Things To Do in Phillip Island; A Complete Guide
There are so many amazing things to do in Phillip Island. When most people think of Phillip island they usually think of the penguin parade and that’s it. There is so much more to do in Phillip Island than just watching the penguins.
Phillip Island is full of beautiful beaches, wildlife, great food and exciting attractions. And Phillip Island is only 2 hours from Melbourne so you could go for a day trip or spend a whole week there. There is definitely enough to do to keep you busy for days.
With that being said, here are the best things to do in Phillip Island.
How to Get To Phillip Island
Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne is easy. It is technically an island but you won’t need to get a ferry or a boat to the island. You can drive to Phillip Island from Melbourne in under 2 hours.
If you don’t have a car, getting to Phillip Island via public transport is easy. There are daily v-line coaches available.
How To Save Money On Phillip Island’s Biggest Attractions
HOT TIP! If you want to see Phillip Islands main attractions you don’t need to purchase tickets to every attraction separately. You can purchase the Phillip Island 4 Park Pass for entry into 4 of Phillip Island’s biggest attractions. The 4 parks pass gives you entry to the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, The Koala Conservation Reserve and The Antarctic Journey at Nobbies Centre.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
You can’t say you have been to Phillip Island without watching the penguin parade. The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Victoria’s biggest attractions. Also, there’s no denying that the penguins are super cute. The penguins on Phillip Island are the smallest species of Penguins on earth. Each night on Summerlands Beach the penguins return to their nesting grounds. There are several ways to view the penguins. See here for viewing options and penguin experiences.
Nobbies Centre Phillip Island
From Nobbies Centre you can get some fantastic views of Phillip Island. The centre has several exhibits and displays. At Nobbies Centre you can get an amazing view of the Phillip Islands resident seal colony. Nobbies centre has some serious high-tech cameras that are also used by The Defence Force. These cameras allow you to get a live view of the resident seals and observe them in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
A Maze’N Things Phillip Island (Amazing Things )
A Maze’N Things, pronounced “amazing things” is home to a huge 2 km maze, a high ropes course, a mini-golf course, puzzles and optical illusions.
While there make sure you check out the magic exhibition with a lot of magic inspired illusions. It’s all quite amazing!
The venue has toilets, a cafe and a gift shop. There are also BBQ facilities and a playground that you can use without purchasing a ticket.
The Big Statue and Koala Conservation Reserve
Across the road from A Maze’N Things, you will find The Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
The Koala Conservation Reserve consists of 2 boardwalks. a 600m walk and an 800m walk. The 6-hectare bushland is also home to other native Australian wildlife so keep a lookout for bats, kookaburras, cockatoos, echidnas and wallabies while you’re there.
You can buy tickets to The Koala Reserve here or book a 4 Phillip Island Park Pass if you’re visiting multiple attractions and want to save money.
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and Panny’s Chocolate World
Great for sweet tooths. Panny’s World of Chocolate at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a must-visit.
You can go on a self-guided chocolate factory tour and view the Chocolate Statue of David and the world’s biggest chocolate waterfall! 400 kilos of chocolate flows from the waterfall every 3 minutes. If you ever had dreams of going to WIlly Wonka’s Chocolate Factory this is probably the closest you’ll get.
When you purchase a ticket for a self-guided tour you will get a bar of complimentary Belgian chocolate. Your ticket for entry is also edible!
After working up an appetite wandering around the chocolate factory you can eat your heart out in the cafe. If you’re not a chocolate lover don’t worry. The menu has savoury options making it a great place to have lunch.
And before leaving don’t forget to stop by the chocolate shop so you have some chocolate to take with you.
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is a huge 60-acre park with over 100 species of Australian animals. A bag of kangaroo food is given to everyone upon entry so you can hand feed the kangaroos and wallabies! Extra bags of kangaroo food are only 50 cents so if you’ve always wanted to get up close to a kangaroo or a wallaby definitely check this place out. Other animals at the park include wombats, tortoises, emus, Tasmanian devils, cassowaries and more.
Take a Phillip Island Wildlife Coast Cruise
The coasts surrounding Phillip Island are home to some spectacular wildlife. You can take a seal, dolphin or whale cruise off the coast of Phillip Island. On a seal-watching cruise, an average of 5000 seals can be seen, so you’re guaranteed a great experience. On a Dolphin and Whale watching cruise, there is an 80% chance of a whale or dolphin sighting but you will be guaranteed to at least see seals on the cruise. Regardless it’s still a great experience and most cruise packages come with lunch, dinner or morning tea.
Note that wildlife cruises are seasonal so bookings are essential. There are various ticket options. See here for more info and ticket prices.
Cowes Jetty
The Cowes Jetty was built in 1870. It is one of the most notable landmarks in Cowes. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is a great place to go for a walk or do some fishing. If you’re lucky you might even spot some seals or penguins. Dogs are allowed but make sure they’re on a leash to avoid any accidents!
