Phillip Island

Phillip Island

Penguin Parade, Grand Prix, Koala Conservation Centre and Cowes beach — 90 min from Melbourne.

8 tours
2 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 9 photos
View on Google Maps →

Tours in Phillip Island

See all 8 tours →
3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour

3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour

3 days
From AUD $334
Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne

Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne

14 hours – 17 hours
From AUD $245
Private custom Penguin Tour with Premium Penguin Tickets

Private custom Penguin Tour with Premium Penguin Tickets

10 hours
From AUD $2899
Phillip Island (Boonwurrung: Corriong, Worne or Millowl) is an Australian island about 125 km (78 mi) south-southeast of Melbourne, Victoria. The island is named after Governor Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, by explorer and seaman George Bass, who sailed in a whaleboat, arriving from Sydney on 5 January 1798. Phillip Island forms a natural breakwater for the shallow waters of the Western Port. It is 26 km (16 mi) long and 9 km (5.6 mi) wide, with an area of about 101 km2 (40 sq mi). It has 97 km (60 mi) of coastline and is part of the Bass Coast Shire. A 640 m (2,100 ft) concrete bridge (originally a wooden bridge) connects the mainland town San Remo with the island town Newhaven. In the 2021 census, the island's permanent population was 13,799, compared to 7,071 in 2001. During the summer, the population swells to 40,000. 60% of the island is farmland devoted to grazing of sheep and cattle. Phillip Island is formally recognised by UNESCO as part of the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve. The designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve highlights areas of exceptional natural significance where communities collaborate to promote sustainable living practices and sits within a global network of 759 Biosphere Reserves spanning 136 countries.

Background information about Phillip Island adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Phillip Island

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Phillip Island

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Sep, Oct, Nov — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Mar, Jul if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
36°
13° low
44mm
Feb
33°
12° low
46mm
Mar
33°
12° low
45mm
Apr
27°
11° low
64mm
May
23°
9° low
67mm
Jun
19°
8° low
70mm
Jul
17°
6° low
70mm
Aug
18°
6° low
76mm
Sep
22°
8° low
65mm
Oct
26°
8° low
63mm
Nov
31°
7° low
73mm
Dec
33°
11° low
57mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

Beach & ocean conditions at Phillip Island

Typical wave height around 1.1 m over the next two weeks. a wetsuit makes winter swims much more pleasant.

Avg wave height
1.1 m
Sea-surface temperatures from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Wave forecast from the GFS Wave model — check official sources before swimming, paddling or boating.

What else is around Phillip Island

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (75)
🏰 Historic sites (14)
🦁 Family — zoos, aquariums, theme parks (1)
🎭 Theatres, cinemas & markets (1)
🕳️ Caves (1)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Phillip Island

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Dandenong Ranges
118 km · 1h 44m
To Mornington Peninsula
127 km · 1h 48m
To Melbourne
138 km · 1h 55m
To Yarra Valley
137 km · 2h 5m
To Wilsons Promontory
145 km · 2h 11m
To Geelong & Bellarine
210 km · 2h 52m
To Daylesford
249 km · 3h 20m
To Gippsland
258 km · 3h 50m

Photos from around Phillip Island

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
park
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
park
Discover Victoria’s Little Penguins
Discover Victoria’s Little Penguins
article
Nobbies Centre Phillip Island
Nobbies Centre Phillip Island
article
Koala Conservation Reserve Phillip Island Victoria
Koala Conservation Reserve Phillip Island Victoria
article
Phillip Island Wildlife
Phillip Island Wildlife
article
Phillip Island Tours and Rentals
Phillip Island Tours and Rentals
article
Phillip Island Specials
Phillip Island Specials
article
Phillip Island Resorts
Phillip Island Resorts
article

Frequently asked about Phillip Island

Where is Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is in Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Victoria destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Phillip Island?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Phillip Island are typically September, October, November — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. July tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Phillip Island?
Summer daytime highs average around 36°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 6°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 740 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Phillip Island?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Dandenong Ranges it's about 118 km — roughly 1h 44m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Victoria destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Phillip Island?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Middle Hill, Richardson Hill, Anzacs, South coast lookout, Tower Hill. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Phillip Island?
We list 2 caravan and holiday parks in and around Phillip Island above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Phillip Island?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Phillip Island to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Phillip Island good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 21 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from Phillip Island?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Yarra Valley. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at Phillip Island?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Phillip Island accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Phillip Island are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Phillip Island cost?
Budget travellers can do Phillip Island on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Phillip Island?
Most named destinations in Victoria have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Phillip Island

