Travel Guide of Phillip Island in Australia by Influencers and Travelers

Q: Any recommendation to see the Penguin Parade in Phillip Island ?

Seeing the Penguin Parade from close is not free , the more you get close to them, the more you have to pay depending on the tour company that you chose The Guided Ranger Tour is the best option if you want to be away from the crowd and have an explanation of the pygmy penguins' life, you will also be able to walk next to them. While other tours such as General View or General Admission, you are sitting in bleachers waiting for the penguins to appear. Otherwise, if you don’t want to pay to see the penguins, you can just walk along the beach and pray to perceive some of them, but you won’t get the same view. Be careful, it is strictly forbidden to take pictures during the parade, even without flash!

Q: What it the best transportation to get around in Phillip Island?

The public transport system is not well served in Phillip Island, except for one bus that goes occasionally from the island to the center. Having a car is the best option to get around the island, otherwise, you can rent a bike .

Phillip Island is an Australian island about 125 km south-southeast of Melbourne, Victoria. The island is named after Governor Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, by explorer and seaman George Bass, who sailed in an open whale boat, arriving from Sydney on 5 January 1798.

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Pictures and Stories of Phillip Island from Influencers

12 pictures of Phillip Island from Patrick Untersee, Aleksandar Jason, Matt Chen and other travelers

stone formations on ocean during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

Experienced by @Patrick Untersee | ©Unsplash

animal can be seen through shrub during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

Morning stroll through Phillip Island, Australia I came across the young Kangaroo after a quick dip into the ocean ...click to read more

Experienced by @Aleksandar Jason | ©Unsplash

two joey in kangaroo in Phillip Island Australia

Love in Action ...click to read more

Experienced by @Matt Chen | ©Unsplash

brown and gray rock formation near body of water during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

Experienced by @SGC | ©Unsplash

person standing on brown rock formation near body of water during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

-CLIFFSIDE- ...click to read more

Experienced by @Finn Whelen | ©Unsplash

white metal railings on beach during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

Experienced by @Matt Boitor | ©Unsplash

brown rocky shore with ocean waves crashing on rocks during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

Experienced by @Daniel Pelaez Duque | ©Unsplash

person standing on brown rock near body of water during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

-CLIFFSIDE- ...click to read more

Experienced by @Finn Whelen | ©Unsplash

people on beach during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

-BEACH WALKS- ...click to read more

Experienced by @Finn Whelen | ©Unsplash

brown wooden bridge on green grass field near body of water during daytime in Nobbies Centre Australia

Experienced by @Wee Ping Khoo | ©Unsplash

brown rocky mountain beside blue sea during daytime in Cape Woolamai, Victoria Australia

Experienced by @Chelsea Chehade | ©Unsplash

aerial view of body of water during daytime in Phillip Island Australia

Experienced by @Chelsea Chehade | ©Unsplash

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How to visit Phillip Island ?

Phillip Island, located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, is a must-visit destination in Australia. Its picturesque landscapes, wildlife encounters, and thrilling activities make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

To get to Phillip Island, you can either drive from Melbourne, take a bus, or join a guided tour. If you prefer driving, rental cars are available in Melbourne, and it's an easy 90-minute drive along the South Gippsland Highway. Alternatively, public transport options include catching a train to Dandenong Station, then taking a connecting bus to Phillip Island.

Booking in advance is highly recommended for some of the popular attractions like the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. It's also a good idea to book accommodation and dining experiences in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The costs for visiting Phillip Island can vary depending on your chosen activities and accommodation. Entry fees for attractions range from $20 to $60, while dining options can range from budget-friendly cafes to fine dining restaurants. Accommodation prices vary depending on the type and season, with budget options starting from $50 per night and luxury stays upwards of $200 per night.

Some of the best things to do on Phillip Island include watching the famous Penguin Parade, where you can witness thousands of little penguins returning to their burrows at sunset. The Koala Conservation Centre offers a chance to see koalas up close in their natural habitat. For motorsport enthusiasts, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit hosts various events and offers go-karting and guided tours. Other attractions include the Nobbies Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate.

