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Indulge the kids in mazes, tenpin bowling and mini golf
The best things to do and see on Phillip Island
Fairy penguins, wildlife cruises, wineries, bars, and bush: there’s plenty to see, eat, drink and do on Victoria’s Phillip Island.
On Phillip Island, just 90 minutes from Melbourne off the southern coast of Victoria, visitors can indulge in a weekend of fun and activity, from a wildlife cruise to see the summer seals or winter whales, a chocolaterie with the world's largest chocolate waterfall, or watching the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins.
Whether you’re looking to visit during summer or winter, for a weekend or a longer stay, here’s the ultimate guide on what to do on Phillip Island, one of the best day trips to do near Melbourne.
What to do and see on Phillip Island
Where to stay on Phillip Island
Those looking to stay on the island itself should stay around the main area of Cowes, which is home to plenty of restaurants, shops and activities.
If you’re looking for more of a resort feel away from the hustle and bustle, the RACV Inverloch Resort is a leisurely 45-minute drive by the coast. With ocean views, an indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, and delicious dining options, it'll make weekend getaway that much more relaxing.
Where to eat and drink around Phillip Island
Phillip Island is home to dozens of decadent and budget-friendly restaurants, cafes, and pubs across the region.
For a snack, consider a stop by the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. There's complimentary chocolate on entry, plus your actual entry ticket is made of chocolate! Here you can marvel at the world's largest chocolate waterfall, try to lift a one-tonne chocolate block, see chocolatiers at work, and see Dame Edna Everage chocolate art made of over 12,000 chocolate truffles. The onsite cafe Panny's has a range of chocolate treats, plus a range of Indian/Malaysian curries.
There's also Wild Food Farm Cafe in Rhyll, which dishes up modern Australian meals inspired by bush ingredients like wattle-seed scones and pepper-berry beef pies.
RACV Inverloch Resort makes a great base for exploring Phillip Island.
The best activities and attractions on Phillip Island
See the Little Penguins at Penguin Parade
No visit to Phillip Island is complete without a visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Watch Little Penguins emerge from the ocean at sunset and dash across the sand to their burrows from elevated boardwalks: truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You can choose from three viewing options at the Penguin Parade. General Viewing has excellent views of the Little Penguins waddling up the beach and into the colony. Penguins Plus provides a more intimate experience, with a smaller guest capacity and a location right beside the main penguin 'highway' from the ocean. Underground Viewing will get you on eye-level with the cute penguins (behind glass).
If you're extra keen, there's also a Guided Penguin Tour and a private beach viewing tour.
More: 10 things you didn’t know about the Little Penguins at Phillip Island
Spot fur seals or whales up close
Those who like their animal encounters up close and personal should consider a Seal Watching Cruise boat tour. You'll be taken to visit Australia's most famous fur seal colony, which averages 5,000 seals. Watch these cute mammals up close as they bathe on rocks, splash about the seas, and maybe even come up to your boat to say hello! You also have a good chance to spot dolphins and sea birds as you enjoy a complimentary morning or afternoon tea.
If you're visiting in winter, take the opportunity to spot the world’s largest mammal on the Winter Whale Cruise. You'll get the chance to watch whales as they breach and play, then feast on a complimentary morning tea as you're taken to the popular Seal Rocks to see Phillip Island's famously large colony of fur seals.
There's also the Twilight Bay Cruise, aboard which you can enjoy a glass of vino as the sun sets over the calm waters of Phillip Bay. You'll cruise to see the submarine HMAS Otama, hopefully spotting dolphins and seals playing in the ocean on the way.
The Penguin Parade is an iconic attraction. Image: Visit Victoria
Visit all four Phillip Island Nature Parks hotspots
Grab a Phillip Island Nature Parks Multi Park Pass to save dollars on entry to Phillip Island's three adventure hotspots, all while supporting conservation efforts.
This pass gets you in to Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Reserve and the famous Penguin Parade. Watch Little Penguins waddle home from the ocean at the Penguin Parade. Spy koalas in their natural bushland environment at Koala Conservation Reserve along treetop boardwalks. Finally, explore Churchill Island's tranquil gardens and partake in fun farming activities.
More: The ultimate guide to Phillip Island Nature Parks
Enjoy land, sea and sand on stunning walks
Looking to take in all nature has to offer? There are several trails for those looking to get off the beaten track. Enjoy a clifftop walk with stunning viewpoints on the 5km Pyramid Rock to Berrys Beach hike, explore sea caves on the 2km Forrest Caves walk, or loop through mangroves, saltmarsh and mudfalts atop boardwalks at the Rhyll Inlet & Wetlands. Cape Woolamai has three great trails to choose from, ranging from 4.5km to 6.5km.
Avid stargazers can also head to local lookouts for a chance at spotting the Aurora Australis over winter, like the Bunurong Coastal Reserve near RACV Inverloch Resort.
Of course, don’t forget to hit the beach! From watching pelicans frolic on the Cowes Foreshore and Main Beach to tackling the waves at Surf Beach and Flynn’s Reef, there’s plenty of fun to be had spending the day on sea and sand.
Spot koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Image: Visit Victoria
Indulge the kids in mazes, tenpin bowling and mini golf
Families will love a visit to A Maze N Things, a topsy-turvy interactive museum that must be seen to be believed.
If the weather calls for an indoor activity, head on down to the Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre, which also encompasses laser tag, pool, table tennis, a playground, restaurant and bar, or Grumpy’s Crazy Golf - an enclosed indoor mini golf course that’s been standing almost as long as Phillip Island itself!
Zoom around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Car enthusiasts will no doubt be excited for a visit to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, home to both the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and World Superbike Championships. Here you can go-kart around the Grand Prix track for a real thrill.
Phillip Island is full of marine wildlife.
Check out an art gallery
While there are plenty of adventures to be had, consider taking in the culture and history of this fascinating area at a range of galleries and exhibits in the area.
Phillip Island is recognised as the Traditional Land and Waters of the Bunurong People, and their artworks can be viewed at the Mingara Gallery & Exhibition Spaces.
Art aficionados can also consider heading on the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Artists and Creators Trail, featuring a range of artworks and galleries of mosaics, coastal scenes, timber sculptures, contemporary works and more.
