Phillip Island boasts breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of attractions for nature-lovers and adventurers, including the famous Penguin Parade.

By Allie Metz

Phillip Island offers visitors the chance to see incredible Australian wildlife amongst spectacular landscapes. The Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Nobbies Centre are just a few of the island's unique attractions. Follow the Southern Gippsland Wine Trail and experience Phillip Island’s excellent cool climate wines and fresh organic produce.

Don't miss

• Wildlife viewing and the famous Penguin Parade
• Beautiful coastlines for an invigorating swim or surf
• International motorcycle and car racing events at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Top things to do on Phillip Island

Meet the friendly locals

One of the area's most popular events, the Penguin Parade allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the island's native little penguins as they come back ashore after a day of fishing. Head to Summerland Beach for a 180 degree viewing of the parade on their tiered seating. There are also several VIP and guided tours on offer for up-close viewing and ranger commentary. Alternatively, try to catch a glimpse of them in their burrows from the elevated timber boardwalks around the island. With over 32,000 little penguins living on the island, you've got a good chance of spotting a few.

Discover the island's other inhabitants

Head up into the treetops and come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat. The Koala Conservation Centre has raised boardwalks for excellent viewing and photo opportunities. Alternatively, jump on board with Wildlife Coast Cruises for a trip around the island to see seals, dolphins, whales and a range of birdlife. 

Learn about the island's history and aboriginal culture

See exhibitions on Australian maritime history, Aboriginal culture and the life of Australia’s early settlers at the Phillip Island Historical Society Museum. Or take the ten minute drive to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm and visit the historical buildings and gardens. Children will enjoy the wagon rides, and watching real farmers manage the sheep shearing and cow milking.

Take in the views

Wander the spectacular cliff-top boardwalks at The Nobbies. Just offshore from The Nobbies are Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest Australian fur seal colony. There are also spectacular views from Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point. Walking tracks and viewing platforms lead to the Pinnacles and the Cape Woolamai Lighthouse, Swan Lake and Pyramid Rock.

Get your engines running

Phillip Island also hosts major motor racing events every year, including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship and the V8 Supercar Series. Take an exhilarating drive around the track with a real racing car driver or you can drive a go-kart on a smaller replica of the circuit.

How to get there

Just a 90 minute drive south of Melbourne, Phillip Island makes a great day trip. Passenger ferries are available from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula and bus services run from Melbourne to several towns on Phillip Island.