If you are looking for a day trip from Melbourne that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for nature-lovers and adventurers, look no further than Phillip Island. This island is a wildlife paradise and a seaside escape, where you can see the famous Penguin Parade, cuddle with koalas, watch seals play, surf the waves, hike the trails, and learn about the history and culture of the island.
In this article, we will guide you through the best things to see and do, eat and drink, stay and relax, and plan your trip to Phillip Island. Read on to find out why Phillip Island is one of the most popular destinations in Australia.
What to See and Do on Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a place where you can see and do a lot of things, from wildlife encounters to water sports, from history lessons to cultural experiences. Here are some of the top things to see and do on Phillip Island:
1. See the Penguin Parade:
The Penguin Parade is the highlight of Phillip Island, and one of the most unique and adorable wildlife experiences in the world. Every evening, hundreds of little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their burrows in the sand dunes. You can watch this amazing spectacle from various viewing platforms, such as the general viewing area, the penguins plus area, the underground viewing area, or the ultimate penguin tour.
2. Cuddle with koalas:
Koalas are another iconic Australian animal that you can see on Phillip Island. The best place to see them is the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can walk along the treetop boardwalks and spot the koalas in their natural environment.
3. Watch seals play:
Seals are another fascinating animal that you can see on Phillip Island. The best place to see them is the Seal Rocks, where you can find the largest colony of Australian fur seals in the country. You can watch them from the Nobbies Centre, where you can see them through binoculars or telescopes, or from the Nobbies Boardwalk, where you can see them from a lookout point.
4. Surf the waves:
Phillip Island is a surfer’s paradise, where you can find some of the best waves in Australia. The island has several surf beaches, such as the Cape Woolamai, the Smiths Beach, the Woolamai Beach, and the Surf Beach, where you can catch some big and powerful waves.
5. Hike the trails:
Phillip Island is a hiker’s heaven, where you can find some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Australia. The island has several hiking trails, such as the Cape Woolamai Trail, the Pinnacles Trail, the Cape Woolamai Lighthouse Trail, the Swan Lake Trail, and the Pyramid Rock Trail, where you can explore the stunning scenery of the island, such as the cliffs, the rocks, the beaches, the lakes, and the forests.
6. Discover history and Aboriginal culture:
Phillip Island is a place where you can learn about the history and Aboriginal culture of the island, and the region. The best place to do that is the Phillip Island Historical Society Museum, where you can see exhibits, displays, and artefacts that tell the story of the island, from the prehistoric times, to the European settlement, to the present day.
When to Visit Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a place where you can visit any time of the year, as there is always something to see and do, regardless of the season. However, the best time to visit Phillip Island is from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the wildlife is more active and visible.
How to Get to Phillip Island
Phillip Island is located about 140 km south-east of Melbourne, and it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are different ways to get to Phillip Island from Melbourne, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the options:
By car: Driving is the most convenient and flexible way to get to Phillip Island, as you can explore the island at your own pace and stop at the scenic spots along the way. The drive takes about two hours, and you can follow the M1 and the A420 highways.
By bus: Taking a bus is the cheapest and easiest way to get to Phillip Island, as you don’t have to worry about driving or parking. The bus takes about three hours, and you can catch the V/Line bus from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Cowes, the main town on the island.
By train: Taking a train is another option to get to Phillip Island, but it is not very convenient or fast. The train takes about two and a half hours, and you have to take the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Stony Point, and then take a ferry to Cowes.
By ferry: Taking a ferry is the most scenic and fun way to get to Phillip Island, as you can enjoy the views of the water and the coastline, and maybe spot some dolphins or whales. The ferry takes about an hour and a half, and you can take the Western Port Ferries from Stony Point or French Island to Cowes.
Where to Eat and Drink on Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a place where you can taste some of the best food and drink in Australia, from local produce to fresh seafood, from award-winning wines to craft beers. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink on Phillip Island:
1. Taste a local drop:
Phillip Island is home to two wineries, the Phillip Island Winery and the Purple Hen Wines, where you can sample some of the finest wines in the region, such as the pinot noir, the chardonnay, and the shiraz.
2. Dine with an ocean view:
Phillip Island is a place where you can dine with an ocean view, as there are many restaurants and cafes that offer stunning views of the water and the coastline. Some of the best places to dine with an ocean view are the Saltwater Phillip Island, where you can find modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist; the Waterboy Cafe, where you can find healthy and delicious food; and the Cape Kitchen, where you can find seasonal and local food, such as the eggs benedict, the fish of the day, and the chocolate brownie.
3. Explore the local markets:
Phillip Island is a place where you can explore the local markets, where you can find fresh and organic food, handmade and unique products, and live entertainment. Some of the best markets to explore are the Churchill Island Farmers Market, where you can find fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, honey, and more; the Cowes Night Market, where you can find arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing, and more; and the Island Craft Market, where you can find pottery, woodwork, paintings, candles, and more.
Phillip Island is a place where you can have an unforgettable and enjoyable trip, as it offers a variety of attractions and experiences for everyone. You can see the amazing wildlife, such as the penguins, the koalas, the seals, and the whales; you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, such as the beaches, the cliffs, the lakes, and the forests; you can have fun with the activities, such as the surfing, the hiking, the motorsports, and the cultural tours; you can taste the delicious food and drink, such as the wines, the restaurants, the cafes, and the markets; and you can find the perfect accommodation, such as the resorts, the motels, the holiday homes, and the cabins.