PHILLIP ISLAND: TOP THINGS TO DO

Phillip Island is located 140 kilometres from Melbourne. It’s a perfect destination for a weekend trip. Have you been wondering how to get to Phillip Island, and what are the top things to do there? Is Phillip Island really worth spending there two days? It doesn’t matter if you live in Melbourne or travel across Australia and you decided to drop by. Phillip Island offers a lot, so I’m pretty sure you won’t regret a two-day visit. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the top things to do on Phillip Island. Let’s get straight into it!

CAPE WOOLAMAI

This is definitely the top thing to do on Phillip Island. Cape Woolamai offers a few walking tracks with spectacular coastal views. There are three alternative trails of different length. All of them are relatively easy. Regardless of your choice, you can’t miss the viewpoint called The Pinnacles. This is one of the best spots here, and personally my favourite bit of Phillip Island. Be prepared for absolutely amazing views!

OPTION 1

I encourage you to choose the longest walking track. It goes along the seaside and across the central part of Cape Woolamai. My memories from this place are very special because I spotted here the first Wallaby and echidna in my life. There is only one catch… You need to be quiet to have a chance to see them. Good luck!

Woolamai Beach Parking – Magiclands Steps – The Pinnacles – Beacon – Old Granite Quarry – Cleeland Bright – Woolamai Beach Parking

Walking track: around 8 km, 3 – 4 hours (loop)

OPTION 2

If you are not keen to take the longest track, you can choose the second option which is a bit shorter. Either way, you won’t miss out on the most beautiful spot on Cape Woolamai. I mean The Pinnacles of course. Just have a look at the below photos. Isn’t this place beautiful? Take your time to enjoy the amazing views.

Woolamai Beach Parking – Magiclands Steps – The Pinnacles – Beacon – Magiclands Steps – Woolamai Beach Parking

Walking track: around 6 km, 2 – 3 hours (loop)

OPTION 3

The last option is for those who are lazy! Joking. Go for it, if you don’t feel like hiking more than a few kilometres. This walking track is the shortest, but even if you choose it, you will not miss out on the most spectacular spot, The Pinnacles. It starts in the same point as the previous walking tracks. Enjoy the walk!

Woolamai Beach Parking – Magiclands Steps – The Pinnacles – Magiclands Steps – Woolamai Beach Parking

Walking track: around 4 km, 1 – 2 hours (loop)

THE NOBBIES BOARDWALK

Don’t skip this one either! The Nobbies Boardwalk is definitely one of the top things to do on Phillip Island. Walk along the Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy the mind-blowing views along the Phillip Island coast. This place left me speechless for a couple of minutes. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a spectacular blowhole, a sea cave that thunders during big southern swells. Quite impressive. Make the most of it!

PENGUIN PARADE

Nearby the Nobbies Boardwalk, there is a place where you can watch the Penguin Parade. These little creatures spend the majority of their time in the ocean looking for food. The only time penguins leave the ocean and approach the land is at night. Every day, at sunset, a hundred of penguins venture to land returning to their nests to rest. Phillip Island is one of few places, where you can watch the Penguin Parade.

It’s not hard to find the venue. Just follow the signs driving back from the Nobbies Boardwalk, and if any issues, ask someone for directions. Make sure to arrive soon enough to buy a ticket and get seated, especially if you’re going to get a general viewing ticket. Penguins start showing up with small groups at sunset. The parade takes a few hours, so don’t forget to have something warm to wear. It gets cold at night.

Penguin parade offers different viewing options for you to choose. The general viewing ticket costs AUD 26,60 (adult person). This includes the standard stadium, first come is first served. You can also try out the upgrade which is called Penguin Plus. This viewing platform lets you get closer to the penguins’ path. This ticket costs AUD 55,00 (adult person). I purchased the standard ticket and I think this was a good choice.

As you can see I didn’t post here any photos from the penguin parade. There’s a reason behind that. It’s strictly prohibited to use phones and cameras during this exceptional experience. This type of light is harmful for penguins. Please follow the instructions given by the staff and don’t photograph or record the penguins. Be mindful that the animals welfare is crucial and should never be affected by our presence.

KOALA CONSERVATION CENTRE

Koala Conservation Centre gives you an opportunity to watch koalas in their natural habitat. Walk along the tree boardwalks dedicated for up-close koala viewing. They are 600 m and 800 m long, and extremely helpful to get closer to koalas which usually sleep high up on the trees. On top of that, you can also explore hectares of bushland here. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies and echidnas when strolling around.

If you spot a koala, please remember to behave properly. Koalas don’t like to be touched. If they sleep, be quiet and don’t even think about waking them up. You can also learn more about koalas and their life with the interactive displays that is located in Koala Conservation Centre, just behind the ticket office. The entry fee is AUD 13,20 (adult person). There is also a shop with souvenirs. I hope you will spot lots of cute koalas!

Koala Conservation Centre

BEACH TIME

Are there any other top things to do on Phillip Island? Of course! Once you have finished exploring the island, why don’t you chill out on the beach? Check out Smiths Beach, Surf Beach, Summerland Beach, and Cowes Beach. If you are looking for a beach with some restaurants, and cafés around, go to Cowes Beach.

These are the top things to do on Phillip Island. Are you going to watch the Penguin Parade or visit Koala Conservation Centre? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

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Hey, it’s Karolina, the author of this blog. If you find my content valuable and helpful, I would be more than grateful, if you could support my work, and buy me a coffee. I do love writing my blog, and creating content for you guys. Thank you!