Phenomenal Phillip Island Trails - Family Fun, Drink & Dine, Hiking and More

Klook Team

Last updated 26 Jul 2021

Image credits - @phillipisland

Phillip Island, a two-hour drive from Melbourne, is where you’ll find diverse Australian wildlife and touring trails amidst lush greeneries. Looking for your next weekend getaway from the bustling city? Phillip Island should definitely be on your list - with lots to do and nature everywhere, it’s the ideal spot for a sweet and short escape.

At Phillip Island, there are trails for different fitness levels, so it’s perfect to bring along the entire family - from little toddlers and even your nan and pop! If you’re planning to visit, here are the best Phillip Island trails:

1. Hiking and Biking Trail

If you’re an avid cyclist or hiker, then strap your bikes onto your SUV and head to Phillip Island’s Hiking and Biking Trail! This 14-stop trail has diverse attractions, such as rugged coastlines, dunes, and hiking terrains. But no worries, if you don’t want to ride a bike, you can always opt to walk too.

You’ll start the trail by cycling or walking at the coastal Nobbies Walk, where you can stop by the lookouts to spot Little Penguins and Silver Gulls. Cape Woolamai and its hiking trails, such as the Old Granite Quarry Walk, Pinnacles Walk, and Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk, are also en route. The Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve will prove worthy of its name as you pass its diverse indigenous plants and endangered grasslands.

2. Twitcher Trail

Phillip Island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, thanks to the diverse species that inhabit and migrate to the island. The Twitcher Trail is specifically curated for the passionate birdwatcher, as it weaves through the best spots on the island to spot the colorful, feathery creatures.

Oswin Roberts Reserve is known for its boardwalks that journey through the mangroves filled with herons, egrets, cormorants, spoonbills, and more. You can also feed fish to pelicans by San Remo Fisherman's Co-op, where you can learn more about this thick-billed creature.

3. Family Fun Trail

The Family Fun Trail takes you along Phillip Island and the Bass Coast, which are laden with kid-friendly attractions. You can splash in the waters by going kayaking and boating or jump on a Wildlife Coast Cruise.

When it’s colder outside, you can enjoy indoor activities such as going through the illusions and mazes at A Maze'N Things, going mini-golfing at Grumpy's Crazy Golf, or challenging the whole fam to tenpin bowling and air hockey at Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre.

For a hassle-free journey along the Family Fun Trail, you can pre-book your tickets on Klook for the following attractions:

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

You can’t miss out on the chance to visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory with your little ones! Discover how your favourite treats are crafted by expert chocolatiers and indulge in some samples.

Throughout the tour, you and the little ones will also learn more fascinating tidbits about everyone's favourite treat. Don’t forget to take a pic with the life-sized chocolate installations!

Book Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Tickets in Melbourne - Inclusive of complimentary chocolate on entry when you book on Klook

Penguin Parade

Your kids will surely love one of the most adorable parades in the country: the Penguin Parade! Huddle around the viewing platforms by the beach and watch the Phillip Island penguins waddle back to their nesting boxes during sunset.

When you book your Penguin Parade tickets with Klook, you can opt for the package that includes passes to attractions such as Churchill Island Farm and Koala Conservation Centre. At the farm, you can witness firsthand the daily lives of farm animals, while in the Koala Conservation Centre, you can come face-to-face with koalas.

Book Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Viewing Tickets - Get passes to 4 attractions when you book the 4 Parks Pass on Klook

Phillip Island Scenic Helicopter Experience

For a special occasion and definitely one to remember, go on a helicopter ride over some iconic landmarks! There’s nothing like seeing it from above - with live commentary that will give you the lowdown on each attraction.

You can choose between two routes: one that goes around Cape Woolamai or Grand Prix Circuit for eight minutes or the other that goes around either Rhyll, Cowes, and GPC for 12 minutes. You can also opt to fly around the whole island for 25 minutes.

Book Phillip Island Scenic Helicopter Experience - Best price guaranteed

4. Wildlife Wander Trail

From the beloved little Phillip Island Penguins to iconic Australian native animals such as wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies, there’s plenty of wildlife to see on the Wildlife Wander Trail! This trail isn’t exclusive to terrestrial wildlife; you can also spot marine animals from the comfort of the lookouts and on deck during a whale-watching cruise!

