Phillip Island is an island located about 140 kilometres south-southeast from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is named after the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip.
Phillip Island is best known for its beautiful sunset penguin parade, although it also offers sheltered beaches to the north and some great surfing beaches to the south.
The main town on the island is Cowes, and you can get to the island over a bridge from San Remo. Phillip Island is also well known for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
There are several swimming beaches around Cowes. If you'd prefer to hit the surf then head to one of the many great surfing spots, including Berrys Beach, Cat Bay, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Woolamai.
Wildlife is a large attraction of the island, with a large mutton bird colony at Cape Woolamai. There are also some beautiful walking tracks around here. You can also visit the Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island Wildlife Park and Wildlife Wonderland. On top of this you should definitely go to the Penguin Parade. There are several tours to see the penguins.
The Penguin Parade is when the fairy penguins return from a days fishing to their nesting spots near Summerland Beach. It is very popular, so it is best to book and arrive early as the best viewing spot is from the wooden boardwalk on the beach.
For information and current times call the Phillip Island Nature Park Ph: 5956 8300. Summerland Beach also leads onto Point Grant and the remarkable Nobbies and Seal Rocks, home to a seal colony.
Other places you can visit include the Old Motor Racing Circuit, the Museum and the wonderful homestead on Churchill Island.
The main selection of accommodation on the island is at Cowes, along with most of the restaurants and eating places. Accommodation includes hostels, hotels as well as a number of camping grounds around the park. (It is prohibited to camp and sleep in your car in any other public place). There is no public transport around the island, so once you are there you will either need to join a tour group or hire a bike.
Phillip Island Accommodation
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