Best Phillip Island Getaway Ideas
Renowned internationally for its nightly beach parade of Little Penguins, there is so much to do on Phillip Island from its family friendly beaches and stunning coastline, unique wildlife experiences, food and wine and, of course, world class sporting events. There is an adventure awaiting everyone!
Sunset Cruise with the Wildlife Coast Cruises
Experience Phillip Island from the water aboard a Wildlife Coast Cruise. With several spectacular cruises around Phillip Island, you can discover seals, dolphins, whales and a range of birdlife in their natural environment while getting a different perspective of the Island's fascinating coastline.
The Phillip Island Sunset Cruise departs on a leisurely evening journey through the sheltered waters of Western Port Bay, aboard one of the modern 19-metre catamarans. Enjoy a drink from the licensed bar and snack on delicious appetisers as you sit back in a relaxed atmosphere cruising across the bay past French Island, Crib Point and Sandy Point.
View local birdlife, often feeding in the water, and keep a lookout for any seals or dolphins that frequent the area. Watch the stunning sunset over Western Port Bay, and head back into Cowes as the surrounding towns start to light up in the night. The perfect way to end your day at Phillip Island.
Prince includes:
- 1½ hr sunset cruise
- Light appetisers
- Licensed bar on-board
- Captain’s commentary
Phillip Island Helicopters
See Phillip Island’s spectacular coastline from a different perspective with one of Phillip Island Helicopters’ scenic flights. Experienced pilots fly their modern fleet of helicopters on tours over Cape Woolamai, Seal Rocks, the Australian Grand Prix Circuit, Summerland Bay (home of the Penguin Parade) and kilometres of gorgeous coastline. Experience a single tour by air, or make it a longer heli adventure, flying to lunch at one of the region's top wineries or restaurants.
Phillip Island Winery
Set among peaceful farmland on the south coast of the Island, Phillip Island Winery offers a boutique cellar door with wine tastings and retail sales, gift shop, flowers, rolling rural views and glimpses of the glittering turquoise water of Bass Strait. Lunches and afternoon grazing options include a delectable range of cheeseboards, share plates and daily specials featuring quality local produce. Fruit is grown and sourced locally where possible and wines include Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato and a Sparkling Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend. Stop by and while away an afternoon over a grazing platter and a bottle of premium, cool climate wine.
Ocean Adventures Private Island Escape Packages
A two hour private tour and island escape on secluded swim beach, Cape Woolamai (Catered Picnic for Two).
This tour is a true island adventure. The captain will collect you and your belongings from the San Remo Jetty. After a scenic tour, you and your special person will be delivered to the private Cape Woolamai Granite quarry where your boho-styled bell tent awaits. Here, you can enjoy the white sand, blue water and a delicious grazing box filled with a selection of the finest produce. Snorkel gear is available to hire during your visit to the secluded beach and there will be plenty of time for you to explore above and below the surface. A great idea for a romantic getaway.
Spectacular walks
George Bass Coastal Walk: One of the most magnificent walks in the region, this spectacular trail rises high above the pounding surf of Bass Strait between San Remo and Kilcunda, following in the footsteps of explorer, George Bass. The walk is 7km one way/14 km return and offers panoramic coastal views, before its winding path passes across the beach and through farmland to the Punchbowl Coastal Reserve. Make sure you plan your trip, as beach access is at low tide only. Well worth the stunning views and the reward of a drink at the Killy pub at the end.
Difficulty: Moderate
Cape Woolamai Trails: Cape Woolamai is a walker's wonderland with an array of hiking trails making up the full 8km circuit. Trails to explore include the Pinnacles Walk, Old Granite Quarry Walk and Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk - which takes you up to the highest point on the Island for spectacular, panoramic views. The area is home to a range of wildlife and is a wonderful spot for whale watching in winter. Between October and April, vast flocks of Short-tailed Shearwaters can be seen returning to their rookeries on the clifftops at dusk. To take in the beautiful coastal scenery of Cape Woolamai, walk left along the beach from the car park, for about 1km, then take the stairs up and follow the signs for your chosen trail.
Difficulty: Varying. Easy to Intermediate
Phillip Island Nature Parks Ultimate Adventure Tour
Be one of the select few to venture out to a secluded beach away from the Penguin Parade crowds on this fully accredited Eco Tour, perfect for lovers of both nature and adventure. Personal headsets ensure you hear the informative commentary, while high-tech night vision scopes allow you to spy on the penguins in the dark. A highlight of this tour is the walk through the heart of the penguin colony.
- Premium Penguin Parade experience
- Led by an eco-accredited guide
- Private beach viewing
- Informative commentary
- 10 people per tour
- Every visit helps protect nature for wildlife!
Phillip Island Accommodation
There’s no shortage of accommodation on Phillip Island including a number of caravan parks with facilities that are hard to beat.
Anchor Belle Holiday Park
Anchor Belle Holiday Park in Phillip Island is the ideal holiday destination, a family-friendly holiday park in Cowes. Located two kilometres from the town centre's main shops and restaurants, 100 metres from a safe swimming beach, 200 metres from the boat ramp and a 10-minute drive from the Penguin Parade.
Facilities include a jumping cushion, ball court, playground, barbecues, large enclosed camp kitchen and indoor heated pool open most of the year, including all Victorian school holidays (closed mid July-mid September). Free wi-fi is available and Anchor Belle allows pets on powered sites and drive-through ensuite sites, however they are not permitted at Easter and during the Christmas/Summer holidays.
In addition to caravan and camping sites, Anchor Belle offers two-storey townhouse units with three bedrooms, two queen beds and two singles in the third bedroom, linen and towels are supplied. Upstairs contains a large kitchen, lounge, dining, balcony, flat-screen television, and DVD player. A private outdoor courtyard and barbecue is ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining.
New to Anchor Belle are three-bedroom villas featuring a king bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, queen bedroom, and a bunk room, bathroom with separate toilet and outdoor barbecue.
Accommodation options also include two-bedroom self-contained cabins include queen bed, two sets of bunks, lounge and dining area, two couches, air conditioning, television and DVD player. There is also a fully wheelchair accessible two-bedroom cabin, with bathroom, lounge, and kitchen.
Amaroo Holiday Park
Amaroo Holiday Park is the closest boutique park to the main street of Cowes and offers a range of accommodation options.
It is a five minute walk to the beach, 50 metres from the town centre and just a 10-minute drive to the Penguin Parade, and to discover the natural wonders of the Nobbies or visit to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Amaroo Park is also the perfect location from which to explore the idyllic beaches, local cafes, restaurants, and speciality shops.
Self-contained accommodation options at Amaroo Park include luxury villas, cabins, a 1920s homestead perfect for a large family and grassed, powered, pet friendly caravan and camping sites.
Facilities including a tranquil pool area, games room, camp kitchen, onsite restaurant, undercover barbecue, laundry and clothesline, boom gate security, free wi-fi for all guests and contactless check-in.
Amaroo Park runs offers throughout the year for longer stays, with a flexible booking policy and cancellations up to 48 hours prior to arrival, (seven days cancellation during peak times), there is no better time to book your next holiday.
