Philip Island is located in Victoria, 140 kilometers southeast of the city of Melbourne. The total area of the Island is around 100 square kilometers and there is a bridge connecting the Island to the mainland making it easily accessible.
Philip Island is famous for its stunning beaches, rugged rock formations, diverse wildlife, and fishing. Popular among surfers, hikers, bikers, and motorsports fans who come to watch the motorcycle championships.
Here is the ultimate list of fun things to do in Phillip Island to give you some first-rate ideas of how to spend and make the most of your precious holiday time!
1 – Watch thousands of mini penguins waddle in a Penguin Parade
Philip Island has the largest little penguin colony in the world. These tiny penguins are just 30 centimeters tall and weigh on average 1 kilogram!
The penguins arrive at Philip Island just after sunset every night of the year after spending the day fishing in the waters. Visitors can watch the spectacle of thousands of little penguins emerging from the sea and heading toward their burrows in the dunes. The penguins use Philip Island to breed and raise their baby penguins.
Opt to upgrade to a Penguin Plus ticket in order to get the best seating viewing area. The Penguin Plus option is ideal for those hoping to get really up close to the penguins. The Penguin parade is cleverly designed with elevated boardwalks and sustainable platforms so that the visitors do not disturb the natural patterns of the penguins.
It is also possible to purchase a ‘Philip Island: 4 packs pass’ which includes the Penguin Parade as well as other top sites such as the Koala Reserve, the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the interactive trip to the Antarctic at the Nobbies.
2 – Spot some seals lounging on the rocks during a boat tour cruise
Boat tours pass along the Seal Rocks where it is possible to see a colony of over 7,000 Australian fur seals. Fur seals were heavily hunted by humans in the 19th century. Since the 1970s they have been protected by law, and therefore the population has been recovering significantly.
Fur seals are large impressive mammals and they feast upon fish, squid, and octopus. The weight of the fur seals tends to vary but the most enormous male fur seals have been known to weigh up to 360kg! That’s a lot of seal blubber!
Whether you visit during the winter or the summer, there are seals to see all year round. Many boat tours provide a professional guide who can help explain more facts about the seals’ habits and help you identify other wildlife along the cruise.
It is common to also come across penguins, whales, sea birds, and dolphins when on a boat tour around Philip Island. Seal-watching boat tours vary from around 2-4 hours depending on the tour company you select.
3 – Visit Nobbies Centre, the home of the Antarctic Journey
Learn more about scientific conservation projects through interactive games and engaging exhibitions that will really spark the curiosity of both kids and adults.
Discover sea creatures under the microscope and enjoy the immersive Antarctic wildlife visual sound show. The center has an ‘Antarctic Chill Zone’ where visitors can feel the freeze of the Antarctic and visualize their own thermal imaging.
The Centre itself overlooks the Southern Ocean which in turn faces the Antarctic sea and you can walk along the boardwalk to take some breathtaking photos. The Nobbies café is a delightful place to take a tea break whilst taking in the panoramic sea views.
4 – Encounter Australian animals at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park
The park consists of an area of 60 acres with 100 different Australian animal species. Visitors can really get up close and hand feed and gently pat some of the animals. Kangaroos and wallabies roam around the park freely.
Other popular animals include wombats, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. The Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial feeding upon wombats, rabbits, and wallabies!
As you stroll around the park, learn more about the different animal habitats and behaviors. The Phillip Island Wildlife Park also has a playground and picnic area so families can relax after observing the different wildlife.
5 – Visit the best lookouts to contemplate the remarkable ocean views
On the South Coast of Philip Island, it is possible to find the Pyramid Rock Lookout. As the name suggests, the Pyramid rock is a pyramid-shaped rocky basalt outcrop that protrudes out of the waters. There are two viewing platforms for taking some excellent photos. Watch in awe as the changing light dances off the rocks and the ocean.
The Southpoint Lookout is located to the east of the Nobbies Antarctic Journey Centre. A boardwalk perched on the cliff offers a very scenic panorama of the sea and rocky island coastline. It’s a perfect stop-off to take in some exhilarating sea air and observe the waves crashing onto the rocks.
Another exceptionally scenic lookout point on Philip Island is Pinnacles Lookout. Visitors can gaze out at the jagged pinkish granite rock formations. The pink granite was formed from molten rock forced up from the Earth’s core 360 million years ago!
