Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a popular destination for its nature and wildlife, as well as its international motor racing events. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers visitors a range of easily accessible activities and facilities.

Wildlife wonders

Every day at dusk, Phillip Island hosts Australia's most popular wildlife event - a parade of little penguins that emerge from the sea and make their way to their burrows in the sand dunes.

Phillip Island Nature Park sells a convenient Three Parks Pass that includes entry to see the Penguin Parade, historic Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Centre. At the Penguin Parade, take advantage of secluded beach tours, viewing platforms and interaction with experienced rangers. At historic Churchill Island, discover a working heritage farm, and at the Koala Conservation Centre, view koalas up close in a natural setting.

Phillip Island is also home to Seal Rocks, where more than 16,000 fur seals - one of the largest colonies in Australia - sun themselves on the rocks, feeding their young, playing and swimming in surrounding waters.

Home of motor sports

Several times a year, the fastest men on wheels come to Phillip Island to contest major international motorcycle and supercar events, including the Superbike World Championship, Phillip Island 500 V8 Supercars Endurance Events and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Head to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and test your racing mettle behind the wheel of a go-kart on the replica circuit, or buckle up for three thrilling laps around the real thing seated beside a professional racing driver.

Aquatic activities

Phillip Island is known for its great coastal scenery. Swim, sail, fish or go boating on protected northern beaches along Westernport Bay, or head for the Southern coastline facing Bass Strait for some of the best surf beaches in Victoria.

Island food and wine

Enjoy diverse dining options at island villages. Dine al fresco, linger in seaside restaurants or call in at a beach café. Pick up seafood fresh off the boat at the San Remo Fisherman's Cooperative or catch your own trout at the fishing park and cook it all up at one of the island's foreshore picnic areas. Don't miss the monthly Churchill Island farmers' market, where producers sell local cheeses, organic fruit and vegetables and free-range meats.

The island's vineyards are building a reputation for cool-climate wines with full fruit flavours. Visit a cellar door for tastings with the winemakers and stay for lunch among the vines.

For an extended visit, Silverwater Resort, set high on the hills above San Remo, offers excellent leisure facilities.

Go to Visit Victoria (Phillip Island) for further information.