves and plethora of facilities and amenities close by.

Red Rocks Beach

Set against a backdrop of impressive red rocks, this beach is sheltered and sandy, providing the perfect place to splash around in the shallows and relax in front of amazing sea views.

Surf Beach

For hardcore surfers, Surf Beach is the place to go. It has large waves and strong currents and is not ecommended for swimming, but it’s ideal for pro surfers looking to catch some waves against a backdrop of incredible landscapes.

Go for a Hike

Phillip Island offers plentiful bush walks and hiking trails, with the Phillip Island Nature Parks at the heart of it all. Walks vary in length but are mostly easy to moderate walks. Some walks you may consider include the easy Scenic Estate Reserve where you stroll along boardwalks through lots of native reserves. There is the Oswin Roberts Reserver behind the Koala Conservation Centre. Or perhaps you would prefer a more difficult walk of the Kitty Miller Bay walk, one of the best coastal walks taking you past the SS Speke shipwreck. Of course there is Nobbies Boardwalk which you can do when you visit the Nobbies Centre. Perhaps you’d like to explore sea caves while on a walk of Forrest Caves. Find out more on Phillip Island’s walking trails here.

Other things to see and do on Phillip Island

Check out the ‘Big Wave’ outside Rip Curl

The things I have mentioned above are the best things to do Phillip Island has to offer, but there is still more. You could visit the Vietnam Veterans Museum with its impressive collection of Vietnam War artefacts. Check out the ‘Big Wave’ before checking out Rip Curl shop. Or take a helicopter flight over the island to see its rugged coastline. There is also the Churchill Island Heritage Farm just off the coast of Phillip Island. Here, you can step back in time seeing farm trades like blacksmithing. No matter what you have come to see there is plenty to see and do on Phillip Island.

Organise Your Phillip Island Holiday

Best Time to Visit Phillip Island

When is the best time to Phillip Island? Phillip Island can be visited any time of year. Though if you are coming to the island only for the penguin parade, it is more pleasant during the warmer months as being on the beach, it can get very cold and windy.

As I said, anytime is a great time to visit Phillip Island. During the summer months, the island’s population swells. It’s services stretched, accommodation more expensive, cafes pumping, over crowded beaches and busy roads. But I still love visiting during this time!

Where is Phillip Island and how to get there

Phillip Island is located around 140 km from Melbourne taking around 2 hours to drive. The island can be reached by driving along the M1 Freeway before taking the A440 then the M420. Traffic can be horrendous at times as there is only one way on to the island. Over the bridge that connects the island to mainland Victoria.

It is best to get to the island by vehicle. If you don’t have a vehicle I would highly suggest you rent one because this is the best way to get around the island. You can get pricing and availability to rent one here. If you don’t want to drive yourself then sit back and relax on a tour, like this one day seeing the wildlife.

Where to Eat on Phillip Island

The main centre for food is along the Cowe’s main street. There are plenty of options including Hotel Phillip Island offer great pub food. Also Phillip Island RSL and a number of pizzerias including La Porcheta and Pino’s Trattoria plus mediterranean and French cuisines are catered for. So whether on Phillip Island with kids or there on a romantic getaway or girls or guys weekend, there are plenty of food options on Phillip Island. But take a walk along Cowes main street and see what takes your fancy!

Phillip Island also has a number of wineries and brewery. They aren’t open every day so visit their websites for details of tastings and food options.

Phillip Island Winery
Purple Hen Winery
Phillip Island Brewing Co.

Accommodation on Phillip Island

Phillip Island has a plethora of accommodation available ranging from camp grounds to hotel rooms to units to holiday homes. I often choose a holiday home near a beach to stay in because I usually stay for a few days to around a week or two. However, choose what style suits you and your budget.

Check out the Phillip Island accommodation options here so you can compare and book your holiday to Phillip Island.

Phillip Island Itinerary

Only have 1 day on Phillip Island, this is what I suggest you see and do.

See the pelicans be feed at San Remo – lunch in Cowes – visit motorcycle bike track – visit Nobbies Centre – see penguin parade.

Have 2 days or a weekend on Phillip Island. Follow the 1 day Phillip Island itinerary, then visit the Koala Conservation Centre – have a treat at the Chocolate Factory – spend time at one or more of the beaches – dinner in Cowes.

Are You Ready to Visit Phillip Island?

My verdict on Phillip Island is that my family and I love it! It’s an easy getaway from Melbourne for us. When visiting Victoria sights to see, Phillip Island is high on our list. Whether you are visiting Phillip Island on a guy or girls weekend away, on a romantic getaway or for a fun family holiday, there is something for everyone to see and do in Phillip Island. Have you been to Phillip Island? Or planning a visit? I’d love to hear.