Phillip Island is a beautiful coastal region, just two hours south of Melbourne, famous for the many penguins that live here. Here’s everything I recommend doing if you have two full days to spend here!
Where to Stay
Cowes is the main town on Philip Island, with many hotels and food options.
We stayed at Anchor Belle Holiday Park in a self contained cabin. This had everything we needed, super friendly and helpful staff, and was in a good location. Budget friendly too!
Top tip: Book the Three Parks Pass to save money on visiting the top 3 attractions here in Phillip Island (Penguin Parade, Koalas, Churchill Island).
Day 1 Activities
Koala Conservation Reserve
Take a wander through the Koala Conservation Reserve to spot lots of koalas sleeping in the eucalypts. Don’t expect anything crazy though – they are only active for seven minutes a day because they need to save their precious energy.
We loved exploring the different trails and trying to spot the blobs of koalas in the trees, as they were often well hidden.
The Nobbies
Watch the incredible waves dramatically lash the Blow Hole as you walk along the boardwalk at The Nobbies. The ocean is incredibly powerful here, and makes for incredible viewing!
Penguin Parade
Every single day at sunset, Little Penguins wash up at the shore, and make a run for it across the beach to their nests in the dunes. Accessed via The Penguin Parade centre, you can buy tickets to sit and watch the spectacle, then walk along the boardwalk to watch the penguins try and find their nests.
I advise you wrap up warm though as it get’s very cold after sunset! Also note, no photography is allowed, as this can disorient the penguins.
Bonus: FOOD!
- Hotel – delicious food & drinks, served quickly!
Day 2 Activities
Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk
Distance: 5.1 miles, 8.2 kilometres.
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Parking: Cape Woolamai Beach Carpark (toilets available)
Elevation gain: 711 ft, 216 metres.
Begin by walking along the beach, then climbing the staircase and head towards the Pinnacles, the Beacons, then back on yourself to rejoin the path to the beach.
We had the entire trail to ourselves, bliss!
Pelican Feeding
Shoutout to the receptionist at our accommodation for this recomendation! Every single day for the last 38 years, the pelicans are fed at the same spot in San Remo, at 12 midday, without fail!
It’s an incredible sight to see so many pelicans up close, and watch them run away with the fish in their huge mouths.
Churchill Island
Enjoy lunch at the Farmhouse cafe, just inside the Churchill Island visitor centre.
Included in the Three Parks Pass, Churchill Island is a traditional heritage farm offering a wide variety of activities every day. You can take part in cow milking, watch how a sheep is sheared, witness a working dog in action, and even have a go at whip cracking!
Bonus: FOOD!
- Pino’s Trattoria– classic Italian food, served very quickly!
Optional extras
If you have some spare time, here are some other recommendations on how to spend your holiday in Phillip Island:
Beaches:
Phillip Island is home to several beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Even if you aren’t up for walking the Woolamai circuit, the beach here is phenomenal. Other popular beaches include Cowes Beach, Smiths Beach, and Summerland Beach.
Art Galleries and Cafes:
You can explore the local art galleries and boutique shops in Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. Relax and unwind at one of the many cafes or restaurants, sampling fresh local produce and seafood.
You can walk the Bronze Yarns Sculpture Trail at the Coronet Bay Foreshore Reserve, take an art workshop at Clay & Co, and get inspired by the natural beauty of Phillip Island.
Scenic Drives and Lookouts:
Take a scenic drive around the island and stop at various lookout points for breathtaking views of the coastline and countryside. Pyramid Rock and Rhyll Inlet are popular locations.
In addition, from the Nobbies, you can take a scenic detour along the coast, when driving back to Cowes.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit:
If you are a Motorsport enthusiast, you probably shouldn’t miss a visit to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take a guided tour of the circuit, or if you’re feeling adventurous, book a driving experience and hit the track yourself.
Wildlife Coast Cruises:
Wildlife cruise around Phillip Island are popular trip options to see seals, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life in their natural habitat. There are several tour operators offering cruises departing from Cowes.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did!
Love, Lydia x
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LYD1A KERR 
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