The Best things to do in Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island emerges as a family-friendly oasis brimming with natural wonders and unique experiences. In this article, I’ll cover the best things to do in Phillip Island based on my family’s adventures. We’ve explored its corners, delighted in its wildlife, and reveled in its laid-back charm.

Here, I’ll share our favorite spots and activities, the places that made our trip memorable. From the bustling Penguin Parade to the serene boardwalks of the Koala Conservation Reserve, we’ve experienced firsthand what makes Phillip Island a fantastic destination for families.

But it’s not just about where we’ve been. I’ll also tip you off to other family-friendly attractions on the island that are on our list for next time. Whether planning a day trip or a more extended stay, Phillip Island is a treasure trove of experiences perfect for visitors of all ages. Let’s dive into the wonders of Phillip Island and discover why it’s a must-visit for families seeking adventure, wildlife, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Wildlife spotting in Summerlands and the Nobbies

Summerlands is a fab area to explore at the far end of Phillip Island. It’s an easy day trip from Melbourne to come and enjoy some of the island’s activities, wildlife, and sweeping coastal vistas.

Head to the Nobbies at the tip of the island and meander along the boardwalks for fantastic views. You will spot many geese roaming everywhere, from the roads to the car park and hillsides.

We also saw lots of wallabies, and if you look closely at the little hillside penguin houses, you might see movement inside them?.

We were sure we could see seals popping in and out of the water near the little island off the coast, so it would be an excellent place to bring binoculars.

The Nobbies has a cafe with a spectacular view and is home to the Antarctic Journey exhibit, so you could also plan that into your day.

Drive slowly on the way in and out, and stop to watch the wildlife and enjoy the views from other lookouts in the area.

Check out the Antarctic Journey

The Antarctic Journey is a neat little education center at the Nobbies on Philip Island.

It’s part of the Phillip Island Nature Parks, and the best option for visiting is as part of their four-park pass, which saves you a decent chunk of money.

The center features interactive and informative exhibits highlighting Antarctic research and conservation.

You can compare your thermal image to an Emperor penguin’s and see why they’re more adapted to cold environments. Plus, sit at a table, select your chosen seafood meal, and determine its sustainability.

We also liked the short videos about mammals and birds and the giant board game.

The Antarctic Journey exhibits don’t take long to get through, so combine your visit with a walk around the coastal boardwalks.

The Penguin Parade

The Penguin Parade is another activity in Phillip Island’s four parks pass. It’s the only one you need to book, and the penguins come home to the beach every night, rain or shine, so you can take your pick of days.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you might know that we choose not to visit zoos and are careful about anything we support involving wildlife.

I was impressed with how the penguin parade is managed and how Phillip Island Nature Parks is integral to conservation in this area. So we were happy to visit and see the penguins in their natural habitat.

The penguin parade is an entirely natural occurrence where the penguins come home from the sea each day at sunset. When you visit the parade, you’re in the right place at the right time to see it happen.

The parade officials are informative and help ensure minimal disruption to nature and wildlife in the area. Penguins see a different light spectrum than us, so the unique lighting system lets us see them without disrupting the penguins.

Noise is kept to a minimum, and everyone stays in the designated areas. Cameras are not allowed after sunset, so you cannot take photos of the penguins. Of course, a handful of people are still trying to sneak shots no matter how many times they’re told.

(Any photos of penguins on this post are downloadable from the Phillip Island Nature Parks website).

It was amazing to watch the little penguins form groups as they came out of the ocean and then decide when it was safe to make a run for their homes in the dunes. We saw a group turn around and run back to the sea when they weren’t sure about one or two birds that swooped too close.

The best part is walking along the boardwalks on the way back and seeing the penguins up close as they do whatever they need to do back home.

The park officials also ensure the boardwalks are cleared around an hour after the penguins start heading home so they can enjoy their night in peace without any humans around.

The Koala Conservation Reserve

The Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island is a fantastic place to see koalas in their natural habitat. We didn’t see any in the wild, and we weren’t going to go to a zoo, so this was an excellent place to observe them and learn about these iconic, cuddly-looking creatures.

The reserve’s koalas are free to roam. You can walk around two boardwalk areas and follow trails around the park to spot them.

The Rangers give you some clues. They head out in the morning and put signs up telling you to look up in the areas where they’ve spotted the koalas. Maybe they don’t move too much since they can spend about 20 hours daily sleeping and the rest munching on leaves. Their low-energy diet of leaves means they need a low-energy lifestyle!

We were lucky to spot a few that had decided to climb onto low branches that day. The cutest was watching a mama climb and munch on leaves with her baby on her back.

Philip Island’s koala population is extremely low. I hope it revives like the island’s penguin population, their major success story.

There are about 20 koalas in the reserve. I was surprised to read they have a capacity of only 40. I guess they eat a lot of leaves, so they must ensure they have enough trees for them all.

The koalas get a bit of a helping hand here. Branches with juicy leaves are taken from areas around the reserve and put near the koalas because there wouldn’t be enough for them to eat otherwise. They also ensure they only have one male in reach of the females at the breeding stage to avoid territory conflicts.

You’ll find information boards at the entrance to learn about the koalas.

Churchill Island

Churchill Island is a 19th-century working farm. It’s a tiny island connected by road to Phillip Island, boasting beautiful scenic views.

It was privately owned in the past but now belongs to the state. You can visit and wander the grounds, watch the animals roaming, and check out the historic buildings.

You can watch several activities throughout the day, such as blacksmithing, sheep shearing, and cow milking. We arrived too late to watch anything like that, but we did get to feed the gorgeous baby lambs.

They were jumping around with excitement when they knew milk was coming. These little babes had a pretty horrific start to life.

They are lambs that were born on the way to the abattoir?. The lady who was chatting to us said their mums should never have been sent away to be killed when they were that pregnant.

Should animals be sent to the abattoir when they’re pregnant at all? These were the sorts of questions I started asking and issues I started thinking about when I decided to stop eating meat for good more than 20 years ago.

I’m glad the babies were spared. They could have easily not been. These lambs are now destined for long and happy days (hopefully) as pets.

There’s a lot to learn and see at Churchill Island. The setting is gorgeous, and they even have a few outdoor games like Giant Chess and Jenga.

Other Family-Friendly Attractions on Phillip Island

While my family and I have visited a few of Phillip Island’s top attractions, there’s a whole other world of places waiting to be explored. Add these to your adventure list if your family is planning a visit.

Sweeten your trip with a visit to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, where interactive exhibits and delectable treats await. For those who crave a bit of adrenaline, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit offers exhilarating go-karting experiences.

For a more laid-back day, the beaches at Cowes or Ventnor are perfect for soaking up the sun and playing in the sand.

For a truly unique experience, head to A Maze’N Things Theme Park, a place full of puzzles, mazes, and delightful optical illusions that will amaze and entertain the whole family.

Each attraction adds another layer of fun and excitement to your Phillip Island visit, ensuring your family trip is filled with joy and memorable moments.

The Best Things to Do in Phillip Island | In conclusion

Phillip Island is more than just a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of nature, family fun, and serene beauty. From the magical Penguin Parade to the cuddly koalas, every moment spent here brings a new discovery, a new story to tell.

As my family and I discovered, whether you’re roaming the historic Churchill Island or gazing at the sea from the Nobbies, Phillip Island offers a blend of adventure and tranquility that’s rare and profoundly satisfying.

While we’ve shared some of our favorite experiences, the island holds many more secrets waiting to be uncovered. For families looking to bond over nature’s wonders or adventurers seeking a new horizon, Phillip Island stands out as a must-visit destination.

So pack your bags, set your sights on this charming Australian gem, and get ready to create your own unforgettable Phillip Island story.