Phillip Island is a top seaside holiday spot in Victoria with something for everyone – families, nature lovers, adventure seekers. From beautiful beaches to intimate wildlife experiences and historic landmarks, Phillip Island has fun activities and lifetime experiences for all. Whether you’re here to laze on a sheltered bay beach, see Australian animals or go on a wildlife cruise, Phillip Island’s attractions cater to all interests.
Best Time to Visit
Phillip Island is open all year round, with different times of the year offering different experiences. Summer (December to February) is the beach, surfing and wildlife tour season. For a quieter visit and to see migratory wading birds or penguins at the Penguin Parade, visit from April to September. Wildlife lovers will see the fur seals at Seal Rocks during the breeding season, and history buffs can visit Churchill Island’s Victorian history all year.
Cape Woolamai
Cape Woolamai is one of the island’s top natural attractions. Famous for its pink granite cliffs and rugged southern coast, it’s a haven for walkers and photographers. The Cape Woolamai Walk is one of the island’s best coastal walks, with stunning views of the coastline, ocean and granite rock formations. The trail takes you along the cliff tops, where you can stop at lookouts to take in the views of the ocean below.
Beyond walking, Cape Woolamai Beach is a surf spot, especially for experienced surfers who love the big surf and challenging waves. On calmer days, it’s a great spot for a game of beach cricket or just relaxing. Keep an eye out for the wildlife, including shearwater birds that nest in the area, adding to the site’s natural attractions.
Churchill Island
Churchill Island is a small historic island just off the coast of Phillip Island, accessible by bridge. It’s home to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a 50-acre island attraction where you can experience Victoria’s farming history. Explore the beautifully restored farm buildings, watch daily farming demonstrations like cow milking and sheep shearing or try your hand at whip cracking. For those who love farm animals, Churchill Island is a family-friendly destination with animals roaming free, so kids and adults can connect with the island’s farming past.
As well as farming heritage, Churchill Island has beautiful scenery to walk or bike around. The Churchill Island Marine National Park is a bird haven with migratory wading birds which can be seen while walking along the tree top boardwalks. The park also hosts the Churchill Island Farmers Market where you can buy fresh local produce and artisan goods. It’s an idyllic spot for a picnic or a day out with family, with its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings making it a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of Phillip Island.
Surfing at Smiths Beach
Smiths Beach is one of the most family friendly surf beaches on Phillip Island so it’s perfect for beginners and families who want to have a fun day of surfing or beach activities. The beach has gentle rolling waves perfect for learning to surf. Several surf schools operate here and the sand is great for kids to build sandcastles or play in the shallows.
For more experienced surfers, Cape Woolamai Beach has wild surf that is best suited for advanced surfers. The powerful waves and granite cliffs make it a favourite for thrill seekers. After a day of surfing, head to the nearby Beach General Store for a cold drink or a quick bite, or take a peaceful walk along the coast and enjoy the sea breeze.
Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Chocolate lovers will love Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, where you can learn all about the chocolate-making process and, of course, indulge in some chocolatey treats. Panny’s is home to the world’s largest chocolate waterfall, and fun interactive displays and chocolate sculptures will amaze visitors of all ages.
The Chocolate Factory also has a café where you can try chocolate inspired dishes making it a popular spot for family activities. Take a factory tour, make your own chocolate or just enjoy the treats on offer. It’s a must see for anyone with a sweet tooth and one of the island’s best indoor attractions.
Penguin Parade
No visit to Phillip Island is complete without the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins waddle up Summerland Beach after spending the day fishing in the ocean. The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is the largest colony of penguins in Australia, and the viewing platforms and boardwalks allow visitors to see the penguins from a close angle without disturbing their natural habitat.
The Phillip Island, Nature Parks organisation, have conservation measures in place to protect the penguins and their habitat, so this is a responsible way to interact with wildlife. The boardwalks are elevated so you can see the ocean while you wait for the penguins to arrive, and the visitor centre has interactive displays where you can learn about these amazing creatures.
