Phillip Island

Travel Guide

Phillip Island featuring rugged coastline
Phillip Island showing surfing as well as a small group of people
Phillip Island showing a beach as well as a small group of people
Phillip Island
Phillip Island which includes a sandy beach

Enjoy a getaway at this southern Victorian island, known for its great surf breaks, sheltered bays, international motorsports events and adorable penguins.

Phillip Island is an exciting seaside destination at the mouth of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria. Share long stretches of sandy beaches with tiny penguins and other wildlife, surf on the Bass Strait breaks, visit leafy conservation areas and wetlands and get your motor running at Australia’s original Grand Prix circuit.

Explore Phillip Island’s diverse mix of rugged southern coastline and sheltered Western Port Bay beaches. Hit the surf or swim in the shallows at Woolamai Beach, a lifeguard-patrolled beach on the island’s south coast. Learn to surf on the safe breaks at Smiths Beach. Head north to enjoy Ventnor Beach, Anchorage Beach and Red Rock Beach, with beautiful Mornington Peninsula views. Visit family-friendly Cowes Beach for a shallow high tide, jetty facilities and lifeguard patrol.

Summerland Beach is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers and penguins alike. Visit at sunset to see the Penguin Parade, a special viewing of the little penguins waddling up from the shore to their nests. See the penguins for free from the boardwalks at The Nobbies and Seal Rocks nearby.

Don’t miss Phillip Island Wildlife Park to see free-roaming kangaroos in an idyllic natural setting. Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve is a scenic peninsula park with beautiful native vegetation. Spot koalas lounging in tall eucalypts, from the treetop boardwalks of the Koala Conservation Centre. Nearby Churchill Island has a heritage farmstead, lush wetlands and an ancient Bunurong Aboriginal cultural site.

Visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during one of the international car and motorbike racing championships to see some of the world’s fastest drivers in action. Take a guided circuit tour, visit the History of Motorsport Display or do a few laps of the mini circuit in a go-kart.

Phillip Island is 138.8 kilometres (86.2 miles) from Melbourne, Victoria’s capital city. A bridge connects the island to mainland Victoria. Reach the island by car or bus from nearby major cities. Ferries connect Phillip Island to Stony Point and French Island.

Seahorse Motel

Seahorse Motel

3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC
The price is P5,226 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
P5,226
P5,749 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (967 reviews)
we were pleasantly surprised at how convenient the motel was. The room was tidy and clean and the heater was on when we arrived on a wet cold day. A lovely touch and made us feel welcome. My husband is handicapped and the parking right outside made it easy. We will use the motel again.

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Seahorse Motel
North Pier Hotel

North Pier Hotel

3 out of 5
5 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC
The price is P5,853 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
P5,853
P6,439 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cowes. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Overall comfortable stay for a short trip. Could do with a bit of patchwork for those wear and tears..

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2025

North Pier Hotel
Amaroo Holiday Park

Amaroo Holiday Park

3 out of 5
97 Church St, Cowes, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,177 per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
P4,177
P4,177 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Ferry Dock ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (359 reviews)
Great convenient location. Walking distance to main township. Staff at reception were friendly and also generously upgraded our accommodation to a larger and more spacious cabin on arrival, making the stay very pleasant and relaxing. Thanks.

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2025

Amaroo Holiday Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Phillip Island Apartments

Phillip Island Apartments

4 out of 5
9-11 Bass Ave, entrance off Chapel Ave, Cowes, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Phillip Island Ferry Dock and Silverleaves Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (452 reviews)
We stayed here one night and was very happy. We came late but the after hour check out was smoothly and we even get a room upgraded. Everything was so clean and comfortable. Location is excellent. Only a short walk to the beac, shops and restaurants. The kids love the heated pool and the spa was ...

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

Phillip Island Apartments
Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only

Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only

4 out of 5
124-128 Red Rocks Road, Cowes, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Ventnor Bushland Reserve are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (293 reviews)
Located close to the Philip Island Conservation Park. Small, quiet complex with parking just outside the door. Very welcoming and comfy. Beautifully decorated with wonderful touches such as throw blankets, movies, and books. Loved the heated mattress! Chris, the property manager was very friendly ...

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island - Adults Only
The Waves Apartments

The Waves Apartments

4.5 out of 5
1 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Silverleaves Beach and Phillip Island ...
9/10 Wonderful! (699 reviews)
Nice comfortable stay.

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

The Waves Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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