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Guide to Phillip Island

Welcome
Getting to Phillip Island
When to visit
Accessibility

This seaside haven boasts a host of attractions for nature-lovers and adventurers.

Phillip Island offers incredible Australian wildlife experiences set to the backdrop of spectacular landscapes. The famous Penguin Parade is just the beginning, so get ready for a holiday filled with nature, local food and wine and fresh sea air.

Phillip Island is best accessed by car. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it’s an easy road trip from Melbourne. Pick up a hire car from one of Melbourne’s two airports.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) in Tullamarine is the closest airport to Phillip Island, located only two hours away; international and domestic flights arrive here
Avalon Airport (AVV) is located 192km (119mi) from Phillip Island; international and domestic flights arrive here

If you’d prefer to avoid driving, join a guided tour where transfers are also included.

Phillip Island is best enjoyed when the weather is warm, typically from November through March. The mild weather will ensure you can enjoy the walking tracks, beaches and wildlife experiences to their fullest. During summer, the local wildlife comes out to play. It’s also a great time to witness the Penguin Parade, when little penguins emerge from the sea after catching their dinner.

High season: Summer (December to February)
Low season: Winter (June to August)
Don’t miss: Spotting thousands of seals on a coastal cruise. During autumn (March to May), the seal pups can be seen swimming, playing and practicing prey-chasing.

Phillip Island is a destination at the forefront of accessibility in Australia, with incredible facilities and experiences for those with physical and neurological disabilities.

Arrival: Melbourne Airport provides accessible services to ensure seamless arrivals. From there, travellers with limited mobility can book a wheelchair-accessible transfer or taxi to Phillip Island.
Getting around: You’ll find a range of accessible resources to help you get around, including mobility maps, all-terrain wheelchair hire and a Changing Places directory. You can also book wheelchair-accessible vehicles with South Coast Taxi.
Accessible experience highlights: Phillip Island Nature Parks are committed to providing inclusive wildlife experiences for everyone to enjoy. The famous Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Reserve are both certified sensory-inclusive sites with facilities for those with physical and neurological disabilities.
Helpful resources: Rollers Retreat offers wheelchair-accessible holiday accommodation as well as guides for things to do and places to eat during your stay.

Top things to do on Phillip Island

Penguin Parade, Phillip Island, Victoria © Tourism Australia

See the famous Penguin Parade

The Penguin Parade allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the island's native little penguins as they come back ashore after a day of fishing. Head to Summerland Beach for a 180-degree viewing of the parade or take a VIP and guided tour.

Phillip Island Winery, Phillip Island, Victoria © Adeline & Lumiere / Visit Victoria

Taste a local drop

Phillip Island is home to two cool-climate wineries with cellar doors. Phillip Island Winery has a range of delicious reds and whites and a cute boutique with fresh local produce, while Purple Hen Wines is known for its pinot noir and shiraz.

Family with koala at Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island, Victoria © Robert Blackburn

Meet the friendly locals

Phillip Island is a wildlife haven. Head to the treetops to see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre, then head out with Wildlife Coast Cruises to see seals, dolphins, whales and a range of birdlife.

Smiths beach, Phillip Island, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Hit the waves

Home to Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve, and some of the best surf spots in Victoria, Phillip Island beaches are a surfer’s paradise. Take lessons with one of the surf schools or if you’re experienced, head to Woolamai or Cat Bay.

Horse drawn wagon, Churchill Island, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Discover history and Aboriginal culture

See exhibitions on Australian maritime history, Aboriginal culture and Australia’s early settlers at the Phillip Island Historical Society Museum. Or, take a drive to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm and visit the historical buildings and gardens.

Pyramid Rock walk, Phillip Island, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Take in the views

Wander the spectacular cliff-top boardwalks at The Nobbies and take in the views from Cape Woolamai. There are walking tracks and viewing platforms that lead to the Pinnacles, Cape Woolamai Lighthouse, Swan Lake and Pyramid Rock.

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island, Victoria © Emily Fitzgerald/Visit Victoria

Get your engines running

Phillip Island hosts major motor racing events every year, including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship and the V8 Supercar Series. So be sure to check the sporting calendar for an exciting day on the track.

Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Cast a line

If you’re keen for a spot of fishing, there are plenty of spots to cast a line for flathead, snapper, whiting, garfish, salmon, shark or even squid. Fish from the jetties or beaches, or try a tour with Reel Obsession for a day out on the water.