Ocean Adventures
For the adventurous, Ocean Adventures Phillip Island has a range of water based activities. Jet boating is a popular one, where you can zoom across the ocean at high speed and see the island from a different perspective. The jets will get your heart racing and you’ll experience the ocean in a whole new way.
For a more relaxing adventure, paddle through an ocean cave or explore the deep waters with a scuba diving trip. Ocean Adventures also offers wildlife tours where you can see dolphins, seals and seabirds in their natural habitat. These tours are a fun way to experience Phillip Island’s marine wildlife while on the water.
Wildlife Coast Cruises
Wildlife Coast Cruises offers boat cruises around the island so you can see the coast and marine life. One of the most popular cruises is the Seal Rocks tour, which is where you can visit the largest fur seal colony in Australia. See hundreds of seals basking on the rocks and playing in the water and get up close and personal with these curious creatures.
Other cruises include dolphin spotting tours and sunset cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the views of Phillip Island’s rugged coastline. The cruises are eco-friendly and educational, with commentary about the island’s marine wildlife and conservation. Whether you want a relaxing day on the water or an intimate experience with nature, Wildlife Coast Cruises has something for everyone.
Paddle Through an Ocean Cave
Smiths Beach is one of the most family friendly surf beaches on Phillip Island so it’s perfect for beginners and families who want to have a fun day of surfing or beach activities. The beach has gentle rolling waves perfect for learning to surf. Several surf schools operate here and the sand is great for kids to build sandcastles or play in the shallows.
For more experienced surfers, Cape Woolamai Beach has wild surf that is best suited for advanced surfers. The powerful waves and granite cliffs make it a favourite for thrill seekers. After a day of surfing, head to the nearby Beach General Store for a cold drink or a quick bite, or take a peaceful walk along the coast and enjoy the sea breeze.
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to get out and about and see the natural beauty of Phillip Island. The island is flat, so it’s suitable for all levels of cyclists, and there are several trails to choose from. The Bay Trail runs along the coast and takes you past some of the island’s most popular beaches.
For a more challenging ride try cycling to the Pyramid Rock Lookout and you’ll be rewarded with views of this unique rock formation and the coast. Family cycling tours are a fun way to get outdoors, explore the hidden corners of the island and get some exercise while taking in the views.
Jet Boating
A Maze’N Things
A Maze’N Things is one of the most unusual attractions on Phillip Island. This fun family park has a range of activities for all ages. The park is full of interactive experiences, including mazes, puzzles and optical illusions that will challenge and entertain the whole family.
One of the park’s highlights is Magic Manor, where nothing seems to be as good as it seems. Explore the mind-bending exhibits, test your skills in the puzzle rooms or enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere. A Maze’N Things is a great day out for families.
Feed the Pelicans at San Remo
Just over the bridge from Phillip Island is the quaint fishing village of San Remo where you can see the daily pelican feeding at 12pm. This popular event sees dozens of pelicans gather on the shore where local fishers feed them the days catch. Its a great insight into the behavior of these amazing birds.
Plus San Remo is a great place to relax by the water, grab a coffee at one of the local cafes or browse the village shops. Its family friendly and the kids will love watching the pelicans up close as they dive for fish.
Beaches
Phillip Island has many beaches to choose from, each one different. Cowes Main Beach is one of the most popular on the island, and its calm waters and sandy shores make it perfect for families. It’s great for swimming, sunbathing or playing beach cricket with the kids. Sheltered bay beaches like Cowes Beach have calm waters, and wilder spots like Cape Woolamai Beach are good for surfers.
For a more peaceful experience Berrys Beach and Forrest Caves have hidden coves and quiet spots to relax and take in the stunning coastal views. Whether you’re after family friendly beaches or wild surf beaches Phillip Island has a beach for every beach lover.
