Tips & Articles

Located just off the coast of Southern Australia, Phillip Island offers a rural paradise that is home to an abundance of wildlife and fun things to do. It is predominantly known for its motor circuit and its collection of animals – think cute penguins and cuddly koalas. The island is all about the simple way of life, and you can learn how the locals live by checking out heritage sites and fresh produce farms. Ready to explore? Here are some of the best things to do. Hit the Beach The coast surrounding Phillip Island is absolutely spectacular, with sprawling white […]

The Penguin Parade is one of the most sought after activities on Phillip Island. Surrounded by incredible natural beauty, you get to watch the penguins come in from the sea and waddle up the beach at sunset. Each day they make this journey to bed down for the night, and the Penguin Parade lets you see it up close and personally. As well as getting to see the penguins in the flesh, you can explore the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, which promises an educational experience where you can learn about the penguins, their behaviour, and their history. Before the parade […]

Phillip Island is renowned for its extensive collection of wildlife. The Penguin Parade takes the top spot when it comes to animal encounters there, but visiting the island’s resident koalas comes a close second. At the Koala Conservation Centre in Cowes, all members of the family can get up close and personal with these cute Australian critters. The centre itself spreads out across six hectares of lush bushland and is crisscrossed with a series of treetop boardwalks where you can catch a glimpse of the local furry residents. It is not just koalas that draw in visitors to the centre, […]

If you find yourself travelling to Phillip Island, stop off at Bells Beach in Torquay along the way. This quaint town is known for its beautiful surfing beaches, and Bells Beach is the cream of the crop. Set 80 minutes from Melbourne, this stretch of shoreline is rocky with a collection of reef swells just below the cliffs. Here, you’ll find tonnes of pro surfers and amateurs looking to up their game, as it is considered the “surf capital” of Australia. This is partly because of the great waves, but mainly because it is the location of the Rip Curl […]

San Remo connects the Australian mainland to Phillip Island with a bridge in its centre. Named after the Italian Riviera resort, it provides the perfect gateway to the tourist hotspot of Phillip Island, with its spectacular beaches and fun array of activities. The commercial centre of San Remo is packed full of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and souvenir shops, as well as plenty of picnic areas around the sprawling, sandy beach. It is a popular fishing port, where visitors can watch the boats return with their catches of the day, and tuck into some delicious fresh dishes with sea views. Here […]

The Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry connects up Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road, two of Australia’s most beautiful destinations. Along the Great Ocean Road, there are tonnes of natural sights to soak up, including the Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps, and magnificent cliffs. On Phillip Island, it is all about white sands, turquoise waters, and incredible animal encounters. Being able to travel easily between these two top destinations means visitors can really get under the skin of Australia’s natural beauty. The crossing is carried out by Searoad Ferries and takes around 40 minutes, travelling along a breath-taking coastal route […]

Located in the picturesque Aireys Inlet amidst the stunning scenery of the Great Ocean Road, Split Point Lighthouse juts skywards with its 34-metre-tall tower and its recognisable red cap. It remains a working lighthouse, but it is open to the public for guided tours on the weekends, where visitors can marvel at the sweeping views out across the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, the Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island. The land surrounding the lighthouse is spectacular, with rugged cliffs and wild beaches. There is also a replica of the traditional bark huts that the original settlers in Aireys would have […]

Stepping onto Churchill Island is like stepping back in time. Connected to Phillip Island via bridge, it harks back to yesteryear, when stocky horses pulled wooden carts and fresh produce markets were the highlight of the week. As well as a look at life from another era, Churchill Island is a picturesque place to discover; quaint cottages are tucked among pretty gardens and immaculate lawns, while the coastal landscapes offer breath-taking views of Phillip Island and the surrounding scenery. At the heart of it all, a well-restored farmhouse takes visitors back in time and shows them how life once was […]

Kangaroos are probably the most iconic aspect of Australia. The native species can be found all over the country in many different shapes and sizes. As well as stumbling across them in the more rural areas of Australia (as well as in some urban hotspots), you can venture to national parks to really get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Phillip Island is one of the go-to places for kangaroo spotting. The on-site Wildlife Park is jam-packed full of cute critters and interesting species, from native koalas, echidnas, and Tasmanian devils, to birds like emus and cassowaries. But […]

Phillip Island Nature Park prides itself on following the traditions of eco-tourism. With a variety of wildlife on the island and a large population of visitors, Phillip Island takes every proper precaution to make sure conservation efforts are in place. And if you’ve been to Phillip Island, you will understand why. The island is home to the smallest penguins in the world. The famous Penguin Parade is held every evening at sunset on the island where tourists and locals alike can experience the penguins in their natural habitat. During the parade, the penguins make their way from the water to […]