Phillip Island coastline and beaches near Big Isle Retreat

Phillip Island Guide

Things to Do on Phillip Island

Our pick of the best attractions, wildlife experiences and activities within easy reach of Big Isle Retreat in Cowes. All distances measured from the front door.

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13 min drive

The Penguin Parade

Watch hundreds of Little Penguins waddle home at sunset

The Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach is Phillip Island's most famous attraction. Every evening at dusk, hundreds of Little Penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle up the beach to their burrows. There are general viewing stands, an underground viewing area where you watch them at eye level, and small-group guided tours for a more personal experience. Genuinely one of the most special wildlife encounters in Australia.

Book tickets in advance, especially during summer and school holidays. Dress warmly because the beach is exposed and cold at dusk. No flash photography allowed. Arrive at least an hour early for the best seats.

7 min drive

Koala Conservation Reserve

Boardwalk trails through eucalyptus woodland

Elevated boardwalks wind through natural eucalyptus woodland, putting you at eye level with wild koalas in their habitat. It is a peaceful, well-maintained reserve where you will also spot wallabies, echidnas and native birdlife. The boardwalks are pram and wheelchair accessible, and it is one of those places where you can genuinely spend longer than you expected.

Allow 1 to 2 hours. Mornings and late afternoons are when the koalas are most active. Binoculars help for spotting the ones further from the boardwalk.

The Nobbies coastline and Seal Rocks lookout on Phillip Island

15 min drive

The Nobbies and Seal Rocks

Dramatic coastline and 20,000 fur seals on Bass Strait

At the western tip of Phillip Island, The Nobbies Centre sits above some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Victoria. Walk the clifftop boardwalk past blowholes to look out at Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of Australian Fur Seals. At peak season there are over 20,000 seals on the rocks. Coin-operated binoculars at the viewing platform bring them up close.

Free entry. The boardwalk is exposed to wind, so bring a jacket. Best visited on a clear day for full Bass Strait views.

22 min drive

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Victoria's first farm, daily demonstrations and heritage gardens

Churchill Island is a small, beautifully preserved heritage farm connected to Phillip Island by a short bridge. It was the site of Victoria's first European farming settlement. Daily demonstrations include sheep shearing, cow milking, blacksmithing and whip cracking. The heritage gardens and walking trails around the island are lovely, and the on-site cafe does a good lunch with views over Western Port Bay.

Check the daily demonstration schedule when you arrive. The farm walks are flat and family friendly. Allow 2 to 3 hours to see everything.

Sea caves at Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island at low tide

20 min drive

The Caves at Cape Woolamai

Sea caves accessible only at low tide

Between Cape Woolamai and Surf Beach, a series of sea caves carved into the basalt coastline are accessible at low tide. It is a raw, beautiful stretch of coast that feels remote even though you are only minutes from town. The caves are not signposted or commercialised, which is part of their appeal. Access is via the Back Beach Road car park.

Check the tide chart before you go. The caves are only safe to explore at low tide. The beach is unpatrolled, so swimming is not recommended. Wear shoes with good grip on wet rock.

10 min drive

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

MotoGP, V8 hot laps and go-karts on the real circuit

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit hosts the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and Superbike World Championship every year. Outside of race weekends, you can drive go-karts on a 760-metre scaled replica of the circuit, ride as a passenger in a V8 hot lap experience, or visit the history centre with memorabilia from decades of motorsport on the island.

Go-karts are popular with families and groups. Height and age restrictions apply for younger children. The V8 hot laps sell out quickly during peak season.

8 min drive

A Maze'N Things

Illusion rooms, outdoor maze and mini golf

A Maze'N Things has been a Phillip Island institution for years. The giant outdoor timber maze is a proper challenge, the illusion rooms are fun for all ages, and the mini golf course keeps younger kids entertained. There is also a Mirror Maze and Puzzle Island. It is not a full-day activity, but it is a reliable option when you want something different from the beach.

Great for a rainy day or a couple of hours in the afternoon. Suitable for all ages. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Cowes main beach on Phillip Island with calm sheltered water

5 min walk

Cowes Beach and Foreshore

Calm water, long sand and a 5 minute walk from the house

You are 250 metres from Cowes main beach. The north-facing beach on Western Port Bay has calm, sheltered water that is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, especially with kids. The foreshore path runs the length of the beach and connects to the main street with its shops, cafes and ice cream. At sunset, the light across the bay is hard to beat.

The beach is patrolled during summer. For a quieter stretch, walk east past the jetty. The dog beach is a short walk west along the foreshore.

Common Questions

Phillip Island FAQ

What are the best things to do on Phillip Island with kids?

The Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and A Maze'N Things are all family favourites. Cowes Beach has calm, sheltered water perfect for young swimmers. The go-karts at the Grand Prix Circuit are a hit with older kids.

How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne?

Phillip Island is about 140km from Melbourne CBD, roughly a 2-hour drive via the M1 and Bass Highway. There is no public transport to the island, so you will need a car.

What is the best time of year to visit Phillip Island?

Summer (December to February) is peak season with warm weather and the longest penguin parade viewing times. Autumn is quieter with beautiful light and cooler evenings around the fire pit. Winter brings whale watching season and smaller crowds. Spring has wildflowers and returning wildlife.

Can you see penguins on Phillip Island year round?

Yes. The Penguin Parade runs every evening of the year. Colony numbers peak during summer breeding season, but you will see penguins in every month. Winter evenings are earlier, so the parade starts sooner.

Is Phillip Island dog friendly?

Yes. There are several off-lead dog beaches on the island, and Big Isle Retreat is pet friendly ($50 pet fee). The Cowes dog beach is within walking distance of the house.

Do you need a car on Phillip Island?

Yes. While Cowes town centre is walkable from Big Isle Retreat, you will need a car to visit the Penguin Parade, The Nobbies, Churchill Island and most other attractions. There is no public transport on the island.

Ready to explore the island?

Big Isle Retreat sleeps 12 in Cowes, 250m from the beach. Book direct and save 10% compared to Airbnb and Booking.com.

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