Phillip Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Phillip Island which includes rugged coastline
Phillip Island showing surfing as well as a small group of people
Phillip Island showing a beach as well as a small group of people
Phillip Island
Phillip Island featuring a sandy 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
Fully refundable
The price is ฿3,267 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
฿3,267
฿3,594 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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! (1,000 reviews)
"The property inside was clean and tidy. It was a little bit on the older side and the carpets were a little bit unkempt. The old spiders webs on the outside of the building were an indication of its age. But it was a central and convenient place to stay after watching the penguins."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

North Pier Hotel
Seahorse Motel

Seahorse Motel

3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC
The price is ฿2,928 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
฿2,928
฿3,221 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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! (951 reviews)
Highly recommend
"Exceptionally clean place"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Seahorse Motel
Amaroo Holiday Park

Amaroo Holiday Park

3 out of 5
97 Church St, Cowes, VIC
The price is ฿2,555 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
฿2,555
฿2,555 total
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Ferry Dock ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (352 reviews)
"Room was clean, happy with the accommodation."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Amaroo Holiday Park
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 4-star apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Phillip Island Ferry Dock and Silverleaves Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (450 reviews)
"The three-bedroom was a decent size. Unfortunately, it was on the top floor and the other guests I was with had trouble going up the stairs, but we will know for next time. However, the front desk staff were kind to offer us another option to a two-bedroom to accommodate our needs, but my other guests ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 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 4-star apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Ventnor Bushland Reserve 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 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cowes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Silverleaves Beach and Phillip Island ...
9/10 Wonderful! (699 reviews)
"Nice comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 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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