Made famous by waddling creatures we are used to seeing surrounded by ice and freezing waters, Phillip Island has become a popular tourist destination

Yes, those waddling creatures are penguins and yes each night the penguin parade occurs on Phillip Island; but more of that later.

Phillip Island is a small island just south-west of Melbourne and as the distance is no obstacle here, there’s no excuse not to check out this wonderful holiday haunt.

From yet another surf location to Nobbies which holds Australia’s largest fur seal colony there are tons of things to do here.

Phillip Island
Phillip Island Surfer photo by Tourism Australia

The island is small just a thirty-minute drive from the western to the eastern side and is teeming with nature and coastlines littered with breaks for all ages and skills.
Over the years Phillip Island’s capital Cowes has matched the increasing tourism with many great cafes, BBQs and beaches manned in the summer perfect for lounging out and cooling off in the water.

Those keen to catch a break have a nice variation from Smiths Beach to Cape Woolami Surf Beach, so go get out the board and catch the breaks whilst looking back onto an island full of nature parks.

Speaking of nature parks Phillip Island has become known as a spot to view some amazing wildlife, none better than the Penguin Parade that takes place just after sunset and is an incredible way to get up close to view these cute creatures.

Nearby is the Nobbies Centre which harbours the best views of the Seal Rocks just off the coast, from here take in the largest fur seal colony in Australia.

The Koala Conservation Centre is one of the best spots in the country to take in one of our favourite native animals.

To save a bit of hassle why not get yourself right amongst the action, by buying a three parks pass that gets you into the main attractions including Churchill Island without having to buy a pass at each place, note though that Nobbies Centre is free.

Ok, so it’s time to start your engines and head off to the Phillip Island racetrack which hosts the motorcycle Grand Prix every year along with other racing events.

Get a huge thrill on the go-karts or go around at very high speed with an experienced racing driver or get VIP access to the control tower, media centre and the pit roof for an insight into the event day mayhem.

Get your taste buds tingling at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and explore Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate a place not to be missed if you are heading here.

Try out the many chocolate inspired dishes, free samples and the interactive factory tour that will have you keen to start your own.

Phillip Island is a magnificent mix of nature and nurture, from the waves crashing into the coast perfect for surfing through to the koala conservatories this place is full of wilderness wonders and places set up for us to enjoy being amongst that wilderness.

Swing through here or stay for longer, a journey will not disappoint and the Penguin Parade will amaze.