There are several hiking trails that lead to the Pinnacles Lookout. The pinnacles also look extremely atmospheric when the sea fog comes in off the ocean giving the impression that the rocks are soaring out of the clouds.
6 – Embark upon a whale-watching cruise journey
Take a whale-watching cruise to try and spot some Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route. The whales move from the icy waters of the Antarctic to the more warm waters off the coast of Queensland and Western Australia.
Humpback whales often travel in groups referred to as ‘pods’ and they play with each other undertaking some acrobatic-like displays! Southern Right Whales are known for their V-shaped blow holes and rough patches of skin on their heads.
Southern Right Whales are commonly spotted near Philip Island during May to October where they spend time breeding and giving birth to their calves. Southern right whales are generally larger than humpback whales, measuring up to 18 meters in length!
Whale-watching tours usually last about 4 hours and many tours include a complimentary tea. It is estimated that there is around an 80% chance of spotting a whale so the probability is pretty high! Check out the Tourscanner site to compare what whale-watching tours are available.
7 – Explore the striking Forrest Caves on the coast
Forrest Caves are also called ‘sea caves’ and they are formed by the erosion of the cliffs. Make sure to check the tides in advance because they can only be visited at low tide.
In order to access the caves visitors have to pass by some sand dunes where one can spot lots of migratory birds called short-tailed shearwaters. These birds tend to arrive in September after having traveled 16,000km all the way from Alaska!
Enjoy scrambling over the immense rocks and delving into the crevices of the caves!
8 – Get face-to-face with some cute koalas in the Koala Conservation Reserve
At the Koala Reserve, the tree-top boardwalks allow visitors to get up really close to the koalas in the trees. Take time to observe the furry koalas eat, sleep and climb around the eucalyptus trees. You may even be lucky enough to spot a baby koala known as a koala joey!
In the Reserve, there aren’t only just koalas but also the opportunity to encounter some wallabies or echidnas (spiny type of anteaters) in their natural habitats.
The Conservation Reserve has a special koala breeding program to help protect the numbers of koalas so by visiting the Reserve visitors are also contributing to help conserve the koala population. Koalas are now considered a vulnerable species in Australia so the work of the Koala Conservation Reserve helps to ensure that koalas do not slip into further decline.
In addition to spending time watching the animals in the reserve, visitors can also plant their own seeds to take home a native seed station as a unique souvenir.
9 – Appreciate the coast from a birds-eye view in an exhilarating helicopter tour
Enjoy some sensational aerial views of Philip Island from a helicopter! Participants can choose between seven different itineraries to discover different parts of the island from above.
An expert pilot can help explain the workings of the helicopter and make you feel at ease during the flight. Time up in the air can range from 8 minutes to 25 minutes depending on the tour you decide to select.
10 – Discover a world of magic and illusions at A Maze’N Things
Take a visit to the family fun attraction A Maze’N Things where you can spend hours playing around in the puzzle park which is full of fun illusions. Test out the shrinking or gravity room and run through the hall maze of mirrors or the lookout slide.
Visitors will be amazed when visiting the Magic Manor where you can see a disappearing room and a flying chandelier. Spend the afternoon getting lost around the giant 3D maze which contains over 2 kilometers of twisting passageways!
Families will also love having a game of mini golf at the A Maze’N Things 19-hole course. For those looking for more outdoor fun, visitors can also experience a high-course ropes adventure full of challenging obstacles called the Sky Rail.
11 – Soak up the sun on the best beaches on Philip Island
Cowes Beach is a lovely sandy spot with a great holiday vibe. During the summer there are lots of lifeguards to ensure swimmers’ safety. Back from the sand, there is also a pleasant grass area to enjoy a picnic and some shady pine trees.
Gentle waves make this an excellent beach for young kids who want a paddle. Cowes Beach is also conveniently located near some cafés and restaurants to refuel after a morning swim.
For those looking for some surf, head to Smiths Beach which has 1 kilometer of sand. In addition to surfing, many locals also go to Smiths Beach for paddle boarding and body boarding. During the low tide, it is also fun to search for sea creatures in the rock pools.