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is more than just a race track. Did you know that there is also a lot to do at the Phillip Island Circuit? The venue has go-karts, guided tours, slot cars, racing car simulators and more.
The Nobbies Boardwalk & Point Grant
The Boardwalk begins at Nobbies Centre and leads you through a scenic one kilometre walk out to Point Grant with endless views of the coastline. Make sure you bring a gold coin or 2 for the viewing scopes. From the scopes, you can zoom in to the seal colony. While you’re there see what else you can spot. Note that it is pram and wheelchair friendly but no dogs are allowed.
Beaches and Natural Occurrences in Phillip Island
Red Rock Beach
Red Rock Beach is a quiet beach 3.5KMs from the centre of Cowes. It’s a great beach for those that don’t like sharing the beach with thousands of strangers. The beach is home to iconic red rocks as well as rock pools to explore.
Cowes Beach
Cowes Beach is conveniently located in the centre of Cowes. There’s plenty of amenities like toilets and picnic areas. It is also close to many cafes and restaurants. Keep an eye out for seals while you’re there.
Pyramid Rock
Pyramid Rock is one of the most fascinating natural occurrences on Phillip Island. The rock is shaped like a pyramid and can be viewed from 2 viewing platforms. The best time to visit the rock is when the sun is setting for great views.
Rhyll Inlet State Wildlife Reserve
Just off Cowes-Rhyll Road, you will find the Rhyll Inlet Reserve. The reserve is home to beautiful birds and scenic ocean views. Many visitors have noted sightings of wallabies and echidnas so keep an eye out for those. There are two walking trails. A 1.2KM boardwalk for an easy walk or for a more challenging walk there is also a 4KM trail.
Forrest Caves
Forrest Caves are another natural occurring phenomenon on the south coast of Phillip Island. The Forrest Caves are naturally occurring caves formed by the erosion of cliffs. The caves can only be viewed safely during low tide. The Forrest Caves walk takes approximately 45 minutes and is a 2km return trip.
The Colonnades
The Colonnades are located at the west end of Cape Woolamai Surf Beach. It’s a great quiet beach to sit and relax on. Swimming isn’t really recommended as the waters can be rough. Although if you’re adventurous it’s a great place to surf. Just a warning that this beach isn’t patrolled by lifeguards so use extreme caution.
Flynns Beach
Flynns Beach is another popular beach for surfers in Phillip Island. It’s located on the northern end of Cat Bay. It’s a great beach to go to to escape the crowds. The beach is home to a historic jetty and is a great place for a walk. Just note that this beach isn’t patrolled and dogs are not allowed.
Berrys Beach
Another beach that isn’t too busy and full of tourists. Berry’s Beach is great for surfing but probably not great for kids as there are no lifeguards.
Churchill Island
Churchill Island is a must-visit if you’re visiting Phillip Island. The Bunurong people refer to the island as Moonar’mia. The Island has a rich history and is home to historical landmarks, an activity farm and a cafe. Churchill Island is easy to get to. You can get there by crossing a bridge. So there is no need to get a ferry or boat to get to the island.
Pinnacles Lookout
Pinnacles Lookout is one of the most scenic places on Phillip Island. The walk to the lookout takes around 30 minutes but it is 100 per cent worth it. From the lookout, you will see beautiful natural rock formations. The Pinnacles Lookout is the highest point in Phillip Island and allows you to see some spectacular views.
Where to eat in Phillip Island
Cheeky Goose Cafe
The Cheeky Goose Cafe was the winner of The Bass Coast people’s choice award in 2016 and was featured on Channel 9’s Postcards. The cafe features food made from some of Phillip Island’s best local produce. The Cheeky Goose Cafe is conveniently located in the centre of Cowes right near the beach. Make sure you stop by there for brunch during your visit.
Pino’s Trattoria
Pino’s Trattoria has been one of the best Italian restaurants in Phillip Island since 1991. They serve simple and authentic Italian food. It’s one of the best places in Cowes to get pasta and pizza.
The Cape Kitchen
The Cape Kitchen is a great date spot. From the restaurant, you will see spectacular views of The Southern Ocean. The restaurant is usually only open during the day as that’s when you will see the best views of the ocean and nearby Red Rocks. But on special occasions, they are open for dinner events. The Cape Kitchen has some of the best and most fresh seafood in town. But there are also many vegetarian and non-seafood options to suit everyone.
Phillip Island Winery
The Phillip Island Winery is more than just a winery. It is home to an incredible restaurant that serves some fantastic local produce. The restaurant has an extensive drinks menu including cocktails if you’re not a wine fan. The staff are very knowledgeable and will always help you pair the perfect drink to a menu item. The winery is kid and dog friendly. The winery even has a menu for dogs known as “four-legged kids”.
There you have it. That is our complete guide to Phillip Island.
Where are your favourite things to do in Phillip Island?
