Phillip Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Phillip Island showing rugged coastline
Phillip Island showing surfing as well as a small group of people
Phillip Island featuring a beach as well as a small group of people
Phillip Island
Phillip Island featuring a beach

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.

North Pier Hotel

North Pier Hotel

3 out of 5
5 The Esplanade Cowes VIC
The price is NZ$193 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$193
26 Nov - 27 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Cowes. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
The north pier is so accessible and safe for everyone. Staff are always friendly

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025

North Pier Hotel
Amaroo Holiday Park

Amaroo Holiday Park

3 out of 5
97 Church St Cowes VIC
The price is NZ$118 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$118
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Phillip Island Ferry Dock and Silverleaves Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (365 reviews)
the mobil home was clean

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

Amaroo Holiday Park
Seahorse Motel

Seahorse Motel

3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street Cowes VIC
The price is NZ$184 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$184
26 Nov - 27 Nov
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (974 reviews)
The room and bathroom were very clean, playground on the property was a great touch too!

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

Seahorse Motel
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.
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! (454 reviews)
Very spacious in fool location

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Phillip Island Apartments
Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only

Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only

4 out of 5
124-128 Red Rocks Road Cowes VIC
Stay at this apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ventnor Bushland Reserve and Cowes Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (293 reviews)
Located close to the Philip Island Conservation Park. Small, quiet complex with parking just outside the door. Very welcoming and comfy. Beautifully decorated with wonderful touches such as throw blankets, movies, and books. Loved the heated mattress! Chris, the property manager was very friendly ...

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (700 reviews)
Room was spacious, quiet and loved the spa

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

The Waves 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.

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