Phillip Island Travel Guide

  Cape Woolamai
by iandsmith
 
  • Cape Woolamai
      Cape Woolamai
    by iandsmith
  • Cape Woolamai
      Cape Woolamai
    by iandsmith
  • Cat Bay Jetty
      Cat Bay Jetty
    by iandsmith
  • Cutback at Flynns Beach
      Cutback at Flynns Beach
    by iandsmith
  • My son doing a cutback at Woolamai
      My son doing a cutback at Woolamai
    by iandsmith
 

Pro

iandsmith profile photo

  A fair bit to see and do, motor racing, penguins 


Con

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  It has become rather commercialise 


In a nutshell

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  Great day trip! 

 

Explore Phillip Island

Things to Do  

Casey wins again

Casey wins again, Phillip Island

 iandsmith Says:  I went down in 2011 to watch Casey win a world title yet again. I still find it hard to believe that it was even colder than previous times I'd visited. Sitting in the Bass Strait Stand with shirt, thick jumper, spray jacket and blanket wrapped around and still being cold... 

Pyramid Rock - Take a Walk...

Pyramid Rock - Take a Walk..., Phillip Island

 ATXtraveler Says:  Phillip Island is filled with great beaches, and lots of fun walks. One of the easier walks is the Pyramid Rock. It was freezing out there in July, and it began raining when we headed out, so we did not stay too long, but the view is beautiful.One of the things I will... 

The Nobbies

The Nobbies, Phillip Island

 ATXtraveler Says:  On the far end of Phillip Island, you will find a nature park that is a great place for an afternoon walk. I am sure it would be much more enjoyable in the summertime, since we were very cold with the ocean breeze coming straight in from Antarctica, but we did enjoy the view... 

Koala's Emus Roos & Little Penguins......

Koala's Emus Roos & Little Penguins......, Phillip Island

 DaveRowley Says:  At first the price of $80Au put me off but after talking to a local in St.Kilda (and he explained it was 1.5hr drive there and 1.5hr back) + the different places you visit it was well worth it.You see..Wine tasting at The Gurdies (the port was sensational, the wine... 

Koala Conservation Centre

Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island

 shirley26 Says:  Visit the Koala Conservation Centre as they have 2 raised boardwalks which allow you to see these fascinating animals close up. The Park has more than 6 hectares of bushland and plays a part in conserving koalas and undertaking research. 

The Nobbies and the penguins

The Nobbies and the penguins, Phillip Island

 iandsmith Says:  Stuck out on the western end of the island is arguably the most scenic spot on Phillip Island. I refer, rather obviously, to The Nobbies; a set of eye-catching protruberances beyond the land's end.They are also a haven for wildlife. Birds and penguins nest in this area and... 

Koala Conservation Centre

Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island

 clueless83 Says:  The Koala Conservation Centre is a chance to see koalas in their natural habitat. There is a visitor centre and rangers on hand to answer any questions but the centre is not like a zoo. There are raised boardwalks among the trees for you to walk along to spot the koalas high... 

The Nobbies and Seal Rocks

The Nobbies and Seal Rocks, Phillip Island

 clueless83 Says:  The Nobbies Centre has a cafe and a childrens play area and is an ideal place to relax for a bit on Phillip Island. We didn't spend too long here as we'd already eaten but we watched some children playing with the cameras that are zoomed in to Seal Rocks.Seal Rocks, as the... 

Hotels  

Anchor Motel Phillip Island (The)

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Restaurants  

Gulliver's Cafe & Wine Bar: Worst restaurant in Australia!!

Gulliver's Cafe & Wine Bar: Worst restaurant in Australia!!, Phillip Island

 jamesb6 Says:  DON'T DO IT!! I get to Phillip Island a lot, and have given this place THREE tries in the last year and every time is worse than the last. Today was a highlight - a special hot dog SATURATED in sauce, that fell apart as soon as I picked it up. No serviette or waiter/waitress... 

Gulliver's Cafe & Wine Bar: Worst restaurant in Australia!!

Gulliver's Cafe & Wine Bar: Worst restaurant in Australia!!, Phillip Island

 jamesb6 Says:  DON'T DO IT!! I get to Phillip Island a lot, and have given this place THREE tries in the last year and every time is worse than the last. Today was a highlight - a special hot dog SATURATED in sauce, that fell apart as soon as I picked it up. No serviette or waiter/waitress... 

