Penguins, fur seals and Aussie favourites, kangaroos and koalas form an adorable consortium of Australian wildlife viewing on Phillip Island.
Imagine an island with a connecting bridge to mainland Australia. Phillip Island is very easy to get to from Melbourne. There are connecting trains, buses and a bridge. Phillip Island is one of Melbourne’s top day trips with plenty of tour operators offering wildlife tours combined with wineries, walking and foodie treats.
WADDLE, WRIGGLE AND WAGGLE HOME – PENGUIN PARADE PHILLIP ISLAND
Dusk and the penguins return to their burrows. Phillip Island Nature Park manages approximately 20% of Phillip Island including 4.7kms of boardwalks, 38 viewing areas and 22 shoreline access points. Under the eco-tourism banner is over 40 km of walking paths and tracks for visitors to enjoy.
Phillip Island – Wildlife Tours & Cruises – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
CHURCHILL ISLAND
An island, off an island. Churchill Island’s heritage farm, walks and bird watching hot spots are all part of a day exploring Churchill Island on a self-guided walking tour. There is a cafe to relax and soak up the bay views.
Churchill Island Farm Tour & More – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
Great day for urban kids to observe a working farm with sheep shearing, cow milking and whip cracking. During school holidays there are wagon rides.
Best travel deals - Over 2 million happy travellers since 1962
KOALA CONSERVATION RESERVE
Two tree top boardwalks allow visitors to observe koalas up close as they perch in favourite eucalyptus trees. There are 6 hectares of woodlands with wallabies and echidnas. An onsite cafe and nature play area for kids.
Phillip Island Wildlife Tours & Cruises – BOOK NOW (up to 10% cashback)
The koala is endearingly cute for visitors with its dense fur, large ears and slow steady movements. Nzjane always feels privileged to view an animal so specialised in its diet (consumes eucalyptus leaves only). The koala is a world class symbol of Australia, a true Aussie.
WILDLIFE COAST CRUISES – FUR SEAL BONANZA
Jutting into the Pacific Ocean is one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. On the two hour cruise visitors get to view between 4,000 to 5,000 seals. There are regular dolphin sightings and seabirds. The cruise takes in Bass Strait and, at times the sea is choppy.
Reviews & Tours on TripAdvisor
Phillip Island Seal-Watching Cruise – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER (free cancellation)
An exciting time to visit Seal Rocks, Phillip Island is spring. The bull seals are jostling for female attention and forming their harems. A natural no holes barred tournament.
Cheap deals on flights, cars, insurance, tours and activities here
Departure Location
Cowes Jetty, Phillip Island
11-13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC
HOW TO GET TO PHILLIP ISLAND, MELBOURNE?
The cheapest and easiest way to get to Phillip Island, Melbourne is via V/Line bus. Phillip Island is accessible by car from Melbourne. The Western Port Ferry departs from Stoney Point Jetty (Mornington Peninsula) and arrives at the busy Cowes on Phillip Island.
126 km via M1 and M420
Are you planning to drive to Phillip Island from your Melbourne accommodation?
If you are planning a road trip to Phillip Island add a day or two and spend time on route exploring the fascinating Mornington Peninsula, Portsea and the Quarantine Station.
You view penguins from the Nobbies Centre boardwalk. Yet the thousands of penguins returning to their burrows on the Penguin Parade Waddle is undeniably a memorable experience.
You can hire a bike from the local tour operator on Phillip Island, Super Cruzer Bike Hire and explore the island at your own pace.
Electric Car Charging
There are several places at San Remo and Phillip Island with Charging Facilities including:
– Cowes Transit Centre – Church Street (behind Berninneit cultural centre)
If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE