Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

Phillip Island is a popular destination for both day trippers and holiday makers alike. Tourists from near and far make Phillip Island one of their go to places to see the wildlife of Australia. An island famous not only for its penguins, but also Koalas, Wallabies, Kangaroos and Australian Fur Seals. Don’t forget the bird life. This is a great place for birdwatchers. With the panoramic views it’s a photographers paradise.

For those not into wildlife the beaches are a great place for surfers of all levels. If you’re a beginner head to Smiths Beach, for the experienced Cape Woolamai is the place to be with world-class beach breaks. The not so adventurous can stroll along the many beautiful sandy beaches or head to the surf beaches to watch the surfers ride the waves. Perhaps you prefer to take a cruise on Westernport Bay or check out the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

The island is perfect for a day trip, campers and those looking to stay in a more luxurious style with hotels situated with views of Western Port Bay and within walking distance to the shops, restaurants and pubs.

How is Phillip Island accessible from the mainland?

In 1940 the official opening of the 640m long bridge from San Remo on the mainland to Newhaven on Phillip Island took place. Today there is only the one bridge to access Phillip Island by car, the only other way to reach Phillip Island is by the Westernport Passenger Ferry Service which runs between Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula, Tankerton on French Island and Cowes on Phillip Island.

7 Reasons to visit Phillip Island

Penguin Parade
Home to the largest Australian Fur Seal colony
Surfing
Lovely beaches
Walking tracks
Birdwatching
Wildlife

Pictured below is a Cape Barren Goose which can be seen as you travel around the picturesque island. If you’re interested to learn more about the wildlife on Phillip Island click on the following link: Wildlife on Phillip Island

Our Experience

We spent a lovely, memorable 3 days on Phillip Island. Staying 2 nights in a caravan park in Cowes. It was a perfect place to take time out, breathe in the fresh sea air and relax. We had a campsite over looking the Western Port Bay, walking distance to the Cowes shops, restaurants and pubs. Most of our holiday was spent walking the beaches, exploring the island and treating ourselves by dining out. There are a lot of yummy places to grab a bite to eat in Cowes. In other parts of the island it was more difficult to grab a bite, apart from the Nobbies Centre which had cakes and meals from midday on offer.

Whilst on this trip to Phillip Island we opted not to visit the cute penguins we have seen the parade several times over the years. If you haven’t been it is a good place to take the kids who love to watch the penguins waddle out of the water onto the sandy beach back to their burrows. We did however see a few hiding in their burrows as we walked along the boardwalk at the Nobbies.

Phillip Island will always be on my list of places to go and recommend. I have many childhood memories of visiting this panoramic island full of wildlife on both day trips and camping holidays. This visit definitely will not be my last.

Places to visit on Phillip Island

Whilst the island is relatively small, just 10km at the widest point and 23km long there is still a number of places to explore within its 101 square kilometers. Below are some of the places we explored. Click on the below links to find out more: