Cowes Beach, Smiths Beach, and Woolamai Beach are popular swimming spots on Phillip Island. Some areas of these beaches are quieter and more secluded.

What wildlife can I see?

You can spot Australian fur seals, koalas, native birds, and sometimes rare albino species while exploring Phillip Island.

Free things to do at Phillip Island

Phillip Island, off the coast of Victoria, Australia is full of natural wonders, wildlife and a great community. And the best bit is it’s affordable so you can have it all without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to the best free things to do on Phillip Island.

Cheap Fun

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out. There’s heaps of free stuff to do: beaches, walking tracks and Aussie animals. Get out there and enjoy all the natural beauty, coastal views and outdoor adventure this island has to offer without spending a cent.

Lace Up Your Boots

There are walking trails all over Phillip Island for all levels of walkers. One is the Cape Woolamai Walk which is famous for its coastal views and pink granite cliffs. This track has spectacular views of the rugged coastline and surrounding bushland, so it’s a must-do for nature lovers. Another is the Rhyll Inlet Trail where you can take a quiet walk through the wetlands and spot native birds and enjoy the island.

For a shorter walk the Bay Trail has great coastal views and is perfect for an evening walk. If you want to check out some of the historic areas around Churchill Island then you might want to walk that way as well. The island has hiking trails that start from the Churchill historic site and link up with each other through coastal scenery.

Watch the Sun Set Over the Nobbies

One of the best sunsets on Phillip Island is at The Nobbies Centre at the western end of the island. The treetop boardwalks here take you to different vantage points that give you epic views of the rugged coastline and Bass Strait itself. It’s an island experience when you watch the sunset over The Nobbies.

Get to the Beaches

Phillip Island has some of the best beaches in Victoria. Cowes Beach and Smiths Beach are the popular spots to sit on the sand, swim in the calm waters or take a walk along them for a bit. If you want a quieter beach experience then Berrys Beach and Woolamai Beach are the way to go. These beaches are good for sunbathing, picnicking and taking in the views of the coastline.

For a family-friendly beach day, Ventnor and Summerland are safe and have plenty of room for kids to run around. If you surf, YCW Beach and Flynns Beach are the surf spots that are always busy. There’s something for everyone among these beautiful beaches of Phillip Island.

Look Out for the Local Critters

Wildlife spotting is one of the top things many people do on Phillip Island, as there is so much wildlife in the wild. Phillip Island has Australia’s largest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks. You can see Aussie animals at the Koala Conservation Centre and Phillip Island Wildlife Park. You might even spot an albino animal or a rare bird while you’re out and about.

The island’s habitat and wildlife are a wildlife lover’s heaven. Spot native birds while you wander the island’s many reserves and parks and have animal encounters.

Take a Spin

Cycling around Phillip Island is a great way to see the island. For example, you can use Bass Coast Rail Trail or Bay Trail, among other bike paths that offer coastal views and wildlife spotting. You’ll need to hire bikes to ride the island’s coastlines and natural environments at your own pace.

Find the SS Speke Wreck

For enthusiasts, finding the SS Speke wreck is an adventure. The wreck site is near , where you can learn about the maritime of this area. If you’re into that sort of thing, this is a chance to see what’s left of a ship that sank near .

Island Tips

Plan Your Visit: Check the weather and tides before you head out, as it can change quickly here.
Pack: Walking shoes, sunscreens and hats if you love outdoor games and fresh air. Don’t forget your camera to take photos of the and wildlife.
Respect Wildlife: Don’t disturb the animals; keep off if you want them to be as they were born. Follow local rules and don’t feed or harass any living creature.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water bottles, especially if you’re heading to the bush or on a day.
Explore the Local Culture: Visit nearby towns like to see what they have and where to eat. It’s easy to find a nice place for dinner or a cup of tea in which is very friendly.

Look Up

Phillip Island has very little artificial light, so it’s perfect for stargazing. Choose any beach or open space on the island during your Phillip Island tour, look up and enjoy the stars at night. You can see constellations without the city lights in the way.