Ventnor Beach is another beautiful sandy beach but generally with calmer waves. It is ideal for those who want to sunbathe in a more peaceful setting away from the crowds.
Ventnor Beach is long and narrow so it is also a great destination for those wanting to walk along the shore. The beach and the surrounding vegetation and rocky cliffs provide a habitat for a variety of bird species including black swans, pelicans, and terns.
Red Rocks Beach is another gorgeous sandy beach with some iconic stunning red rocks. The red rocks are mainly made of basalt formed from the rapid cooling of lava. The striking reddish color is due to iron oxide minerals.
The dramatic contrast of the red rocks, the white sand, and the crystal blue waters attracts many photographers. From the beach itself, visitors can also enjoy some amazing views of French Island and the Mornington Peninsula.
Popular activities on Red Rocks Beach include swimming, paddle boarding, rock fishing, and jet skiing
12 – Stroll along Cowes Jetty to watch the sunset
The jetty was built in 1870 and now is a popular spot among fishermen. Common catches include whiting, snappers, salmon, flatheads even, and squid. The jetty is also used as a place for crabbing who seek blue swimmer crabs.
One of the most romantic things to do in Phillip Island is to watch the sunset at Cowes Jetty and enjoy some great panoramic views of Westernport Bay. Enjoy a chilled glass of white wine and a paella at the tapas restaurant located at the end of the jetty. There is also a café to get a cup of coffee and some snacks.
13 – Discover some sea creatures in a scuba diving adventure
Plunge underwater in a scuba diving experience to explore what the Philip Island marine life has to offer. Check out the incredible seagrasses, kelp gardens, and granite boulders on the sea bed in the company of a PADI professional. Kelp is a type of large brown seaweed that provides a dense canopy, sheltering ecosystems full of fish and invertebrates.
An exciting creature to spot while scuba diving in Philip Island is the weedy sea dragon which looks kind of like an elongated sea horse!
14 – Watch birds in the Rhyll Inlet National Reserve
On Philip Island, we find the Rhyll Inlet Reserve which consists of a large area of mudflats, salt marshes, and mangroves.
Walking through the reserve, visitors have the possibility of trying to spot some of the 180 different bird species that take shelter here. Rhyll Inlet is a bird-watcher’s paradise as the reserve provides a paradise for spoonbills, oystercatchers, herons, egrets, and cormorants.
There are designated pathways and boardwalks so the wildlife is not disturbed. You can reserve a guided tour or simply explore the reserve at your own leisure.
In the mudflats, you can try and spot some shore crabs or some snapping shrimps. At low tide make sure to watch the birds feeding upon worms and mollusks on the mudflats. Don’t forget to climb up to the Conservation Hill Observation Tower for some panoramic views of the surrounding area.
15 – Join a guided hiking tour
Philip Island is home to so many different terrains for example rugged cliff coastlines, sandy beaches, woodland, and wetlands making it an excellent and varied destination for hikers who can admire the natural beauty.
Tour operators such as ‘Adrenaline’ or ‘Klook’ offer hiking in Philip Island day tour excursions which cover the areas of Cape Woolamai, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the Moonlit Sanctuary.
Enjoy hiking in the company of a group with an informative and engaging guide who will help you expand your knowledge of the different wildlife and ecosystems.
16 – Learn more about Australia’s past at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum
The National Vietnam Veterans Museum seeks to educate visitors about the Australian veterans involved in the Vietnam War.
The museum contains many artifacts donated by veterans including letters home and photographs. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions including a replica helicopter, a tank, and a recreated battlefield.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Australia sent more than 50,000 troops to fight in Vietnam. Over 500 Australians were killed, and many others were wounded so the Museum provides a space to commemorate their memories.
The National Vietnam Veterans Museum organizes a range of conferences and educational events throughout the year.
17 – Challenge yourself with some indoor climbing
On a rainy day, stay active by heading indoors and trying out an indoor climbing challenge.
The Clip ‘n Climb centre has colorful 10-meter climbing walls which are great for climbers of all experiences. For adrenaline junkies, there is the possibility to try out the ‘drop tower’ experience which involves free falling from an 11-meter platform.
Other fun things to try out include the ‘Interactive Game Wall’ which combines climbing with augmented graphics. Mixing climbing with a video game is a completely innovative experience! Experience more technological wonders with the Clip ‘n Climb Virtual Reality Pods!
