Phillip Island offers a variety of activities for all types of travellers. Whether you enjoy surfing, watching wildlife, exploring history, or simply relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone on this small island. The best part is that it's just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, making it easily accessible for a quick weekend getaway. Book a Phillip Island Tour, and you'll be there in no time.
Benefits of visiting Phillip Island
Swell beaches
Phillip Island offers some of the best surfing in the country. It is Victoria's first National Surfing Reserve due to its quality breaks and pristine environment. The island has four surfing hot spots: Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland, and Cat Bay. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are waves for everyone. You can hire gear locally and sign up for lessons to improve your skills.
Local restaurants and breweries
Phillip Island offers foodie hot spots with fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. Enjoy views of the Southern Ocean while dining at Saltwater Phillip Island. Taste excellent climate wines at Purple Hen Wines or Phillip Island Winery. Try beers from the tap at Ocean Reach Brewing, with food options available. Get your coffee from BEANd roastery.
Adorable outfits and quality time
Little penguins in cute suits waddle ashore at the Penguin Parade. They return from fishing and waddle up the beach to their burrows in the dunes. Phillip Island also has koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre. Visitors can see them resting in the trees on woodland boardwalks. Twitchers can watch shearwater birds arrive from Alaska to breed on the island in spring.
The perfect pitch
Imagine a camping experience with luxurious amenities close to one of Phillip Island's beautiful beaches. The Sheltered Glamping Co. offers private farm and woodland pitches, cotton canvas tents, queen-sized beds, off-grid solar power, and other eco-friendly features. Reserve your spot in advance for a comfortable stay.
On the rocks
Seal Rocks, located off the coast of Phillip Island, is home to approximately 35,000 seals, making it Australia's largest fur seal colony. Boat cruises with Wild Oceans Eco Boat Adventures or Wildlife Coast Cruises offer the opportunity to observe the seals fishing from the rocks and enjoy the rugged coastline scenery.
A-maze-ing family fun
Phillip Island offers family-friendly activities such as Panny's Chocolate Factory and A Maze'N Things for kids to enjoy.
Holiday catch ups
If you're interested in a fishing holiday, join the Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll, and San Remo locals to catch some snapper from the jetties. You can also take a boat or fishing charter to Westernport Bay for more options. Visit the San Remo Fishing Co-operative for the best local fish and chips, or buy fresh seafood right off the boat. Enjoy a successful fishing trip without anyone knowing you didn't catch it yourself.
Circuit breakers
Each year, the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit hosts the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) and World Superbike Championships. Visitors can also enjoy the go-kart track, a replica of the circuit, at the Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre.
Whale migration
From May to September, visitors can observe majestic ocean creatures migrating to the waters around Phillip Island's coast. They can explore the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail or take a whale spotting cruise to see these beautiful creatures up close.
Churchill Island
Churchill Island is a historical island that was the site of the first farm in Victoria. Visitors can explore pioneering history and learn about nineteenth-century farming techniques. Activities include watching whip cracking, sheep shearing, and working dogs in action. You can also ride on a Clydesdale-driven wagon or explore the original homestead and traditional gardens.