Escape the city life and visit Phillip Island, one of Victoria’s natural destinations.
Phillip Island is full of amazing experiences that will keep you entertained for days on end! The island offers experiences that cost a bit of money to being completely free, so you can still enjoy this wondrous island without having to spend a fortune.
Here are some of the best places to check out at Phillip Island when you head there!
Seal Rocks
Just round the corner from the world famous Penguin Parade is Seal Rocks. Here, there are 20,000 Australian fur seals that visit on the rocks that sit just off the mainland. You’ll watch the seals frolicking in the sun, rolling about, and splashing in the water.
These sea creatures are so adorable, and you can see them for free! Take a pair of binoculars to the headland and gaze out at this awesome spectacle. It truly is one of Phillip Island’s most magical sights.
Cape Woolamai
Cape Woolamai is simply stunning. Whether you’re a surfer or someone who loves checking out some enchanting scenery, Cape Woolamai is one of the best places!
The area has been declared a National Surfing Reserve because of its awesome surf and sublime natural environment, so you know it’s going to be a good place to spend the afternoon. Cape Woolamai Safety Beach is the most popular beach in the area and is ideal for all kinds of water activities!
Make sure to check out the ancient pink granite forming off the headlands to the fantastic swells that roll up to shore! Cape Woolamai never fails to disappoint as a cost-free Philly experience!
The Nobbies
While you have to pay to experience the nightly Penguin Parade, the Nobbies is still a fantastic place to spot adorable little penguins. Penguin spotting during the day might be better for the little ones, who may get too irritable when the parade starts late in summer, and it gets freezing in winter!
You will often find these cute creatures sheltering around the boardwalk, and this spot also provides expansive views of the mainland and cliffs!
The Nobbies is also home to the Nobbies Centre and the Antarctic Journey, an immersive indoor attraction filled with interactive displays. There is also the Nobbies Cafe, the food isn’t free, but it is delicious and great if you need a refuel.
Walking and hiking tracks
Phillip Island offers a selection of walking tracks to explore. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking coastal views as you follow a trail. For those seeking a short trail, Swan Lake is one of the shortest and easiest being just over a kilometre long, taking about half an hour! Along the board walk you look over the freshwater lake and spot the different birds that live here.
Those wanting a longer hike will enjoy taking on the island’s most popular walks, the Cape Woolamai Walk. The walk is up to eight kilometres, taking you to the highest point of Phillip Island.
Find the Shipwreck SS Speke
Near Killy Miller Bay is the iconic SS Speke Shipwreck. The shipwreck occurred after a big storm in 1905, causing the ship to crash. The Victorian era steel ship was 32 metres long, and now lies on the rocks which can only be seen during low tide.
To enjoy all these free adventures, ensure you drive down to Phillip Island to get around everywhere. The public transport is very limited on Phillip Island, making it difficult to get to most of the attractions.
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.