Phillip Island may be famous for its penguin parade, but there are plenty of must-see attractions you can visit when you want to escape the hustle of Melbourne. Aside from the adorable Phillip Island penguins, you can also see other lovable marine creatures like seals and dolphins, and check out the iconic Phillip Island chocolate factory!
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How to get there?
Phillip Island is a 2-hour drive from Melbourne. If you take the coastal drive, you better prepare yourself for scenic views and attractions near Phillip Island. You can stop by Brighton Beach for a great photo opportunity at the kaleidoscopic array of bathing boxes or at St Kilda’s Beach.
Public transport options to Phillip Island include V/Line coach services and passenger ferries.
The best time to visit Phillip Island is…
...between November and March, if you’re going for the Phillip Island penguin parade. Tourism in Phillip Island reaches its peak during summer (December to February) and winter (June to August), so plan your trip accordingly.
Pumped to start your Phillip Island trip? Here are some Phillip Island attractions and must-dos that should be in your itinerary!
- Catch the iconic Penguin Parade
- Visit the Chocolate Factory
- Go on a seal watching cruise
- Join a dolphin and whale watching cruise
- Hop on a scenic helicopter ride
- Embark on a Phillip Island Wildlife Tour
1. Catch the iconic Penguin Parade
Take your pick from different viewing platforms! Image credits: @phillipislandnp
Head to Phillip Island Nature Park and witness adorable fairy penguins from Australia’s largest penguin colony waddle along the shore at sunset!
Choose from different viewing platforms and tour packages that suit your needs. You can add a treetop walk experience to see koalas up close or visit the historic Churchill Heritage Farm to learn about different farming activities from the past.
You can also join a fun-filled Phillip Island tour that sets off in Melbourne! This tour is jam-packed with stops at different Phillip Island attractions such as Koala Wildlife Park, Cape Woolamai Surf Beach, the coastal town of Cowes, and The Nobbies.
2. Visit the Chocolate Factory
There are tons of great photo opportunities at the Phillip Island chocolate factory! Image credits: @phillipislandchocolatefactory
If you have a sweet tooth, we highly suggest you visit this well-known Phillip Island attraction - the chocolate factory!
Learn more about the chocolate-making process as you observe chocolatiers make delectable treats right in front of you. And the best part? You get the chance to sample these tasty treats!
Note: Cars are not allowed on the island, so make sure you rent a bike when you reach Cowes.
3. Go on a seal watching cruise
Catch adorable fur seals along the way! Image credits: @wildlifecoastcruises
Penguins are not the only creatures you can see on Phillip Island. You can also visit seals at Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony, in this two-hour wildlife cruise.
Witness up to 5,000+ fur seals lounging and playing around as you drift towards the Bass Strait. The cruise will also take you to the mouth of the famous Nobbies Cave, where you can watch the waves as they crash into rock formations. To keep yourself warm, you can sip on complimentary tea provided onboard.
4. Join on a dolphin and whale watching cruise
Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins!
With an 80% whale sighting guarantee, this 3-hour cruise aboard a luxury vessel takes you deep into the waters to see playful humpbacks and Southern Right whales on their annual migration route. Aside from dolphins and whales, be on the lookout for seals and migratory seabirds as well! Complimentary tea is available on board in case you feel a bit chilly as Phillip Island weather can get really cool during the winter.
5. Hop on a scenic helicopter ride
See the glorious entirety of Phillip Island from above!
Get the chance to see Phillip Island attractions in a different light aboard this scenic helicopter ride.
You can choose your own route! A ride around Cape Woolamai or Grand Prix Circuit takes about 8 minutes, while flights to Rhyll, Cowes, and GPC take 12 minutes. The full island flight experience lasts 25 minutes. All flights have onboard live commentary that will let you in on fun facts about nearby Phillip Island attractions.
6. Embark on a Phillip Island Wildlife Tour
Get the chance to meet different creatures like the kangaroo at Healesville Sanctuary! Image credits: @catrionarowntree
Continue the fauna adventure in Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife attraction near Phillip Island!
Get up close with various local creatures such as koalas, kangaroos, platypus, echidnas, birds of prey, and more. Afterwards, this wildlife tour takes you to The Nobbies and lets you experience walking on the famous boardwalk going to Seal Rock. The animal adventure ends with you watching Australia’s superstars, the Phillip Island penguins!
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