18 – Go dolphin watching
Experience dolphin pods gracefully leaping out of the waters during a dolphin and whale-watching tour. The most common dolphin species around Philip Island is the Bottlenose dolphin. Bottlenose dolphins are playful and intelligent so you make spot them doing some acrobatics.
Another type of dolphin that is frequently spotted during dolphin watching in Philip Island are ‘Common’ dolphins. Common dolphins have a lot of energy, tend to travel in larger groups, and are very inquisitive.
If you are extra lucky you may even spot a more rare species such as an Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin or Risso dolphin which are occasionally sighted.
19 – Assist the San Remo Pelican Feeding
Pelican feeding is definitely one of the most memorable things to do in Philip Island. During the San Remo Pelican Feeding the fishermen’s cooperative feeds fresh seafood to the pelicans every day at midday next to the San Remo pier.
Pelicans are birds with the longest bill sometimes reaching 36 centimeters. Pelicans are excellent fliers and have large wing spans of up to 2.5 meters. They can also use their large wings to swim underwater to go hunting after fish. Amazingly pelicans can live for up to 25 years.
The San Remo Pelican Feeding is free to assist and the aim is to educate the public on the importance of respecting and protecting these majestic birds.
20 – Head out to sea on a kayak tour
Take a sea kayaking day trip to get close to some sea caves and boat wrecks.
A kayak is an excellent position to spot some wildlife from the water level such as dolphins, seals, sea eagles, and penguins.
From a kayak, you can admire the phenomenal views of the granite cliffs of Woolamai led by a qualified sea kayaking guide.
21 – Taste some homemade local goodies at the Churchill Island Farmers Market
The Churchill Island Farmers Market takes place on the 1st Saturday of every month. Sample the fresh locally grown produce of Philip Island for example delicious fruit and vegetables.
There are also vendors selling locally brewed beer and free-range meats. The market has a very nice community spirit and helps support small producers.
Sometimes there is also a live band creating a jolly atmosphere. After looking around the stalls, enjoy the breathtaking ocean scenery with a cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry.
22 – Indulge your sweet tooth at the Philip Island Chocolate Factory
At the Chocolate Factory visitors can learn fascinating facts about the production of chocolate, watch the chocolatiers working away and make their own chocolate creations to take home.
Visitors receive lots of chocolate samples and an edible ticket made out of chocolate!
The exhibition spaces are really interactive with some fun chocolate-related games and trivia. Marvel at the world’s largest chocolate waterfall or the iconic statue of Davide by Michelangelo made out of chocolate.
This Chocolate Factory is a must-see for all passionate chocolate lovers!
23 – Check out the contemporary art scene at the Mingara Gallery
In the town of Cowes, art lovers can pay a trip to the Mingara Gallery.
The gallery showcases a variety of different art mediums from painting to sculpture, prints, ceramics, glassware, and jewelry.
The Mingara Gallery holds changing exhibitions of artworks by local artists.
24 – Head to Seal Rocks to see the seal colony
Take a boat cruise to the Seal Rocks to see the fur seals up close. Get close to the rocks from the comfort of the boat to watch the seals interacting with each other and frolicking in the water. The rocks where you can find the seals lounging are made of volcanic granite and basalt.
Fur seals are agile predators and can dive down up to 200 meters below water to snatch a tasty fish. Watch them as they relax on the rocks or plunge around in the water in search of rock cod or barracuda.
25 – Peddle around the scenic trails by bike
On Philip Island, it is very easy to hire a bike and set off to discover some of the cycle paths. In terms of its topography, Phillip Island is relatively flat compared to other regions of Victoria however there are some gentle rolling hills.
The hills are generally steeper in the Southern part of the island but in general, they are not too challenging for cyclists.
Philip Island has many scenic trails to offer for example the 5-kilometer track around the gardens of Churchill Island or the 2-kilometer track around Churchill Island North Loop Point. On the North Loop Point stop to admire the ancient Moonah trees.
Other picturesque options include cycling along the esplanade in Cowes and then heading towards San Remo along the shared cycle path. There are also some stunning cycle trails around the Rhyll Inlet reserve.