If your little ones fancy seeing adorable koalas, you can check out Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can catch the fluffy marsupials munching on eucalyptus in their natural habitats! You can also explore Oswin Roberts Reserve, which has several trails for walking and cycling, and spot wallabies and wombats roaming about freely.

Check out these activities that you can book on Klook:

Phillip Island Seal Watching Cruise

Australia’s largest colony of fur seals along Seal Rocks, 2km away from the Southwest coast of Phillip Island, awaits you during this Seal Watching Cruise. Marvel at the beauty of the island and its surroundings during this two-hour cruise, which will take you to the best spots to see these adorable seals in their natural habitat.

You’ll also pass by impressive rock formations at the Nobbies, so make sure to bring your cameras to snap great pics! Complimentary tea or coffee is available onboard to warm you up throughout the cruise.

Book Phillip Island Seal Watching Cruise - Inclusive of morning or afternoon tea when you book on Klook

Penguin Parade Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne

Here’s another chance to see the adorable Phillip Island penguins because one time is just not enough! Watch the world’s smallest penguins waddle their way to their nesting grounds with the whole fam.

On this tour, you’ll also visit the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and Seal Rocks boardwalk, where you can see the Australian fur seal colony. Aside from the Phillip Island penguins, you’ll also get the chance to see various wildlife such as kangas, wallabies, and wombats. Plus, it already includes a round-trip transfer from Melbourne!

Book Penguin Parade Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne - Inclusive of round-trip transfers to and from your hotel when you book on Klook

Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island Wildlife Park Join In Bus Tour from Melbourne

Get the ultimate Phillip Island wildlife excursion on this 3-in-1 tour of Healesville Sanctuary. Over at Healesville, you can get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other iconic Australian wildlife. The park staff will also tell you fun facts about the birds of prey.

Then, you’ll head over to the Nobbies boardwalk to spot whales and seals at Seal Rock. And guess what? The Phillip Island penguins also make a show-stopping appearance at the Penguin Parade! They’re definitely the stars of this island.

Book Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Wildlife Tour - Inclusive of round-trip transfers to and from your hotel when you book on Klook

5. Tasting Trail

With the cool Phillip Island weather, it’s perfect for growing various fresh produce for you to try on the Tasting Trail. Get your picnic baskets ready and pick up the finest cheeses, fruits, craft beers, and even fresh seafood straight from the sources themselves: the hardworking producers and makers of the island.

There’s a slew of farms, breweries, and wineries you can check out on this trail. One of the most renowned is the Phillip Island Winery, where you can sample the finest wines on the island.

6. Drink and Dine Trail

You might be wondering—what’s the difference between the Tasting Trail and the Drink and Dine Trail? While both trails involve taking your taste buds for a ride, the Tasting Trail takes you to the best places to source food and wine, and the Drink and Dine Trail takes you to the best places that cook them.

You can check out the waterfront restaurants of Cowes, chill at the cafés and pubs of San Remo, or try the famous joints at Newhaven. Whether you’re into cups of joe, the best booze and biggest burgers, or even international cuisine, the Drink and Dine Trail will take you to all the joints you’ll want to visit again.

7. Artists and Creators Trail

If the Tasting Trail and Drink and Dine Trail feed the body, the Artists and Creators Trail feed the soul. The arts scene thrives on the island, with several museums and galleries that showcase the best work from masterful creators.

One of the galleries and exhibits you can check out is the Mingara Gallery in Cowes, home to contemporary paintings, intricate sculptures, and wonderfully crafted homeware and mosaics. Artist Heather Fahnle, an award-winning artist specializing in mosaics and ceramics, also exhibits her creative mosaic portraits at Mosaics By The Bay, where she also conducts workshops by appointment. Not only will you look at art, but you can also learn to make it yourself!

8. Bass Coast Discovery Loop

Last but not least is the Bass Coast Discovery Loop, where you can experience the best of Phillip Island, the Bass Coast, and everything in between: from the coastal views at Nobbies to the rock pools at Cape Peterson and the seaside town of Kulcinda.

You can dine at seaside restaurants like Fig & the Bay and shop for great finds at Kongwak Market such as clothes, trinkets, rare collectibles, and more. Admire the stunning rock formations over at Cape Paterson, and if the Phillip Island weather permits, you can take a dip in the waters.