3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour
3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $334
Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne
Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne
★ 5.0 · from AUD $245
Private custom Penguin Tour with Premium Penguin Tickets
Private custom Penguin Tour with Premium Penguin Tickets
★ 5.0 · from AUD $2899
Small Group Personalised Private Tours Melbourne (up to 14 pax)
Small Group Personalised Private Tours Melbourne (up to 14 pax)
★ 5.0 · from AUD $890
Phillip Island Penguins Private Adventure
Phillip Island Penguins Private Adventure
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1610
Melbourne to 12 Apostles VIP Helicopter Tour (1 hour Flight)
Melbourne to 12 Apostles VIP Helicopter Tour (1 hour Flight)
★ 5.0 · from AUD $3299
Private custom Tour of Phillip Island With Penguin Parade
Private custom Tour of Phillip Island With Penguin Parade
★ 5.0 · from AUD $2349
Phillip Island Private Experience
Phillip Island Private Experience
★ 5.0 · from AUD $900

Caravan parks nearby

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
Newhaven · Bass Coast Shire
★ 4.5
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
Cowes · Bass Coast Shire
★ 4.4

Nearby destinations

Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula
Dandenong Ranges
Dandenong Ranges
Yarra Valley
Melbourne
Melbourne
Greater Melbourne
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley
Geelong & Bellarine
Geelong & Bellarine
Great Ocean Road
Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory
Gippsland

Phillip Island travel articles

Discover Victoria’s Little Penguins
Discover Victoria’s Little Penguins
Discover Victoria’s Little Penguins: Phillip Island and St Kilda Victoria is home to some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife experiences, and few are as enchanting as watching Little Penguins return to shore at night. These charming seabirds, the world’s smallest penguin species, can be seen in two
📍
Organised Tours in Victoria
In Victoria there are many organised tours on offer. There are so many great places to see that an organized tour is the best way for you to see the wonderful attractions that abound in Victoria. You will want to see things like the Great Ocean Road , Phillip Island, The Grampians, The Murray River
Nobbies Centre Phillip Island
Nobbies Centre Phillip Island
Nobbies Centre in Phillip Island Enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast as you stroll along one of the boardwalks. The Nobbies offers spectacular views of the Bass Strait from its clifftop. Continue along the road, past the Penguin Parade and through the Summerland Peninsula until you reach its v
Koala Conservation Reserve Phillip Island Victoria
Koala Conservation Reserve Phillip Island Victoria
Koala Conservation Reserve in Phillip Island, Victoria The Koala Conservation Reserve offers a unique opportunity to see koalas up close in their natural environment. Boardwalks are built on the trees that wind through the Australian bushland. Two elevated boardwalks will bring you closer to koalas,
Phillip Island Wildlife
Phillip Island Wildlife
From the National Parks to the wetlands, the rugged coastline and fringing ocean waters, Phillip Island is home to numerous species of wildlife, making Phillip Island a true natural paradise. Come face to face with a variety of animals in their natural habitat simply by setting out on a hiking trip,
Phillip Island Tours and Rentals
Phillip Island Tours and Rentals
Whether you are after an eco tour, food and wine tour, backpacker tour, sightseeing tour, ocean cruise or even a hiking trek along one of the coastal routes around Phillip Island , these are just some of the many tours that you can set out on to take in the sights of the island. Located just 90 minu
Phillip Island Specials
Phillip Island Specials
From tour specials, dinner specials, racing events packages and great deals on your Phillip Island holiday accommodation , Phillip Island is a holiday destination that offers many great savings so that you can easily do an enjoyable holiday on a budget. Whether you are looking for something in parti
Phillip Island Resorts
Phillip Island Resorts
Whether you are looking for a beach hideaway, tranquil escape, or exclusive retreat or wish to base yourself in the heart of the main townships or seaside villages of Phillip Island , you will find many choices when you are searching for the ideal resort to book into. There are numerous accommodatio