Why Phillip Island?
Phillip Island has many attractions and activities. It is worth visiting the Phillip Island Penguin Parade because every evening, the Little Penguins return to their burrows after a day of hunting. The island also has Seal Rocks, which is home to one of the largest populations of fur seals in Australia, so this is a must-see for wildlife lovers. If you’re an animal lover in Australia, then most of them can be seen in two places: Koala Conservation Centre and Maru Koala Animal Park. If you’re a family with kids, then note the beautiful beaches of Churchill Island and Cape Woolamai, as well as other arrangements like go-kart racing or sheep shearing and factory tours like Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Join a Phillip Island tour from Melbourne to witness the iconic Penguin Parade, meet native wildlife at Koala Conservation Centre, and enjoy thrilling activities for the whole family!
Check the Weather Before You Book
The climate of Phillip Island is consistent all year round, with high humidity most of the time. Always check the weather of a place before you go, as the conditions can be quite different and not to be taken for granted here. Summer is warmer than summer from December to February, and it is nice and sunny for those who want to spend time at Smiths Beach, Flynn Beach, and other island beaches. But in winter (June – August), it’s cold, and the weather is weird, which might ruin your plans like outdoor activities when visiting the sites.
Seasonal Guide
Summer: December - February
Summer temperature on Phillip Island is 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit), and this is the best time to get out and about for sunbathing and outdoor activities. For surfers, Cape Woolamai and National Surfing Reserve are summer, as are all the other beaches on the island. This is also the peak season for tourists with public holidays and school holidays, so accommodation prices are a bit higher. Wildlife cruises, festivals and events, the highlight being the Phillip Island Nature Parks, are offered to families during this time.
Autumn (Fall): March-May
Winter: June - August
Spring September November
Best Time to See the Penguins
When you visit this place, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of the must-sees. This is because the best time to see the penguins is in the evening when they come back from fishing in the deep blue sea. The night or early night penguin’s travel depends on the weather conditions or seasons but usually starts around late afternoon to early evening. If you want to see penguins almost daily, you have to think of visiting during the peak of summer rather than winter, as penguins are more predictable in summer, and accommodation is high in this scenario. But if you want to avoid crowd periods and don’t mind what’s happening, then it’s best to book your trips in autumn or spring as these are less crowded compared to the rest of the months so that you can enjoy the experience on a personal level.
FAQ
When to visit Phillip Island with family?
Summer (December to February) is the best time to visit with family as it’s school holidays and there are loads of family activities. Warm weather means family beach days, wildlife experiences and exploring. It’s a great time for family fun.
When is the Penguin Parade?
Time your visit for late afternoon/early evening to avoid the crowds for the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as it’s usually at night and the belly full. Summer is always the best for predicting and seeing penguins as they come in at a certain time of the season. But spring or autumn travel may have other benefits like smaller crowds and better weather.
Are there any annual events on Phillip Island?
Yes, there are events and festivals on Phillip Island, including daily car racing, public holidays and school holidays. This includes MotoGP (Motorcycle Grand Prix) and other sheep shearing shows and other spectacles.
What to pack for winter?
If you’re visiting in winter, make sure you have warm clothes like layering clothes, water proof jackets and comfortable walking shoes. Remember the sea temperatures will be lower than usual and it may even rain so don’t forget to pack some grown-up clothes for the kids as well.
How to get around Phillip Island?
Phillip Island has public transport facilities. But renting a car would be more comfortable. Besides there are guided tours on the island and some combo tours that ferry visitors from one attraction to another. More information on public transport and tours is available at the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre.
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