February 2026

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island, Victoria is one of Australia’s most loved wildlife destinations. This small island packs a massive punch with its famous Penguin Parade, stunning beaches, and unique Australian animals. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a solo adventure, or a romantic weekend, Phillip Island offers something special for everyone. In my experience managing tours across Australia for the past 20 years at Astamb Holidays, I’ve seen travelers from all over the world fall in love with this place. The island combines natural beauty, amazing wildlife experiences, and great food—all within easy reach of Melbourne. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. 🌟 What is So Special About Phillip Island? Quick Answer: Phillip Island is home to the world’s largest little penguin colony, Australia’s biggest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks, and some of Victoria’s best surf beaches. The island offers up-close wildlife encounters, dramatic coastal scenery, and family-friendly attractions—all just 140 kilometers from Melbourne. Phillip Island stands out for three main reasons: wildlife, landscapes, and accessibility. Wildlife You Won’t Find Anywhere Else The star attraction is definitely the Penguin Parade. Every single night of the year, hundreds of tiny little penguins (also called fairy penguins) waddle out of the ocean and return to their sand dune burrows. These blue-and-white birds are the smallest penguin species in the world, standing just 33 centimeters tall. The Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach has been running since 1920, and it’s still as magical today as it was a century ago. But the penguins aren’t the only stars. Seal Rocks is home to around 16,000 to 20,000 Australian fur seals—the largest colony in the country. You can watch them from the Nobbies Centre boardwalks, where they lounge on the rocks, play in the waves, and raise their pups during autumn. The Koala Conservation Centre lets you walk through treetop boardwalks to see wild koalas munching eucalyptus leaves at eye level. And Churchill Island offers a working heritage farm where kids can milk cows, watch sheep shearing, and meet Highland cattle with their impressive horns. Stunning Coastal Landscapes Phillip Island’s coastline is seriously beautiful. The northern beaches facing Western Port Bay have calm, shallow waters perfect for families. Cowes Beach is the main swimming spot with cafes and shops right on the waterfront. The southern coast is wild and dramatic. Cape Woolamai—the island’s highest point—offers world-class surf breaks and walking tracks with ocean views. The Nobbies rock formations and blowhole showcase the power of the Southern Ocean, especially when waves crash into the cliffs. The island is part of the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve, which protects its unique marine environment and wildlife habitats. Towns, Culture & Local Life Cowes is the main town, and it has a proper seaside holiday vibe. Thompson Avenue is lined with restaurants, fish-and-chip shops, boutique stores, and bars serving local wines. The Cowes Jetty is great for sunset strolls and watching local anglers bring in their catch. San Remo—the gateway town on the mainland side—is famous for its daily pelican feeding at 12:00 PM. The Fisherman’s Co-op restaurant serves some of the freshest fish and chips in Victoria, with outdoor tables overlooking the water. The island has a strong farming heritage, and you’ll still see working farms alongside tourist attractions. Churchill Island was the site of Victoria’s first European farm in 1801, and today it preserves traditional farming methods. 🎯 What Can You See & Do on Phillip Island, Victoria? Penguin Parade: The Must-See Experience The Penguin Parade is the reason most people visit Phillip Island, and it truly lives up to the hype. Here’s what you need to know: Timing: The penguins return to shore every night just after sunset. Arrival times vary by season—from around 5:15 PM in June to 8:45 PM in January. Always check the official penguin arrival calendar before your visit. Tickets & Prices: Book online in advance, especially during summer and school holidays. General viewing costs AUD 33 for adults, AUD 16.50 for children (4-15 years), and AUD 82.50 for a family pass (2 adults + 2 children). Australian pensioners pay AUD 23.10. The Experience: You’ll watch from tiered grandstands overlooking Summerland Beach as groups of penguins emerge from the waves. They waddle across the sand in small groups, calling to each other with adorable yapping sounds. After the main parade, you can walk along boardwalks through the colony and watch penguins up close as they find their burrows. Photography Rules: This is important—no cameras, phones, or flash photography are allowed after sunset. The penguins have sensitive eyes, and bright lights can disorient them. The rule is strictly enforced to protect the birds. Insider Tips: Arrive at least one hour before penguin arrival time. This gives you time to explore the excellent visitor center with its penguin displays, grab food at the cafe, and find good seats. During summer (December-January), seats fill fast—arrive even earlier or you might end up standing. What to Wear: Even in summer, bring warm layers, a jacket, and a blanket. The evening sea breeze off Bass Strait can be cold. In winter, dress like you’re going to a footy match in freezing weather—thermal layers, warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket. The Nobbies Centre & Seal Watching The Nobbies offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on Phillip Island. This rocky headland at Point Grant features boardwalks, viewing platforms, and the famous blowhole. Seal Rocks sit just offshore, and you can spot hundreds of Australian fur seals lounging on the rocks or swimming. The colony has recovered from near-extinction in the 1800s when hunters nearly wiped them out for their fur. Today, with around 16,000-20,000 seals, it’s Australia’s largest colony. The 500-meter boardwalk winds along clifftops with stunning views. You’ll see the Nobbies rock formations, the powerful blowhole (when conditions are right), and possibly migrating humpback whales during winter (June-August). The Nobbies Centre has free entry and features educational displays about local marine life,