The Nobbies is a rock formation that is off the coast of Phillip Island.
It is home to a big colony of fur seals. The rocks are a cobblestone shape, and they rise out of the waves, forming a unique view from the island’s edge.
At the Nobbies Visitor Centre boardwalk you can get onto the lookout point. Keep an eye out for any penguins who waddle out and climb under the boardwalk.
The Nobbies offers some fantastic scenery on Phillip Island. They’re the perfect place to take a photo if you’re taking a hike around the South Westerly points of the island.
Stroll across the boardwalk for picturesque views of the Nobbies.
Seals of the Nobbies
Of course, the formation of The Nobbies is impressive, but what makes them the true attraction of the area is the fascinating wildlife that lives around it.
There’s a large colony of fur seals along the coast of the Nobbies!
They were facing species decline in the last few years, but now the conservation efforts in the area have helped them thrive.
The Nobbies is home to some incredible creatures! Australia’s little penguins (emperor penguins) and fur seal populations are high in this area. You can view the seals from a live camera in the Nobbies Centre, and you can also see the penguins from the viewing platform.
The Nobbies is the perfect stop before the penguin parade
There are about 32,000 fairy penguins on the island, and most of them spend their lives in the ocean hunting for fish.
These penguins emerge from the water and make their way home to the burrows every day after their long day out in the sea.
Because there are so many of them that come out and do this. The Penguin Parade is a daily event on the island. Thousands of tourists flock to see it every year.
The Nobbies Centre is open daily between 10 AM and 5 PM. When visiting during the holiday seasons or public holidays, you may want to set aside extra time at the centre – it can get busy during these times.
Driving is one of the best ways to get to the Nobbies Centre. The drive from Melbourne is under two hours, and parking is free at the Nobbies Centre.
Nobbies Centre is placed right next to Seal Rocks, which is where the cute fur seals live. Watch the seals play in the rocks and playfully splash in the water!
If you want to visit the Nobbies and the penguin parade all in one day? Check out our tour to Phillip Island!
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.