26 – Snorkel around the coast of Philip Island in style
When visiting Philip Island it is possible to do a snorkeling tour combined with a sea scooter. Learn how to operate a sea scooter that allows you to move further in the water without getting worn out.
With the help of a sea scooter, you can glide effortlessly through the water and really take in the surrounding marine life.
Philip Island has a rich underwater diversity so snorkeling may give visitors the chance to see fish such as salmon, flathead, and whiting as well as maybe octopus, squid, or rays.
As mentioned above in the article the sea dragons found in the waters off Philip Island are particularly beautiful.
27 – Aim for a lucky strike at the bowling alley
Roll some bowling balls down the alley at Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment. Bowling can offer some great evening entertainment and an opportunity for friendly competition between friends and family.
Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment provides comfy bowling shoes and automatic electronic scoring boards. The complex also offers a laser quest zone for those who are feeling daring and competitive!
28 – Cross the bridge onto Churchill Island
Churchill Island is a small island located just off the coast of Phillip Island. In fact, the two islands are connected by a bridge. Churchill Island has a historic farm and a heritage garden.
A Churchill Island ticket allows visitors to meet some of the farm animals and participate in some of the daily farming activities such as feeding or sheep shearing. Pet some cute lambs, goats, and cows or pose from some excellent photos with the horses.
The heritage garden is a lovely relaxing place to take a stroll and smell the sweet perfumes of lavender, sage, and rosemary.
Churchill Island was named after the European settler James Grant who arrived in 1801 and planted some seeds such as wheat and corn.
29 – Cast your fishing rod on a fishing charter
For fishing enthusiasts, there are many local charters for example ‘Reel Obsession Fishing Charters’ or ‘T-Cat Fishing Charters’ which take visitors out for some great fishing opportunities.
If you plan to go fishing without a charter it is essential to apply for a recreational fishing license online. You can also purchase these fishing licenses at certain fishing supply stores.
It is important to note that diving for abalone (a type of sea snail) is restricted so it is best to do some extensive online research beforehand to comply with the fishing regulations.
Remember to always be vigilant of weather changes whilst fishing and don’t fish alone to avoid accidents! Popular fish catches include snapper, king George whiting fish, flatheads, and salmon.
30 – Dart through the waters on a jet boat
Zip through the waters on a high-speed jet boat known as a Thundercat hull. A thundercat hall can reach up to 100 kilometers per hour, similar to the speed of a formula one vehicle! Enjoy some fast-paced swerves and turns in the boat as you cut through the water.
A jet boat is a stylish and exciting way to take in the scenery of Cape Woolamai. These tours tend to last about half an hour, you can certainly cover a lot of distance when traveling at such a rapid speed!
31 – Spend an enjoyable morning at the golf course
Phillip Island Golf Club is easy to access from Cowes. It is a very scenic place to have a game of golf due to its location very near to the beach. The golf club has an 18-hole course that was designed in the 1960s with lots of undulating greens and wide fairways.
Golfers can enjoy some top-notch facilities for example a putting green, a driving range, and the clubhouse restaurant. In the past, the Philip Island Golf Club has hosted some important competitions such as the Victorian PGA Championship.
Aussie Golf Ranch is another top destination for golf enthusiasts. The 18-hole course is surrounded by Salt Water Creek and is very near the beach of Red Rocks.
There is also a 9-hole mini golf course and a practice putting green. The Aussie Golf Ranch is a fantastic golf site for those who love to be surrounded by nature and perhaps can spot some seabirds during the game.
In the center of Cowes, there is also a mini golf course Grumpys Crazy Golf. The 18-hole mini golf is fully covered so a good option during a rainy day or to escape the sun. Look out for the whacky cow statue outside Grumpys Crazy Golf!
32 – Hike or cruise around the epic Cape Woolamai
Woolamai is the highest point of Philip Island and the elevated vantage point over the rocky coast gives a good position for bird watching. Woolamai is home to some impressive eagles such as the brown Wedge-tailed eagle or the white-bellied sea eagle! Extremely lucky visitors may spot an albatross, some of the largest flying birds in the world!
Between September and April, it is possible to catch a glimpse of millions of short-tailed shearwaters (also referred to as mutton birds) which migrate from the Alaskan Aleutian Islands to Philip Island. It is amazing to think that these small birds travel 8,000 kilometers every year!
