From seal spotting, to coastal walks and surfing…there’s plenty to do on Philip Island.
Just a couple of hours down the peninsula from Melbourne, Philip Island offers a slice of countryside farm life on a pretty island. There’s plenty of things to do and see here, and the beaches take their time to shine during the summer.
We recommend…
- Going on a coastal hike
- Visit Churchill Farm
- Check out the wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary
- See the penguin parade
- Spot seals at the Nobbies Centre
Go for a coastal walk
Trek along the pretty coastal path on Cape Woolamai and watch the surfers.
Or go for a walk to view the Nobbies for a stunning view. The Nobbies are a unique rock formation where the rocks jut out of the sea. As you walk up to the Nobbies, you can see the waves crash around the rocks – it makes for a pretty coastal photo with a vast sky backdrop.
This beautiful walk is where you’ll be able to find some of the best views on Philip Island!
Or, rent a surfboard or kayak to enjoy Cape Woolamai in the water.
Churchill Island
For some farm fun, check out Churchill Island. This is a working farm that has been around since the early 1800s when European settlers descended on the island. There’s a heritage listed barn and homestead, offering live demos of working farm life.
If you catch the right day, you might see actors dressed in Victorian clothing to replicate the era.
The island is about 50 hectares, but you can walk around the whole thing in just 2 hours.
Don’t forget to catch the cows!
Check out the wildlife
For family fun, nature enthusiasts, and kangaroo fans, hop over to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conversation Park.
They have a broad spectrum of wildlife, from kangaroos to koalas and quokkas. With over 400 various animals, this sanctuary offers a memorable day where you can explore some very essential Aussie wildlife every night. These walking tours are a great way to experience the wildlife, where park–trained guides will guide you through so that you can experience native Aussie wildlife in their nighttime natural habitats.
Moonlit Sanctuary also offer a night tour for visitors wanting to explore Moonlit by moonlight!
Penguin Parade
A trip to Philip Island wouldn’t be complete without going to the penguin parade! Try and get there early to get a good spot.
The penguin parade on Philip Island is famous all around Victoria! Remember to bring a jacket though, as the Bass Strait of Australia is a magnet for the Tasmanian winds that are forced up towards Victoria. In other words, it can get very cold.
The penguin parade offers some very unforgettable moments – but remember, you can’t take pictures of the penguins because they are light sensitive!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.