Phillip Island is one of Melbourne’s most popular day trip destinations, known for its penguin parade, surf beaches, and coastal wildlife parks. It’s just under 2 hours from the Melbourne CBD and ideal for families, couples, and international visitors.
Contents
- 1 What Is Phillip Island Known For?
- 2 Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne
- 3 How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne by car?
- 4 Are there guided tours to Phillip Island from Melbourne?
- 5 Best Things to Do on Phillip Island
- 6 Penguin Parade
- 7 Koala Conservation Reserve
- 8 Churchill Island Heritage Farm
- 9 Phillip Island Wildlife Park
- 10 Cape Woolamai
- 11 Best Beaches on Phillip Island
- 12 Where to Stay on Phillip Island
- 13 Where to Eat on Phillip Island
- 14 When Is the Best Time to Visit Phillip Island?
- 15 Hidden Gems on Phillip Island
- 16 Recommended Tours & Packages
- 17 Travel Tips for Phillip Island Visitors
- 18 Common Questions
- 19 Plan Your Visit with This Interactive Phillip Island Map
- 20 Philip Island Tours
What Is Phillip Island Known For?
Phillip Island is famous for the Penguin Parade, coastal wildlife, and surf beaches. It offers a mix of nature, adventure, and family-friendly attractions.
Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne
You can reach Phillip Island from Melbourne by car, guided tour, or public transport. Driving takes around 90 to 120 minutes depending on traffic.
How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne by car?
Driving from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes about 90 to 120 minutes, covering roughly 140 km via the M1 and Bass Highway (A420). It’s a smooth, scenic route popular for day trips, with a recommended stop at San Remo for seafood and pelican feeding at the jetty around 12 pm.
Key travel info:
- Distance: Approx. 140 km
- Route: M1 → South Gippsland Freeway → Bass Highway (A420)
- Local Tip: Pull over at San Remo to enjoy a seafood lunch and watch pelicans being fed daily at noon
Are there guided tours to Phillip Island from Melbourne?
Yes – daily tours to Phillip Island depart from central Melbourne locations such as Federation Square and St Kilda. These tours are ideal for visitors who prefer not to drive and typically include hotel pickup, a curated itinerary of nature stops, lunch, and reserved access to the Penguin Parade. It’s the most convenient way to experience the island daily.
What’s included in most Phillip Island day tours?
- Hotel pickup from Federation Square, St Kilda, or selected CBD locations
- Entry to the Penguin Parade (standard or upgraded viewing)
- Stops at Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, or wildlife parks
- Return air-conditioned transport
- Optional meal inclusions or sunset-viewing schedules
How to Get To Phillip Island by Public Transport:
- Train to Dandenong Station
- From Southern Cross Station on the Cranbourne or Pakenham Line
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Trains depart every 10–20 minutes
- Bus to Cowes via San Remo
- V/Line Route 981 or Island Coach Services (ICS)
- Stops: Grantville, San Remo, Newhaven, Cowes
- Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours
- Cost: ~$16–$20 one way
- Local transport on Phillip Island
- Limited public buses
- Consider booking a taxi or a local tour for easier access to attractions
Public Transport Tips:
- Not suitable for same-day return if attending the Penguin Parade
- Book in advance via vline.com.au
- ICS runs additional buses around the island
- An overnight stay is recommended for public transport visitors
Best Things to Do on Phillip Island
The top attractions on Phillip Island include the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and its beaches.
Penguin Parade
- Starts at sunset (varies by season)
- Upgrade to underground or premium viewing for a better experience
- Combine with a visit to The Nobbies boardwalk
Koala Conservation Reserve
- Tree-top boardwalks through native bush
- Open 10 am – 5 pm daily
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
- Family-friendly historic farm with animal feeding and working demos
- Open year-round
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
- Feed kangaroos and emus
- Tickets from $20 for adults
Cape Woolamai
- Most scenic walking track on the island
- Panoramic ocean cliffs, perfect for sunrise hikes
Best Beaches on Phillip Island
Phillip Island offers a mix of family-friendly beaches, surf breaks, and quiet coastal spots ideal for swimming, walking, and photography. Each beach has its own character, suited to different types of visitors.
| Beach | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cowes Beach | Calm swimming, families | Close to shops, playground |
| Woolamai Beach | Surfing, long walks | Strong rips – swim with caution |
| Smiths Beach | Rock pools, bodyboarding | Good for exploring at low tide |
| Red Rocks Beach | Quiet sunset spot | Great for couples or solo visits |
Where to Stay on Phillip Island
Accommodation in Phillip Island ranges from resorts and motels to boutique Airbnbs and caravan parks.
- Budget: Anchor Belle Holiday Park (cabins from $110)
- Family: Ramada Resort Phillip Island
- Romantic: Silverwater Resort or clifftop Airbnbs in Ventnor
- Pet-Friendly: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
Where to Eat on Phillip Island
Eat fresh seafood, vegan meals, or relaxed fish and chips with a sea view.
- The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant – Rhyll seafood
- G’day Tiger – quirky cafe, Melbourne-style coffee
- Island Whole Foods – plant-based meals under $15
- San Remo Fish Co-op – best for takeaway
- Erehwon Point – perfect picnic area with beach access
When Is the Best Time to Visit Phillip Island?
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather, wildlife activity, and fewer crowds.
| Season | Weather | What It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hot, busy | Beach holidays, surf, day tours |
| Autumn | Mild, calm | Walks, scenic drives, fewer crowds |
| Winter | Cold, quiet | Whale watching, indoor activities |
| Spring | Fresh, green | Wildlife parks, outdoor exploring |
Hidden Gems on Phillip Island
Here are lesser-known attractions that even locals love:
- Scenic flights over Cape Woolamai
- Forrest Caves – only visible at low tide
- Vietnam Veterans Museum – emotional and informative
- Saltwater Creek Trail – peaceful walking track with birdlife
- Bore Beach – quiet and perfect for sunrise photos
Recommended Tours & Packages
From boat cruises to sunset wildlife combos, these tours are worth booking:
- Penguin Parade Express Tour
- Helicopter Flight (12 mins)
- Koala + Churchill Island Wildlife Combo
- Self-Drive Route Map – free download with key stops
Travel Tips for Phillip Island Visitors
- Pack layers – evenings can get cold, even in summer
- Book Penguin Parade tickets early
- Arrive early for parking at popular spots like The Nobbies
- Mobile reception can be spotty in some areas
- Best photo time: Golden hour around 6:30–7:30 pm
Common Questions
Is Phillip Island good for a day trip from Melbourne?
Yes – it’s one of the most popular 1-day road trip destinations from the city.
Do I need to pre-book attractions?
Yes – especially Penguin Parade and tours during school holidays.
Can I go to Phillip Island without a car?
Yes, via V/Line and buses, but a car is more convenient.
How long should I stay?
1–2 nights is ideal for seeing the island without rushing.
Plan Your Visit with This Interactive Phillip Island Map
Use the map below to explore Phillip Island’s top attractions, from beaches and lookouts to wildlife parks and food stops. Tap each pin for more info and use it to build your own day trip or itinerary.
Philip Island Tours
Guided tours are a smart option if you’re visiting Phillip Island from Melbourne and want a hassle-free way to experience the highlights like the Penguin Parade, Koala Reserve, Seal Rocks, and even Brighton Beach.
Whether you prefer a relaxed wildlife encounter or a full day of coastal scenery and native animals, there are tours to match your style and schedule.
We’ve handpicked the best-rated Phillip Island tours from Melbourne so you can compare stops, pickup options, prices, and what’s included all in one place.