Cape Woolamai is also a fun place to watch surfers trying to catch the swell down on the beach. Cape Woolamai has many walking circuits for hikers and all circuits start from the information shelter at the car park.
The walks include the ‘Pinnacles Walk’, the ‘Old Granite Quarry Walk’, and the ‘Cape Woolamai Beach Walk.’ The Pinnacles walk is the shortest and easiest circuit taking 2 hours in total.
It is also possible to admire Woolamai from a cruise boat. A cruise trip offers stunning views of the pink granite cliffs and sea caves from the water level. Sit back on deck with a cup of tea and admire the coast in comfort!
33 – Take a guided tour of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Australia’s very first International Motorcycle Grand Prix was held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 1989. Nowadays these top motor sport events continue at the Grand Prix Circuit including the Superbike World Championships.
Car racing fans can enjoy a guided tour of the Prix Circuit which includes access to some off-limit areas so visitors can understand what happens behind the scenes.
One of the more active things to do in Philip Island is undertaking some driving activities at the Grand Prix Circuit. Test your racing skills with some virtual race simulators.
The place also has a four-lane slot car track for competing against friends or family. It is also possible to learn more about the history of motorsports and the former champions with a display of different motor vehicles and images.
34 – Lap around a Grand Prix Circuit in a Go Kart
Wizz around in a single or tandem kart on the 75-meter Philip Island Go Kart track at Phillip Island Go Karts. The track is a replica of the world-famous Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit mentioned above.
Maneuver your kart around smooth curves and navigate past sweeping corners in a fun challenge! If you are a skilled go-karter you make even make it onto the fastest lap time board. Philip Island Go Karts karting circuit also has breathtaking ocean views!
35 – Sip on a freshly chilled glass of local Chardonnay at the Philip Island Wineries
The most commonly grown grape varieties on Phillip Island are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. In general, the Philip Island wines tend to be light and fruity with some fresh acidity due to the cooler coastal breezes coming in from the ocean.
The geology of the island with volcanic soils gives wines a slight minerality. Volcanic soils are positive in terms of vine growing because they provide good water retention and drainage. Here is a list of some of the best local wineries in Phillip Island:
Phillip Island Winery is open for wine tasting and visits to the wine shop and often have music gigs on a Sunday. They have a delicious restaurant where they pair their wines with local fresh produce such as seafood. Philip Island Winery is a popular location for weddings and special functions.
The Purple Hen Winery has also won many awards for its wines. They sometimes have land bands performing at the winery. They offer visit tours upon reservation and tastings. Enjoy a glass of their local Pinot Noir with beautiful views of Swan Inlet, Churchill Island, and Denne Bight.
Purple Hen celebrated their first vintage in 2004 and since then they have been expanding the vineyard area and improving their range of varietals. They even make an interesting sparkling shiraz!
36 – See what the best nightlife on Philip Island has to offer
Philip Island has a lot of welcoming bars and pubs offering good drinks and entertainment, especially during the summer months. Here are some ideas of some of the best nightlife to try out when visiting Philip Island.
Kelp in San Remo is a small cocktail bar serving tapas and sharing platters. The place has a young trendy coastal vibe and the menu is continuously evolving.
The Wooli Tavern in Cape Woolama serves modern pub food and also has an elaborate cocktail menu. The place is family friendly with outdoor seating options and music gigs at weekends. Families and surfers head to the Wooli Tavern to relax and share some good company after a day at the beach.
If you are staying in Cowes one of the best nightlife spots is the Cohiba cocktail bar. The place also serves up delicious Spanish-style tapas. The place is easily recognizable on the corner with its bright green and pink neon lights.
Dimples Lounge Bar in Cowes has a rooftop beer garden with amazing views of Cowes Beach. Dimples is known for its live music and open mic nights with a lively atmosphere. They also serve some pub food and excellent cocktails.
For wine lovers, head to the Grenache Wine Bar in Cowes. They have a sleek contemporary casual bar area and then a more intimate back area for dining. The menu contains some top-quality local and international wines as well as over 150 different varieties of gin!
Where to stay in Phillip Island?