When it comes to dining, you have a variety of options on Phillip Island. For a delicious seafood meal, try the San Remo Fisherman's Co-op or Harry's on the Esplanade. For a more casual dining experience, Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant & Bar serves up tasty meals and local craft beers.

There are plenty of accommodation options on Phillip Island, catering to different budgets and preferences. For a luxury stay, consider Silverwater Resort or Clifftop Boutique Accommodation. Budget-friendly options include Amaroo Park or The Island Accommodation, which offers dormitory-style lodging.

Off the beaten path:

For those looking for an unusual travel experience on Phillip Island, consider taking a scenic helicopter flight. This thrilling adventure offers breathtaking aerial views of the island's rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and iconic attractions. You can also explore the island's hidden gems by embarking on a guided bush tucker walk, where you'll learn about the traditional uses of native plants and discover the region's indigenous history. Another unique experience is the Wild Ocean EcoBoat Adventure Tour, which takes you on a high-speed boat ride to witness the rugged coastline and its diverse marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and migrating whales.

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Map of Phillip Island

View Phillip Island on a map with the the closest popular places nearby

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More Travel spots to explore around Phillip Island

Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions

Discover more travel spots to explore around Phillip Island

⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🏖️ Headland spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🏄‍ Surfing spots

Learn More about Phillip Island

Phillip Island is an island located at the entrance to Western Port Bay, approximately 87 miles (140 km) south-southeast of Melbourne in Australia. It is a small island with a length of 16.1 miles (26 km) and a width of 5.6 miles (9 km) which is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

This island is mainly known for the pygmy penguins that come back every evening by thousands to spend the night. And also for the largest Australian colony of sea lions! A real wildlife immersion. Watching the penguins waddle and move up to the dunes during the famous "Penguin Parade" is a beautiful sight. They also make little cries, shrill enough to communicate! A show not to be missed during your stay in Philip Island for sure! Head to Summerland Beach to enjoy a panoramic view of the parade.

Join the treetops to come face to face with koalas in their natural habitat. The Koala Conservation Center offers elevated boardwalks that provide excellent vantage points for great photos. You can also take a trip around the island with Wildlife Coast Cruises to see sea lions, dolphins, whales, and a wide variety of birds.

There are many hikes to do on Phillip Island. The first place is just at the entrance of the island on the left, the Cape Woolamai. It is a very popular place for surfers. You can practice this sport or, for the lazier, relax on the beach. You can walk along the beach to the cliffs, where a small hiking trail leads to a viewpoint where you overlook the sea. The view is really beautiful. The second place is located at the end of the island next to the penguin parade, The Nobbies is the place where sea lions gather. There is a wooden pontoon bridge over the sea and along the coast. You will be impressed by this incredible fauna and flora!

As you can see, Philip Island is an invitation to connect with nature and wildlife around. But for those who would like to do some cultural outings, go to the Phillip Island Historical Society Museum or Churchill Island Heritage Farm, ideal for a family outing, these museums will teach you more about the island's history.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Phillip Island

Any recommendation to see the Penguin Parade in Phillip Island ?

Seeing the Penguin Parade from close is not free, the more you get close to them, the more you have to pay depending on the tour company that you chose The Guided Ranger Tour is the best option if you want to be away from the crowd and have an explanation of the pygmy penguins' life, you will also be able to walk next to them. While other tours such as General View or General Admission, you are sitting in bleachers waiting for the penguins to appear.
Otherwise, if you don’t want to pay to see the penguins, you can just walk along the beach and pray to perceive some of them, but you won’t get the same view.
Be careful, it is strictly forbidden to take pictures during the parade, even without flash!

What it the best transportation to get around in Phillip Island?

The public transport system is not well served in Phillip Island, except for one bus that goes occasionally from the island to the center. Having a car is the best option to get around the island, otherwise, you can rent a bike.