What is the best time to go to Phillip Island?

What is the best time to go to Phillip Island?

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 06/02/2021

Reading time: 3 mins

Phillip Island is one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations, with adorable wildlife, awesome beaches and family fun just some of the wonderful things that make it such an amazing place.

Little Blue Penguins, Phillip Island

Whether you’re taking the kids to watch the penguins waddle up the beach, giving surfing that long-awaited first go, cuddling up to koalas or enjoying fine Victorian produce, Phillip Island is a joy for anyone who gets the chance to visit.

The best time to go to Phillip Island is in the warmer months from November through to March. This is when the weather is fine and you can truly enjoy every experience this beautiful part of Australia has to offer!

You can visit during the cooler months when crowds are fewer, but you won’t be able to enjoy the amazing nature of the island as much as if you went when it was hot!

So, now that we have that settled, what are some of the unforgettable experiences you can enjoy on “Philly”?

  • The Penguin Parade, of course!

    The Penguin Parade is easily Phillip Island’s most famous attraction, a joyous celebration of nature where the island’s resident fairy penguin population return to their burrows with their day’s fishing bounty. This is a truly wonderful experience for families and travellers alike, and has long been part of the Australian tourism to-do itinerary.

    The summer months are great as the weather is warm, but the penguins come in later at night, which can prove troublesome for cranky kids, so be sure to plan ahead if this is the main reason you are visiting the island!

  • Ride a wave

    Phillip Island is a surfer’s paradise, with a huge number of beaches serving up awesome swells year round! The island is famous for having beaches that are perfect for both grommets and seasoned pros, with the likes of the National Surfing Reserve, Smiths Beach Kitty Miller Bay and Cape Woolamai providing world class surf for all ages and experience levels.

  • See what’s underwater, too

    While Phillip Island is famous as a surfing haven, what goes on underneath the water is just as incredible. Phillip Island is also perfect for diving and snorkelling, with stunning beaches giving way to coral beds and unique sea life including zebrafish, weedy sea dragon, Port Jackson sharks and much, much more!

  • A few honorable mentions…

    Whilst these are some of the most well known things to do in your time on the island, here a few other memorable adventures that make it such a wonderful getaway:

And plenty more – you will see when you get there – Phillip Island is truly a special part of Australia!

Related article: What is the Penguin Parade Plus on Phillip Island?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
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.