So you’ve put “Phillip Island” into your GPS and are wondering where in Australia you are? You’re not alone. It’s not the Outback, but it’s got its quirks — especially if you’ve driven through cow paddocks and ended up watching a mob of little penguins waddle up the beach. So let’s clear it up.
Contents
Phillip Island Is in Victoria
Phillip Island is in the southeastern part of Australia, off the coast of Melbourne. And when I say “off the coast,” I mean it’s technically an island, but it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo. So no, you don’t need a boat — just a car and maybe a decent playlist for the two-hour drive from Melbourne.
You’ll find it about 140km south-southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, hugging the edge of Western Port Bay in the Bass Coast Shire. French Island is nearby, another wildlife wonderland. It’s all part of the Phillip Island Region.
Quick Directions Snapshot
From Melbourne (Southern Cross Station): Head down the South Gippsland Highway (M420) Turn off at Bass Highway (A420) and follow signs through Grantville, San Remo Cross the bridge onto Phillip Island Road (Phillip Island Rd) Easy peasy — unless you hit peak-hour traffic trying to leave Melbourne. Been there, cursed that.
Why Visit Phillip Island? It’s More Than Just Penguins
Yes, the Penguin Parade steals the headlines, and honestly, it’s worth the hype — watching a penguin colony of fairy penguins waddle home at dusk is a rite of passage. But Phillip Island isn’t a one-trick wallaby.
Here’s what else you’ll find
- Cowes: The island’s main township — think cafes, bakeries, mini-golf, and fish and chips by Cowes Beach.
- Nobbies Centre: For dramatic coastal views, coastal surf, blowholes, and clifftop boardwalks. It’s a certified sensory-inclusive site.
- Phillip Island Circuit: Petrolheads, this is your Mecca — home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre, celebrating the history of motor sport.
- Rhyll: A quiet spot with mangroves, birdwatching and a damn good seafood lunch. Nearby is Conservation Hill and the track to Rhyll, a top spot for native wildlife and birdwatchers.
- Cape Woolamai: With Woolamai Surf Beach and its magnificent headland of pink granite, this National Surfing Reserve has some of the most popular surfing beaches and walking tracks around.
- Smiths Beach & Flynns Beach: Great for beach games and family-friendly swims.
- Summerland Beach: Prime penguin-watching and stunning coastal scenery.
- Pyramid Rock: Perfect for panoramic views and sunsets.
- Seal Rocks: Part of Phillip Island Nature Parks and home to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies.
You can even hop on Wildlife Coast Cruises to see the colony of fur seals up close in the cool waters of Bass Strait.
If you’re short on time, consider booking one of the guided Phillip Island tours — they’re a great way to see multiple attractions without the hassle of planning every stop. Many tours include access to top attractions like the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Summerland Beach.
Companies like Autopia Tours run day trips and multi-stop experiences that cover all the highlights — from clifftop walks to penguin viewing decks — and they’re perfect if you’d rather leave the keys at home.
Other highlights
- Koala Conservation Reserve / Centre: Tree-top boardwalks through eucalyptus canopy.
- Churchill Island: Just over the bridge, this easygoing island sanctuary and Churchill Island Heritage Farm are top spots for families and history buffs.
- Churchill Island Marine National Park and Marine Park: Marine life and coastal views.
- Island Accommodation: 3-storey holiday homes to Holiday Houses — holidays for every style.
- Theme park attractions: There’s even a slot car track.
You’ll find a Phillip Island tour to suit every interest — nature lovers to motorheads. Whether you want to see penguins, surf beaches or the history of European settlement, there’s a Phillip Island tour for you.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
This isn’t Far North Queensland. Phillip Island has what you’d call ‘coastal Victoria conditions’ — so pack for wind and bring a jumper, even in summer.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warmest time — also the busiest. Great for swimming, beach days and events like the Penguin Parade’s annual arrival crowds. Book tickets and admission ticket types early.
Autumn (Mar–May): Quieter, mellow days and good surfing.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cold, crisp and great for whale watching and coastal hikes. Good for spotting southern right whales off the south-western tip.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers, baby animals and variable weather.
Penguins waddle ashore all year, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade offers concession entry and entry for cardholders. If you’d rather someone else drive and narrate, look into Phillip Island Penguin Tours, which handles all the logistics for you.
Do You Need a Car?
Short answer: yep. Public transport to the island is patchy at best. There are buses from Melbourne, but they’re limited and slow. Once you’re on the island, there’s no public bus system to get you between attraction — unless you’re keen to hitch a ride with the local cyclists.
Hiring a car gives you freedom to roam — and trust me, you’ll want to pull over at those secret beach tracks, fishing villages and conservation projects.
Local Tips for Smarter Travel
- Watch out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos and wallabies don’t look both ways.
- Fuel up before you cross the bridge: There’s a servo on the island, but options are limited and can be pricey.
- Bring layers: The wind can go from pleasant to penguin-worthy in half an hour.
- Avoid school holidays if you can: The place gets packed with families.
- Pack mozzie repellent: Especially near Rhyll, Churchill Island and wetlands.
- History buffs: Check out Churchill Island’s role in European settlement and early agriculture — even George Bass passed through these waters.
Final Thoughts
So, where is Phillip Island? It’s in Victoria’s Bass Coast, close enough to Melbourne for a weekend, but far enough to feel like a break. Whether you’re after wildlife, surf, European food or just a bloody good vanilla slice in Cowes, Phillip Island’s got you covered.
There’s heaps to see and do, and whether you DIY it or book one of the many Phillip Island tours, you’ll have a ripper of a time.
Got a question I haven’t answered? Leave it in the comments — or better yet, go see for yourself and send me a photo of your windblown penguin selfie.
FAQ
Is Phillip Island part of Melbourne?
No. It’s about 2 hours from Melbourne by car. Think of it as Melbourne’s coastal cousin — close but with its own postcode and pace.
How do I get to Phillip Island without a car?
Your best bet is a coach service or organised tour from Melbourne. Public transport exists, but it’s limited, slow and not ideal for day-trippers.
Are the penguins really there every night?
Yes. Rain, hail or shine, they return from the ocean and waddle home, though numbers vary seasonally.
Can you swim at Phillip Island?
Yes. Cowes Beach and Smiths Beach are good for families. Cape Woolamai, Summerland and Woolamai Beach are for confident swimmers and surfers.
Is Phillip Island worth visiting in winter?
Yes — fewer crowds, dramatic coastline, native wildlife and if you’re lucky, whales breaching near Seal Rocks.