Stay and play – Phillip Island, VIC
Engulfed by a stunning coastline, this picturesque island has long been a favourite holidaymaker haunt.
Where is it?
Phillip Island is 140km south of Melbourne (2hr drive), perched astride the entrance to Western Port and connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Why go?
Because it’s easy to reach from Melbourne, easy to get around, and easy to love its almighty collection of variable visitor attractions.
The essentials – things to do in Phillip Island, VIC
Undoubtedly Phillip Island’s best-known attraction. This world-famous experience allows year-round intimate encounters with the largest little penguin colony on the planet. Choose from various vantage points to witness the captivating sight of these adorable creatures waddling home to their burrows.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
This is another attraction with global recognition, notably as host of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix each October. Outside of race events, the facility has various visitor activities to choose from such as go-karting, guided circuit tours, a dedicated heritage motorsport display, and even public drive, ride, and cycle days.
Phillip Island beaches
This location is a dream for lovers of sand and surf, and these are some highlights.
- Cowes Beach: Calm waters are backed by a grassy foreshore literally a stone’s throw from the vibrant township.
- Red Rocks Beach: Sandy and sheltered with a backdrop of vibrant rocks.
- Ventnor Beach: Popular swimming spot with outstanding views.
- Kitty Miller Bay: Pretty outlook and well-suited to snorkelling.
In addition, Phillip Island is a surfing hotspot. It’s a recognised National Surfing Reserve owing to its brilliant breaks and unspoiled environment with particular sites of interest including Cape Woolamai, Cat Bay, Smiths Beach, Summerland, and YCW Beach.
Nobbies Centre
This attraction has nabbed a spectacular coastal location that overlooks Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals (cruises available). Outside, stroll along a boardwalk to admire the stunning vistas and witness a nearby blowhole. Inside, the centre features Antarctic Journey, an engaging and educational multimedia experience.
Take an island escape from an island! Churchill features an action-packed heritage farm with plenty of daily activities alongside historical Amess House, which is well worth a peek. Alongside this are walking and cycling tracks that dish up epic coastal views.
Phillip Island wineries
A pair of wonderful and welcoming wineries provide instant appeal. Expect spacious lawns, sweeping views, enticing cellar doors, and tasty wines at both Phillip Island Winery and Purple Hen Wines.
Beer lovers can indulge in the various tasty taps at Ocean Reach Brewing or Rusty Water Brewery.
Best family attractions on Phillip Island, VIC
Puzzles, illusions, mazes, mini-golf, and more all come together at this first-rate attraction where, quite frankly, the fun isn’t just restricted to younger players.
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Alongside the chance to sample oh-so delicious sweet treats, the factory features Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate. This attraction presents all manner of interesting and interactive exhibits that, unsurprisingly, relate to all things chocolate.
Koala sightings are all but guaranteed mere metres from the centre’s entrance with tree-top boardwalks allowing visitors prime viewing ops of these cute creatures.
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
Check out a huge assortment of native animals within spacious surrounds. The chance to handfeed and pat kangaroos and wallabies is among the highlights for little ones.
San Remo pelican feeding
Rounding out the captivating creature encounters is the daily feeding of a throng of pelicans, as undertaken by The San Remo Fishermans Co-op. It all takes place on the foreshore next to the San Remo Pier at 12pm.
Best walks on Phillip Island
Those who like a solid stroll should firmly mark Cape Woolamai on their to-do lists. This southerly spot marks the highest point on Phillip Island and is among its most spectacular areas.
A trio of tracks encompasses spectacular coastal scenery, and the walk to the dramatic Pinnacles formation is a standout.
Random fact
Hollywood stars Chris and Liam Hemsworth and their family once lived on Phillip Island.
Phillip Island accommodation
Where to stay on Phillip Island? Here is the answer…
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
Park type: Holiday
With its garden-like surrounds and a setting that backs on to a picturesque beach, this park ticks the boxes when it comes to Phillip Island accommodation. Expect a range of cabin options alongside powered and unpowered sites. There are dog-friendly sites, too.
Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park
Park type: Partner
There’s something for everyone at Park Lane Phillip Island. From a range of cabins and caravanning and camping sites to our onsite theme park A Maze‘N Things - the whole family will be covered.
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
Park type: Partner
Ideally located in Cowes providing uninterrupted access to sandy beaches and protected waters. Stay in a cabin or safari tent or relax in the great outdoors overlooking the ocean on a caravan or camping site. Wonderful facilities include a wood-fired pizza oven, camp kitchen, BBQs, kids’ playground and more!
Time for an island escape? Plan your break with BIG4 now. Click below.