Fishing
Fishing is a big deal on Phillip Island, with plenty of places to cast a line from the shore, a jetty or a boat. The waters are full of all sorts of fish, and fishing charters are available if you want to go deep-sea fishing. For a more relaxed fishing experience, try your luck at Cowes Jetty or one of the many bay beaches around the island.
Phillip Island is also home to the largest shark fishing fleet in Australia so it’s a great place to catch something big. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first timer, Phillip Island has plenty of options to land a big one.
Scuba Diving
For the underwater adventurer Phillip Island has great scuba diving. The waters are home to a diverse range of marine life from colourful fish to seals and dolphins. Dive beneath the surface and explore coral reefs, underwater rock formations and even shipwrecks that tell the island’s maritime history.
Scuba diving tours are available for beginners and experienced divers, and the waters are crystal clear. Whether you’re diving in the deep waters off Cape Woolamai or swimming with seals at Seal Rocks, scuba diving is a great way to experience Phillip Island’s marine environment.
See Island by Helicopter
For the ultimate experience, take a trip to the skies with Phillip Island helicopters and see the island from a different perspective. Helicopter tours offer stunning views of the coastline, rock formations, greenery and beaches. You’ll fly over the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Pyramid Rock and Cape Woolamai and see the island’s most famous landmarks from above.
Great for couples, families or just to treat yourself. A special experience to see the island in a new way and take home some memories.
Rhyll Inlet Wetlands Walk
The Rhyll Inlet Wetlands Walk is a peaceful escape into nature where you can explore Phillip Island’s wetland ecosystem. The walk takes you through mangroves, saltmarshes and mudflats where you’ll see a variety of bird species including migratory wading birds. It’s a serene and scenic trail with great views of the wetlands and perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The wetlands are also an important conservation area with efforts in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and the species that live there. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk or a relaxing afternoon of birdwatching away from the crowds of the more popular attractions.
Pyramid Rock Lookout
Pyramid Rock Lookout is one of the island’s most popular spots for ocean views. The unique rock formation juts out into the ocean and makes for a great photo opportunity. The lookout has panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline, so it’s perfect for photography or just taking in the natural beauty of Phillip Island.
The area around Pyramid Rock is also a wildlife lovers paradise with many bird species and other native animals. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot and well worth the visit, one of the best views on the island.
Go Karting at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is home to major motor sport events but it’s also a great place for visitors to get their go-karting fix. The go-kart track is a replica of the world famous circuit, so you can experience the thrill of racing for yourself. Whether you’re racing with mates or trying to beat your own time the go-karting will get your heart racing.
In addition to go-karting the Grand Prix Circuit also offers guided circuit tours where you can learn about the history of motorsport on Phillip Island and see behind the scenes areas of the track. A must see for motorsport fans and thrill seekers.
Wall Climbing at Clip ‘n Climb Phillip Island
For an indoor activity, head to Clip ‘n Climb Phillip Island to do some wall climbing. This fun and challenging climbing centre has walls of varying difficulty, so it’s great for kids and adults. The centre is family-friendly, with walls that challenge all skill levels but keep it fun and engaging.
Wall climbing at Clip ‘n Climb. Get active and try your hand. Rainy day or add to your Phillip Island adventure.
Forrest Caves Walk
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Phillip Island?
Summer is for beach activities, and winter is for wildlife and fewer crowds.
Where can I see penguins on Phillip Island?
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach is the best place to see little penguins coming home to their burrows.
Are there family-friendly attractions on Phillip Island?
Yes, from Maru Koala and Animal Park to A Maze’N Things and go-karting, there’s plenty of family fun across the island.
Can I take a boat tour to see wildlife on Phillip Island?
Yes, Wildlife Coast Cruises offers boat tours to see dolphins, seals and migratory birds.
How do I get around Phillip Island?
Drive, cycle the trails or take a helicopter tour to see the island from above.
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