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.

Seahorse Motel

Seahorse Motel

3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC
The price is AU$150 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$150
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (953 reviews)
"Welcomed on arrival with a good chat, then another good chat on the way out. Room was way above what I thought it may be. I have a new favourite place to book a room now when I stay at the Island. I'd give them more than 5 stars if I could."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Seahorse Motel
North Pier Hotel

North Pier Hotel

3 out of 5
5 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC
The price is AU$168 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$168
20 Oct - 21 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 our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

North Pier Hotel
Amaroo Holiday Park

Amaroo Holiday Park

3 out of 5
97 Church St, Cowes, VIC
The price is AU$93 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$93
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, 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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