A trip to Phillip Island

Melbourne is packed with hippie hangouts, top-notch restaurants, and is home to one of Australia’s most famous TV shows: Neighbours.

But once you’ve had your fill of epic cafés, admired all the street art, and strolled through the Royal Botanic Gardens, why not take a coastal drive and head to Phillip Island?

Located less than two hours from Victoria’s capital, it’s a truly idyllic spot for some sun, sea, and surf…

why is phillip island so famous?

What if we told you this is a real paradise? Would you believe us? Paradise might be an overused word sometimes. But… this… is. Paradise. Don’t believe us? Well, you’ll have to see it for yourself.

A trip to the paradise that is Phillip Island is a must if you’re in the Melbourne area. So don’t miss out! After all, it’s a magnet for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and even celebrities chasing the sun (the Hemsworth brothers are among its famous fans).

For an island just over 100 square kilometers, its serene shores sure attract a crowd! Ready to see for yourself? Here are a handful of things to do and see on a day trip to Phillip Island:

one word: penguins

Oh. My. God. Penguins in Australia. Yes, you heard that right!

If you’ve always been fascinated by these adorable black-and-white creatures (and honestly, who hasn’t?), you’re in for a real treat on Phillip Island! It’s home to one of the largest colonies of little penguins, the smallest and cutest penguin species on the planet. Hands up if you can’t handle the cuteness!

The Penguin Parade is a must-see, taking place nearly every night of the year. You’ll witness hundreds of these little guys waddling out of the sea and into their beach burrows. To see the penguins in action, head to Summerlands Beach on the island’s west coast. There’s a penguin viewing platform offering a 180-degree view of the parade. Fancy a VIP penguin experience? You can even sit on a nearby beach with an expert for a once-in-a-lifetime penguin encounter.

Penguin Parade, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922

can’t get enough of australian wildlife? spot some koalas

Are penguins not enough? Need to see more Australian animals, like koalas?

The Koala Conservation Centre is a lush forest area where you can spot koalas snoozing in their natural habitat. Stroll along purpose-built elevated boardwalks, checking the treetops for signs of these sleepy creatures.

Want to learn more about their habitats? Check out the interactive displays at the visitor center. You might even spot other Australian wildlife in the reserve, including wallabies, bats, and a variety of colorful rainbow birds.

1810 Phillip Island Rd, Rhyll VIC 3923

need for speed? don’t miss phillip island circuit

An avid Formula 1 fan? It might seem surprising given its beauty and laid-back beach vibe, but Phillip Island is home to one of Australia’s premier racing circuits. The Phillip Island Circuit hosts high-speed motorsport events like the Australian Grand Prix and the World Superbike Championship.

If you’re after some fast-paced action, check the circuit’s website before your visit to see what events might be on during your stay. Even if there’s nothing on, you can take a lap around the famous circuit, try out the racing simulators, or test your driving skills on the adjacent go-kart track.

381 Back Beach Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922

ready to ride some waves? surf at woolamai beach

Ready to tackle the Australian waves? Well, you’re in luck: Phillip Island is brilliant for surfing. It’s a world-class destination and even became Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve in 2013!

And where’s the best spot to surf? Woolamai Beach. It’s the hangout for top local surfers. Never ridden a wave before? You might want to head further along the coast to Smiths Beach, which has gentler waves and some highly rated surf schools.

Woolamai Surf Beach, VIC 3925

why not end your day spotting seals?

Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest seal colony. These adorable marine mammals are typically found at The Nobbies, a series of rugged cliffs at the western tip of Phillip Island accessed via wooden boardwalks. Here, you’ll find plenty of viewing platforms to watch these silky creatures lounging on the rocks and splashing in the shallows.

The Nobbies is one of Victoria’s top ecotourism attractions, and the main visitor center even has an Antarctic journey exhibition. Why not check it out?

The Nobbies Centre, 1320 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia

getting to phillip island

Ready to make the most of Phillip Island? You’ll find it about 90 minutes from Melbourne by car. To get there, hop in your rental car and drive along the M1 towards Pakenham. Take exit C422 to Koo Wee Rup, and after about 11 km, turn left onto the M420 towards Phillip Island.

Stay on the M420 for 30 km, then join the Phillip Island Link Road. You’ll reach the bridge connecting Phillip Island to the mainland in less than 20 minutes.

Want to soak up even more of Australia on an epic Roadtrip? Head to the Hunter Valley wine region outside Sydney, or discover the thrilling attractions less than 60 minutes from Perth. You can also check out our guide to driving in Australia, packed with helpful tips, especially for those venturing into the Outback…