Here is a quick shortlist of some of the best hotels in Philip Island. From rural farm retreats, comfortable apartments, and quaint bed and breakfasts to modern hostels there are options for all types of travelers.
Bimbadeen Phillip Island Farm Retreats: eco-friendly self-contained mini apartments on some gorgeous farmland. The apartments are super modern and well-equipped. Bimbadeen is a working farm so guests can admire the cattle grazing in the fields and feel part of this rural landscape. The farm is ideally located just a 5-minute drive away from the Penguin Parade.
Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island: caters to adults who want a relaxing and peaceful getaway. The 4-star apartments and comfortable, cozy, and spacious. Located in a semi-rural setting, the apartments are surrounded by some landscaped gardens.
Banksia Park Estate: this bed and breakfast offers accommodation suites surrounded by gardens and trees with sea views. The estate is located right next to the Philip Island Chocolate Factory. Guests mention that it is sometimes possible to see wallabies in the park gardens!
Glen Isla House Bed & Breakfast Phillip Island: This bed and breakfast is surrounded by pretty green gardens and has direct access to the beach. Enjoy breakfast in the dining room overlooking the gardens and relax next to the fireplace in the shared living room in the evenings. The place is very homely and tranquil.
The Island Accommodation YHA: This hostel is one of the best places to stay for backpackers or young people on a budget. The hostel has an awesome large modern kitchen and communal living spaces. There is a massive rooftop sun deck full of loungers with spectacular 360-degree views of the ocean and headlands over to Churchill Island. The state-of-the-art building is designed to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Where to go next?
The cosmopolitan city of Melbourne is under a 2-hour drive away from Philip Island. There are many things to do in Melbourne for example visiting some of the major cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria or the Melbourne Museum.
Other things to do in Melbourne include getting an amazing panorama of the city skyline at the Eureka Tower sky deck or wandering around the iconic Federation Square.
Why not make the most of your trip to Philip Island and extend your visit to discover even more fun things to do in Australia!
The list of fun things to do in Australia is super extensive from snorkeling around some of the islands in the Great Barrier Reef to visiting the world’s oldest rainforest in the Daintree National Park. Wine buffs will delight in tasting some top-quality Cabernets and Chardonnays in the Yarra Valley region and animal enthusiasts will adore spotting wildlife in the Kangaroo Valley.
Australia is home to some of the most incredible beaches on the planet for example Byron Bay and Bondi Beach. More of the best places to visit in Australia include the Blue Mountains National Park with unforgettable sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls or the unique Wave Rock, the giant wave-shaped boulder.
One of the best places to visit in Australia has to be the Pinnacles Desert due to the beautiful and otherworldly barren landscape and limestone spires.
A full-day drive from Philip Island is Southern Australia’s capital city, Adelaide. There are hundreds of things to do in Adelaide for example taking a scenic river cruise down the River Torrens or taking a biking tour to see the main city landmarks such as Victoria Square and St Peter’s Cathedral.
Try out some of the more unusual things to do in Adelaide such as a ghost tour of the Adelaide Gaol historic prison or assist in a cultural performance at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.
From Adelaide, many visitors take an unforgettable trip to Kangaroo Island to experience some idyllic beaches and bountiful wildlife. Kangaroo Island has several conservation areas for example the popular Flinders Chase National Park with the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch.
When visiting Australia make sure to plan a visit to Australia’s largest city, Sydney! There are many things to do in Sydney for example climbing up the Sydney Tower Eye, watching an opera at the Sydney Opera House, or walking across Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Some of the top things to do in Sydney with kids include visiting the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium or learning about natural history at the massive Australian Museum. For those on a romantic trip to Sydney make sure to visit some of the best rooftop bars, take a cruise to Cockatoo Island, or spend an evening strolling around Darling Harbour.
Final thoughts
To conclude, visitors will find themselves with an immense list of things to do in Phillip Island!
Watch penguins waddle to their burrows during the Penguin parade, look at fur seals basking on the rocks, hike around some of the stunning nature trails, or pat some koalas in the Conservation Reserve.
Philip Island is a paradise for animal lovers, outdoor adventure seekers, and relaxed beachgoers. Don’t forget to sample some of the locally made wines and taste some of the fresh fish of the day! Although small compared to the rest of Australia, Philip Island is bursting with life and natural beauty!