Things to do in Phillip Island

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island and is the signature viewing experience of Phillip Island Nature Parks, taking place every day around sunset: after a day of foraging at sea, flocks of little penguins ride the waves ashore, first gathering in the shallows and peering around, then waddling across the beach and following a fixed route back to their burrows in the dunes. Spectators on the viewing stands and boardwalks can watch this "little parade" of the natural world up close, and the penguins often pass just a few steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little penguins. They have blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, and as adults they stand only just over 30 cm tall and weigh about one kg; their round bodies and waddling gait make them endearingly cute. During the day they head out to sea to forage, and after dusk they return to their nests together, traveling back and forth between the sea and their burrows along almost unchanged routes for generations, and on site you can also hear their calls rising and falling. A few points are worth noting when watching: little penguins' eyes are very sensitive to light, so cameras and video recorders cannot be used on site, and only by waiting quietly can you avoid disturbing them; after sunset the seaside is windy and rather cool, so even in summer it is advisable to bring a warm jacket and to arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle takes place all year round, and during the spring and summer of the Southern Hemisphere (roughly August each year to February of the following year), which is the breeding season, the penguins come ashore and move in and out of their burrows more frequently, so the scene is usually livelier. △ The little penguins leave the island during the day to forage at sea, and return to their nests on the shore in groups at night to rest. △ These little penguins are timid and highly sensitive to light, so photography and video recording are prohibited on site; only by waiting quietly can you avoid disturbing them. △ The Penguin Parade can be viewed year-round. From September to January, the weather is warm and it is the breeding season, so the penguins are more active and it is a good time to watch them.

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Phillip Island

Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Churchill Island

Churchill Island is located on the side of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, connected by a bridge. In 1801, Lieutenant Grant cultivated the land here, planting crops such as wheat and corn, marking the beginning of European agriculture in Victoria. Today, the farm retains the layout of an old estate: the 1872 mansion built by former Melbourne mayor Amess, two 1860s stone cottages, as well as barns and a blacksmith shop remain well-preserved. The old houses display antique furniture, and between the English gardens and pastures, flocks of Australian gray geese can often be seen, along with shaggy Scottish Highland cattle grazing leisurely—descendants of the livestock that once accompanied their owners to the island. Daily demonstrations of traditional farm activities, such as sheep herding by dogs, sheep shearing, milking cows, whip cracking, and blacksmithing, are arranged for travelers to observe up close, with children having the opportunity to participate under staff guidance. The island loop trail is approx. 4–5 km, taking about 2 hrs to walk leisurely, offering views of Western Port Bay's wetlands and birdwatching huts. The Wadjil'garook Wetland Trail near the entrance showcases local Indigenous culture and is often overlooked. Additionally, the island hosts a monthly farmers' market featuring local produce and handmade goods from Phillip Island, worth a visit if your itinerary aligns.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks was established in 1996, located on Phillip Island, covering an area of 2,750 hectares. It features four main attractions: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Nobbies Centre. △ The Penguin Parade is a highly popular attraction within Phillip Island Nature Parks, where you can hear the "huffing" sounds of penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ The Koala Conservation Centre features viewing trails where you can walk along boardwalks to explore the treetop homes of the furry koalas and get up close to wild koalas. △ The Nobbies Centre is surrounded by long, winding cliffside boardwalks. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the ocean view and gaze out towards Seal Rocks, the fur seal colony. △ Churchill Island Heritage Farm holds significant historical importance, preserving well-maintained traditional sites and serene natural scenery. There are also wonderful farm demonstrations every afternoon.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Phillip Island

Koala Conservation Reserve

The Koala Conservation Center is specially established for the dwindling koalas on Phillip Island and is committed to protecting the sustainable ecology and living environment of koalas, ensuring that Phillip Island can have a protected koala population. 1. Enjoy the view and get up close and personal with koalas The Koala Conservation Centre is located in a dense eucalyptus forest on Phillip Road on Phillip Island, which is home to many koalas. From Melbourne, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to the childcare center. After arriving at the destination, you can first learn about the wonderful living habits of koalas at the Visitor's Centre. Then take two walks between the trees to see wild koalas up close. The two trails are Koala Trail (KoalaBoardwalk) and Woodland Trail (WoodlandBoardwalk). You can see wild koalas in their natural habitat while walking through the Australian bush. Check out the koalas' home in the treetops and come "face to face" with them in their natural habitat in the close-up viewing area. You can easily find traces of koalas, but most of them are sleeping, and it is really not easy to find a awake koala. Raise your camera and take a photo with these wild cute koalas, and make a wonderful memory of getting up close and personal with koalas! 2. Various animals The Koala Conservation Centre also has many Australian wildlife such as black-tailed kangaroos, nocturnal brush-tailed possums, ring-tailed possums, echidnas and hundreds of species of birds. Besides koalas, you can also look for wallabies, echidnas and other wildlife along the way. 3. Teaching explanation and selection of unique small gifts The Koala Conservation Center also has a content-rich teaching and explanation center, where you can learn more about wild animals, or choose unique gifts in the gift shop. Of course, it must be quite pleasant to rest and relax in the cafe, enjoying a good meal or some small snacks.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Phillip Island

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate, also known as Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, is the sweetest place on Phillip Island. It is not only a chocolate shop, but also a chocolate paradise that integrates happiness, fun and food. In this magical place, you can not only make delicious chocolate on the spot, but also taste a variety of chocolate delicacies at Pannys Chocolate Café (Pannys Chocolate Café), as well as experience other derived chocolate products and Serve.

The Nobbies View Point

The Nobbies View Point is located in the Summerlands area of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, and is one of the most popular natural attractions on the island. Built on rugged coastal cliffs, the viewpoint offers panoramic views of the open ocean and the rocky coastline. The boardwalks are designed to be safe and easy to walk, with information boards along the way that introduce visitors to the coastal ecology, rock formations, and local wildlife, allowing people to learn about the island's unique natural environment while enjoying the scenery. The Nobbies View Point is particularly appealing for its rich wildlife. Seals can often be seen resting and sunbathing in rock crevices and coastal waters, while seabirds such as Pacific gulls and rock pigeons are frequently spotted, providing excellent observation opportunities for visitors and photography enthusiasts. Standing on the viewing platform, you can feel the refreshing sea breeze and gaze out at the nearby islets and ocean waves, which form a natural masterpiece.

No. 12 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Maru Koala and Animal Park

Maru Koala and Animal Park (Maru koala and animal park) is a zoo founded, owned, and operated by a private family. The park is home to koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, crocodiles, emus, and a variety of native birds, with rare albino animals being a major highlight of the park. Step inside and immerse yourself in the joy they bring. Visitors can hand-feed, pet, and take photos with kangaroos and wallabies in the free-range area, or join a keeper-led koala interactive experience to get up close to the koalas and take a souvenir photo. The zoo regularly holds multiple animal talks, where keepers introduce the habits and conservation knowledge of species such as koalas, reptiles, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils.

Cowes Beach

No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.