Guide to Phillip Island
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, 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
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.
Things to do and top attractions on Phillip Island
Penguin Parade, Phillip Island, Victoria © Tourism Australia
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 gt a good chance of spotting a few.
Koala at Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island, Victoria © Visit Victoria
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.
Horse drawn wagon, Churchill Island, Victoria © Visit Victoria
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.
Pyramid Rock walk, Phillip Island, Victoria © Destination Phillip Island
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. Boat tours are available for spotting the seals. 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.
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island, Victoria © Australian Grand Prix Corporation
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.
Popular itineraries
More experiences around Phillip Island