Transportation  

V-Line

V-Line, Phillip Island

 eviltooth Says:  V-Line bus to and from Melbourne stops at Grantville, Corinella, Bass, San Remo, Newhaven and Cowes daily. FaresMelbourne - Cowes/ Cowes - MelbourneAdult Single $15.60Adult Return $31.20Off-peak Return $21.90 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Weather

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Weather, Phillip Island

 ATXtraveler Says:  If you are headed to Phillip Island during the winter time, and you want to go out and watch the penguin parade... make sure you dress warmly before you get there. You can purchase appropriate weather gear in the gift shop, but that will cost you!They are are nice enough to... 

When Animals Attack

When Animals Attack, Phillip Island

 ATXtraveler Says:  If you are headed to Phillip Island, make sure you do not feed the seagulls. Although it is normally not a good practice, it can be especially dangerous here, as there have been incidences of seagulls attacking!If you are going to feed them, make sure it is away from small... 

Beach safety

Beach safety, Phillip Island

 shirley26 Says:  Australian beaches are beautiful but they can also be dangerous. So look for beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards and swim between the flags that are erected each day. I've included a link to a beach safety website. 

What to Pack  

Warm and comfortable!

Warm and comfortable!, Phillip Island

 clueless83 Says:   I don't know what Phillip Island is like all year round but if you go in May then make sure you're dressed warmly! Comfortable clothing is a must here. Take a camera. A good zoom is ideal for all those nature shots but bear in mind you won't be permitted to use a camera... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Beaches

Beaches, Phillip Island

 shirley26 Says:  There are a number of beautiful beaches on Phillip Island including many that are great for surfing like Woolamai. We enjoyed Smiths Beach as walking along this beach we saw a number of interesting sights including cliffs, rock pools and plants. 

Sports & Outdoors  

Cold but quality - surfing the island

Cold but quality - surfing the island, Phillip Island

 iandsmith Says:  Surfing is a popular thing on the island but, be warned, the water isn't always warm. My son surfed both Woolamai and Flynns Beach with the water at the latter being noticeably warmer. Waves were good quality at both venues with the Flynns break being deceptively strong. It... 

Fishing

Fishing, Phillip Island

 iandsmith Says:  You can try your luck fishing in most areas along the coast but always remember, rock fishing is the world's most dangerous sport.The island has an exposed coast on the south and protected waters, to varying degrees, elsewhere.Much safer is if you join any of the number of... 

Favorites  

A bit of history

A bit of history, Phillip Island

 iandsmith Says:  In January 1798 when George Bass entered Westernport on a voyage of exploration inspired by the survivors of the Sydney Cove. He named it Western Port (now written Westernport) the most westerly known harbour on the coast at the time. Bass returned in October 1798 with... 

Life's a beach

Life's a beach, Phillip Island

 iandsmith Says:  Phillip Island has its fair share of beaches, Woolamai being the most popular but there is much to commend just going around and looking at what the island has to offer. Cat Bay Jetty has been difficult when I tried to find out its provenance. As best I can ascertain it was... 

The Place

Plan a Phillip Island vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Phillip Island locals

Experience Phillip Island
  •   94 Tips and Reviews
  •  212 Photos
  •  4 Videos
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Map of Phillip Island
 

The People

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Our Members Say
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 Roughly 3 km west of the Berry's Beach Rd intersection, keep your eyes out for the turnoff onto Kitty Miller Rd that will take you to Kitty Miller Bay. It is a... 

1 member lives in Phillip Island

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi everyone, I was wondering what you thought of taking a Great Ocean Road tour? I cannot drive, so I figure this is the best... 

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A: Few things outside of the major cities are easy to do on your own without transport. Even once you get there, the attractions on Phillip Island are spread out. Looking... 

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Top Phillip Island Writers

1

Phillip Island

eviltooth profile photo

 The island was discovered by George Bay in January 1798, 10 years after the first fleet arrived in Sydney. Originally named Snapper Island and then Grant Island it was finally named after Captain... 

2

Don't forget the penguins

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 I know that for the vast majority of overseas tourists, Phillip Island represents an excursion out of Melbourne to go and see the penguins. Remember, if you're going to see them, think "cold". It's an... 

3

PHILLIP ISLAND

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 Phillip Island is about a 2 hour drive from Melbourne, unless you leave at peak hour and then it seems to take forever! George Bass discovered Phillip Island in 1798. It was originally named Snapper... 

4

A COLD Afternoon on Phillip Island!

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 Sarah and I decided to take a spur of the moment trip a couple hours south to enjoy the winter weather blowing in from Antarctica on Phillip Island. Phillip Island is located 2 hours South East of... 

5

One day is Enough

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 If you are in Melbourne and just want to go out of the city on a weekend, Philip Island is the best place. You can actually do it in a day with any of the tour operators or you can rent a car and... 

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