Things to do on Phillip Island

When you roll down the bridge from San Remo to Phillip Island, you’ll be transported to an idyllic landscape of golden banks and sparkling waves. But it’s not just a spot for lazing on the beach. Home to world-class surf breaks, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and a famous colony of penguins, Phillip Island is that rare destination that literally has something for everyone.

Mark your base at NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park, perched right atop Cowes Beach. Whether you want to park your caravan, pitch a tent, or hunker down in a beach shack cabin with the trimmings (air-con and a full kitchen), there are options to suit all travellers and budgets. An on-site kiosk, playground, communal kitchen with pizza oven, laundry and free WiFi – not to mention that jaw-dropping beachfront locale – mean you needn’t stray far from your digs. But do so anyway – adventure awaits!

So much of Phillip Island’s magic lies in its coastline. So why not explore its aquatic beauty up close with a Pioneer Kayaking tour? As you paddle, you may discover secret beaches and caves flanked by towering granite cliffs at Cape Woolamai or Rhyll wetlands’ tranquil mangroves and mudflats. Or just stroll down from your accommodation for the Cowes Foreshore tour, a leisurely paddle perfect for beginners and families alike.

It’s a no-brainer: every trip to Phillip Island requires a visit with its most famous residents, the Little Penguins (yep, that’s their scientific name). At sunset, the world’s smallest (and most adorable) penguins waddle home from the ocean to their burrows in a pretty awesome display. Penguin Parade, a 180-degree viewing platform right on the shore, gives you front-row access. Bookings are a must, particularly if you want to sit in a VIP platform or to watch from underground. And get there early – crowds come fast!

Phillip Island was declared Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve for good reason: there’s a wave for every skill level. Dabblers will enjoy the sheltered bays at Smiths Beach and YCW Beach, while more advanced surfers can brave roaring reef breaks and barrels at Woolamai, Cat Bay or Express Point. There’s no need to cart your board over – several local surf shops hire out equipment. Prefer some assistance? Get schooled by a pro from Island Surf Boards.

For the hard-core surf enthusiasts (or those that enjoy surfing – from afar) check out Islantis. The multimedia museum is a shrine to surf culture with iconic surfboards on display, a 1970-style surf wagon, and an immersive wraparound cinema that simulates riding a wave.

Since 1997, the Phillip Island Circuit has been home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix – an event that sees the island’s population skyrocket from 8,000 to 150,000 in October. But even if you’re not in town for the big race, its scenic grounds are still a must. Cut a hot lap with an experienced racecar driver on the circuit, or brush up on your motor know-how at the History of Motorsport Museum. There’s also a Go Kart track that’s a scaled replica of the real thing – as you loop around its tight curves with the wind in your hair, you’ll feel the thrill and adrenaline of the champs.

Dig into native-inspired tucker (think: wattleseed scones) at the Wild Food Farm and Café, the brainchild of ‘The Outback Chef’ Jude Mayall. For an extra special experience dine at the rainforest room, an incredible underground jungle complete with a tropical garden, dams and the sound of croaking frogs. Then hop on the Bushland Trail and learn about Indigenous foods, tasting native juicy berries and sniffing natural essential oils as you go. Neighbouring winery The Purple Hen is also worth a stop for stellar farmland views and cool climate drops. Bring home a bottle of its award-winning Rooster Shiraz.

Visit Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory – a sweet tour that gives Willy Wonka a serious run for his money. Where else would you find a two-metre-high chocolate statue of Michelangelo’s David or a chocolate waterfall that overflows with 400kg of molten chocolate every three minutes? Flex your muscles to lift a giant one-tonne block of chocolate and craft your own sweet treats delivered to you on a conveyor belt. And don’t worry, there are plenty of samples – even the admission ticket is edible!

With augmented reality technology, Antarctic Journey goes beyond a museum for an immersive, whole-body experience of the arctic. Feel the freeze in the Antarctic Chill Zone, or pat a virtual penguin as you watch yourself projected onto a floating glacier surrounded by arctic creatures. It’s located on the Nobbies – a spectacular headland fringed with cobblestones –which is a destination in its own right. Leave time for a cliff-top stroll.

Northerly aspects aren’t just great for real estate. Cowes Beach’s north-facing shore makes for floods of sunlight and killer views of the sunset and sunrise. Make a day of it by packing a picnic to enjoy under the shady Norfolk pines – in between swimming, water sports, or playtime with the kids. From there, it’s just a short skip back to your stay for a cheeky sundowner.

While the penguins steal the limelight, there’s another bird-watching gem to be discovered. In the warmer months, the migratory shearwater birds – summering in Phillip Island all the way from Alaska – return en masse to their nests at sunset. Pick a spot anywhere from Cape Woolamai to Smiths Beach and settle in for a free twilight show.

When you cross the bridge to Churchill Island – an island from an island – you’ll step back in time: this picturesque destination is both a sacred Indigenous site and historic homestead. Originally home to the Boon Wurrung people, the island boasts an ancient Aboriginal midden and stone archaeological remains. It’s also a significant place in European settler history. An 1850s timber homestead (complete with original wallpaper) gives a glimpse of country living with demonstrations of cow milking, sheep shearing and whip cracking. Got kids? They’ll love the wagon rides, which run on school holidays.

The National Vietnam Veterans Museum offers a moving glimpse into the Vietnam War. See carefully restored artefacts, including conscription ballot balls and a bomber used in Vietnam, alongside interactive displays and 3D videos. Stay for a great Devonshire tea at the café.

It’s hard not to crack a smile when you see a seal. And on this wildlife cruise you’ll spot literally thousands of these playful, frisky creatures. The two-hour coastal tour includes educational commentary, morning or arvo tea, and a licensed bar. As well as up-close access to the seals, you’ll probably see rare seabirds and somersaulting dolphins. Bargain!

As if there weren’t enough wildlife to marvel at already, The Koala Conservation Centre lets you hang out with koalas in their natural habitat. Amble along treetop boardwalks to see koalas chilling high in the crooks of eucalypts.

When you cross the bridge home, don’t feel sad – the adventure’s not over yet. Every day at noon, pelicans congregate at the San Remo foreshore for their daily lunch, hand-fed by a volunteer from the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op. It’s quite a show to watch them dance and jostle to catch fish heads in their enormous bills. Tuck into lunch at the Co-Op after: their famous fish and chips, made from locally caught gummy shark, will fill your tum for the journey back to the city.