Phillip Island is a treasure trove of wildlife experiences, adrenaline-packed activities, hiking trails that cut through wetlands or lead to sweeping coastal views, and farm-fresh food grown alongside vines that yield fruit for the region’s premium cool climate wines.
Located about 125 km south-southeast of Melbourne, it’s the perfect day trip for nature lovers, foodies, and sports enthusiasts. Get the most out of your visit with our guide to the best of what the island has to offer.
Getting to Phillip Island
You’ll find Phillip Island stretching out into the Bass Strait, nestled between San Remo and the Mornington Peninsula, after a short 90-minute drive south of Melbourne. Bus services run from Melbourne to several towns on Phillip Island, or if you’re coming from the Mornington Peninsula, you can catch a passenger ferry from Stony Point. The island is connected to the mainland via the San Remo Bridge, and its locale makes for an easy day trip, weekend escape or week-long affair.
Top Things to Do on Phillip Island
Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and a variety of attractions that cater to all interests, Phillip Island is a playground for nature and road trip enthusiasts. If you’re a keen surfer or fancy an early morning dip, you won’t be disappointed by the many picturesque beaches. Whether you’re after a short scenic walk with the kids, or a lengthier hike, there are plenty of idyllic tracks to follow.
With a range of activities available from watching the penguin parade to jumping on a cruise, Phillip Island is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Places to Stay on Phillip Island
From budget-friendly motels to boutique B&Bs, Phillip Island offers a range of accommodation options. But arguably the best way to experience the island is by camping or glamping. The island’s options allow you to immerse yourself in the region’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant wildlife.
Best Places to Eat & Drink on Phillip Island
The island might be small, but it offers a vibrant culinary scene that focuses on fresh, local ingredients, particularly seafood. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, the best of which can be found in our guide on where to eat and drink.
Phillip Island Tours
There is a wide variety of attractions and activities available on the island, and there are just as many experts on hand to help you get the most out of the experiences on offer.
If seeing the island’s estimated 25,000 Australian fur seal colony is at the top of your list, then book a tour with Wildlife Coast Cruises for a two-hour coastal cruise to Seal Rocks and back.
Tickets to the world-renowned Phillip Island Penguin Parade sell out fast, so it is advisable to book in advance.
Listen to commentary on the island’s historical and environmental sites as you speed past the granite cliff coast of Cape Woolamai on the 35-minute Ocean Adventures Phillip Island.
Island Helicopters offers scenic flights that take in the diverse natural beauty of Phillip Island’s rugged coasts and rural aspects and trips out over the nearby Mornington Peninsula.
