Phillip Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A rugged coastline with rocky outcrops and waves crashing against them.
Two surfers in the water with surfboards.
A sandy beach with rocky outcrops and a clear blue ocean.
A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, a wooden walkway, and a prominent rock formation.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, green vegetation, and a wooden staircase leading down to the shore.

Enjoy a getaway at this southern Victorian island, known for its great surf breaks, sheltered bays, international motorsports events and adorable penguins.

Phillip Island is an exciting seaside destination at the mouth of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria. Share long stretches of sandy beaches with tiny penguins and other wildlife, surf on the Bass Strait breaks, visit leafy conservation areas and wetlands and get your motor running at Australia’s original Grand Prix circuit.

Explore Phillip Island’s diverse mix of rugged southern coastline and sheltered Western Port Bay beaches. Hit the surf or swim in the shallows at Woolamai Beach, a lifeguard-patrolled beach on the island’s south coast. Learn to surf on the safe breaks at Smiths Beach. Head north to enjoy Ventnor Beach, Anchorage Beach and Red Rock Beach, with beautiful Mornington Peninsula views. Visit family-friendly Cowes Beach for a shallow high tide, jetty facilities and lifeguard patrol.

Summerland Beach is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers and penguins alike. Visit at sunset to see the Penguin Parade, a special viewing of the little penguins waddling up from the shore to their nests. See the penguins for free from the boardwalks at The Nobbies and Seal Rocks nearby.

Don’t miss Phillip Island Wildlife Park to see free-roaming kangaroos in an idyllic natural setting. Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve is a scenic peninsula park with beautiful native vegetation. Spot koalas lounging in tall eucalypts, from the treetop boardwalks of the Koala Conservation Centre. Nearby Churchill Island has a heritage farmstead, lush wetlands and an ancient Bunurong Aboriginal cultural site.

Visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during one of the international car and motorbike racing championships to see some of the world’s fastest drivers in action. Take a guided circuit tour, visit the History of Motorsport Display or do a few laps of the mini circuit in a go-kart.

Phillip Island is 138.8 kilometres (86.2 miles) from Melbourne, Victoria’s capital city. A bridge connects the island to mainland Victoria. Reach the island by car or bus from nearby major cities. Ferries connect Phillip Island to Stony Point and French Island.

Seahorse Motel

Seahorse Motel

3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street Cowes VIC
The price is NZ$149 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$149
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"The location was great, just few minutes to walk to the center and beach. The staffs were nice and helpful. The value was affordable. We enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 7 July 2026

Seahorse Motel
Amaroo Holiday Park

Amaroo Holiday Park

3 out of 5
97 Church St Cowes VIC
The price is NZ$108 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$108
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Ferry Dock are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (459 reviews)
"The cabin was clean and warm. Having a TV in the bedroom as well as living area and heating was all good. All important for the cold winters day that we stayed. The mattress was ok to good but we are a little fussy having bad backs. The staff at the office were pleasant and happy."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Amaroo Holiday Park
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island

4 out of 5
2128 Phillip Island Road Cowes VIC
The price is NZ$288 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$288
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Phillip ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,001 reviews)
"Well maintained with a touch of nature."

Reviewed on 6 July 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Waves Apartments

The Waves Apartments

4.5 out of 5
1 The Esplanade Cowes VIC
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Silverleaves Beach and Phillip Island Ferry Dock ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (715 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

The Waves Apartments
Holiday Lifestyle Cowes

Holiday Lifestyle Cowes

1 out of 5
137 Thompson Ave Cowes VIC
Stay at this campsite in Cowes. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Phillip Island Leisure Centre and Phillip Island ...
Holiday Lifestyle Cowes
Phillip Island Apartments

Phillip Island Apartments

4 out of 5
9-11 Bass Ave, entrance off Chapel Ave Cowes VIC
Stay at this apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Phillip Island Ferry Dock and Silverleaves Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (466 reviews)
"Roomy and clean accommodation within walking distance of heaps of amenities. Quiet location, a great stay"

Reviewed on 16 June 2026

Phillip Island Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Phillip Island attractions

Activities

Cities near Phillip Island

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