Take a trip to the beautiful Phillip Island for a perfect seaside holiday just 90 minutes drive from Melbourne. Discover its quaint seaside villages, iconic wildlife and fun family attractions that lure surfers, wildlife watchers, sports spectators, foodies and fishing fans alike.
Here we give you the top 10 things to see in this gorgeous wildlife wonderland for a perfect weekend getaway.
1. Penguin Parade
Phillip Island’s biggest natural attraction is the little penguins’ nightly march from the water to their sand dune burrows. See the world’s smallest penguins return ashore after a day’s fishing. View them from exclusive boardwalks, viewing stands and from an amphitheatre, which is usually the highlight of a visit to the Phillip Island.
2. Koala Conservation Centre
Get up close and personal with koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre which has been essential in saving the koala’s population. Walk through the tree-top boardwalk and see koalas lounging up the trees. A koala sleeps an average of 20 hours a day. If you are lucky, you might even spot them moving around with joeys on their backs.
3. The Nobbies Centre and Seal Rocks
Inside the Phillip Island Nature Park, the Nobbies Centre allows visitors to take in the stunning coastal scenery and the Australian Fur Seals along Phillip Island’s rugged south coast. Stroll along the Nobbies’ boardwalk and you may see little penguins, seabirds and dolphins. And look through the binoculars and spot seals at Seal Rocks, Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
4. Churchill Island
Connected to Phillip Island by a bridge, Churchill Island is the site of Victoria’s first European settlement. Step back in time as you visit the island’s heritage farm and homestead. See demonstrations on cow milking, sheep shearing, working dogs and blacksmithing or go for a for a ride on a horse and wagon or simply take a walk along the shore.
5. Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
After all the island trekking, the perfect reward, especially for kids, is a trip to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. See how delicious chocolates are made and sample the finished product. Learn about cocoa through a series of exhibits and displays. You may also take part in designing your own chocolate and eat it afterward.
6. A Maze N Things
Have a fun time at the mazes, mini-golf and mysterious caves at A Maze'N Things. The place is a whole world filled with optical illusions, mazes and puzzles. Their attractions which include the Skytrail, Magic Manor, Mirror Maze, Puzzle Island and Maxi Mini Golf are perfect to entertain the whole family.
7. Phillip Island Wildlife Coast Cruises
Venture out on different wildlife cruises such as seal watching at Seal Rocks. A twilight cruise, meanwhile lets you travel along Phillip Island’s shores, the historic French island and the Port of Hastings while enjoying food and refreshments.
8. Beaches and Coastlines
Wave hello to some of the best surfing spots in Australia. Renowned for its quality breaks and unspoiled environment, Phillip Island prides itself with its four surfing sites along the coast- Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay.
9. Dining Destinations
Experience dining at one of Phillip Island’s restaurants and cafes. Freshly caught seafood and locally sourced produce are usually served up with spectacular views at Phillip Island's dining hot spots.
10. Angling and Fishing Holiday
Phillip Island is perfect for a fishing holiday! Snapper up an excellent catch from the jetties at Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll and San Remo. For junior anglers, you can head to Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm.