Phillip Island

Fur Seals, Phillip Island Nature Park, Phillip Island, Vic. Photo credit: Tourism Victoria

Phillip Island

Phillip Island was permanently settled in 1842. But the reason people visit Phillip Island today is to meet the residents who’ve been here for much, much longer.

Phillip Island’s weather can be a jolt to the system. Visit in July and the average maximum temperature is a distinctly mild 13.4°C (although summer averages are in the mid-twenties).

It’s all to do with its position in Western Port, the body of water in which the island sits, and the ocean breezes that cool it far more effectively than Melbourne. It’s unsurprising, then, that winter visitor numbers are relatively low, but the population quadruples to around 40,000 in summer.

Things to do on Phillip Island

Penguin Parade
Every day, the Little Penguins (the world’s smallest species) take sunset as their cue to return to their burrows along the beach. Sit on the seats at the main viewing area on Summerland Beach and you’ll enjoy a 180° view of Phillip Island’s cutest natural attraction.

Churchill Island
This was the site of the first European settlement in Victoria, though the house here doesn’t date back quite that far. It was built in 1872 by Samuel Amess, then Mayor of Melbourne. The surrounding land and buildings are now part of a heritage farm. Wander the traditional herb and flower gardens, take a relaxing stroll in the orchard, and enjoy the demonstrations of traditional farming techniques.

Koala Conservation Centre
Phillip Island is one big natural attraction, but the conservation centre is a must-do thanks to the tree top boardwalks that let you view the koalas and their babies (joeys) in their natural habitat. There’s more to see than koalas too, with good views of the surrounding wetland and woodland containing wallabies, possums, echidnas, and snakes.

The Nobbies
At the far south-west of the island are The Nobbies, the rocks, outcrops, caves and blowholes that mark the point where the island tumbles into the sea. Thanks to the boardwalks they’re surprisingly easy to explore.

Just beyond them is Seal Rock and Australia’s largest colony of fur seals. Take a cruise to get up close, or visit the Nobbies Centre and zoom in on the colony using the cameras provided.

Cape Woolamai
The island’s highest point, in the south-east, is where you’ll find the Short-tailed Shearwater (Australian mutton bird). It makes burrows here and migrates to Alaska in April. As you walk the winding trail to find them, you’ll also enjoy some impressive views of the Pinnacles and the Cape Woolamai Lighthouse.

If you’re a surfer, you’ll appreciate Cape Woolamai all the more.

Motor racing
There can’t be many islands of this size with their own Grand Prix circuit. Opened in 1956, the Phillip Island circuit has hosted events including the Australian Grand Prix, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, World Superbike races, V8 Supercar Championship Series, and Australian Drivers’ Championship.

Pyramid Rock Festival
Every self-respecting music festival should have its pyramid. Phillip Island’s is Pyramid Rock. It overlooks the south coast, and provides the backdrop to an annual music and camping festival which lasts three days and spans New Year’s Eve/Day.It’s been running since 2004 with a line-up that divides local and international talent between the Main Stage (for the more established acts) and the Pharaoh’s Annex (for the niche and up-and-comings).

The event has been a bit wobbly of late (it was cancelled in 2013) so if you’re planning a trip to Phillip Island with the festival in mind best check the Facebook page first.

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Planning a trip to Phillip Island

It’ll take 90 minutes, driving south-east from Melbourne, to get here by car. Head for San Remo on the mainland, and cross to Newhaven on the island using the bridge.

Alternatively, catch the ferry from Stony Point (in Crib Point) to Cowes. It’s not a car ferry, but you can bring your bike. Runs every day, weather permitting.