I see travelling as more of a lifestyle than a hobby, which is why I’ve spent the last decade exploring over 50 countries! Australia will forever be one of my favourite destinations for its sandy beaches and wonderful wildlife, but visiting Phillip Island, just 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD, was an incredible experience. I actually lived in Melbourne twice, each time for over 6 months, and it's one of the places I truly call home. Naturally, I had to visit the famous penguins on Phillip Island while I was staying there.
Reaching the island was a breeze since I rented a car with friends. On the journey, excitement grew as we imagined Phillip Island penguins and the wild scenery along the Mornington Peninsula. When we arrived, mangrove forests, bushland, lakes, and wallabies awaited, with babies peering out of their pouches. Now THAT is what solo travelling Australia is all about!
Planning a trip to Phillip Island? Here's where you'll find:
- Planning a Visit to Phillip Island
- Is it Worth Going to Phillip Island in Melbourne?
- What is the Best Time to Visit Phillip Island?
- What Month is Best to See Penguins?
- How Many Days Should I Spend in Phillip Island?
- Best Travel Insurance for Australia Adventures
- Get a Working Holiday Visa for Australia
- How to get to Phillip Island
- Hiring a Car to Visit Phillip Island
- Best Hotels on Phillip Island
- Best Hostels on Phillip Island
- Is Phillip Island Good for Solo Travellers and Backpackers?
- Visiting the Penguins on Phillip Island
- Best Things to Do on Phillip Island (Other than See Penguins!)
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Planning a Visit to Phillip Island
Visiting Phillip Island guarantees magical landscapes where travellers can witness thriving Aussie wildlife and endless sounds of crashing waves. The infamous Penguin Parade is a must as is visiting the town of Cowes where we took a lunchtime pitstop at Isola di Capri and delved into pizza, risotto, and calamari with the sun beating down on our faces. But what else is there to know before venturing to Phillip Island?
Is it Worth Going to Phillip Island in Melbourne?
Australia is the sixth biggest country in the world, but you don’t need to travel to every corner to achieve diverse experiences. Phillip Island is only a 90-minute journey south of Melbourne and the ferry is under an hour, so it’s ideal for a day trip, weekend escape, or week-long voyage! It’s perfect for beach and surfing fanatics and those who love nothing more than watching nature and wildlife flourish.
What is the Best Time to Visit Phillip Island?
Trekking to Phillip Island is best done during the warmer times of year such as November to March. There’s something so charming about hiking the island when the sun is warming your face, and it means the island tracks and beaches are easily accessible. During the summer, you’re more likely to see wildlife, though I personally wasn’t the biggest fan of the Penguin Parade which made me feel like the penguins were being exploited for entertainment.
What Month is Best to See Penguins?
The Penguin Parade is one of the main attractions of Phillip Island, where visitors can watch penguins walk across the sand from the ocean to their burrows for the night. Summer is the best time for this experience, between December and February. In all honesty, as an environmentally conscious person, I felt the penguins weren’t prioritised and the noise and lights from onlookers were overwhelming for the animals.
For a more wholesome, less touristy experience, I recommend seeing the penguins over at The Nobbies because they seemed happier and there were far fewer crowds. It also means going to the western tip of Phillip Island to Point Grant, home of The Nobbies.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Phillip Island?
Visiting Phillip Island for any length of time will offer a magical escape from Melbourne’s bustle, but I recommend staying there for a couple of days to a week! This means ample time to see the Phillip Island penguins, the seal colony at Seals Rock, and a gander around Cowes.
Travel Essentials for a Visit to Phillip Island
Whether you’re travelling during the height of summer or out of season, you’ll absolutely want to bring a jacket! It was warm when I headed to Phillip Island with friends, but the boardwalk with views of Seal Rocks, The Hobbies, and The Blowhole was pretty chilly, especially during sunset.
If you’ve got a knack for photography, there’s no better place for wildlife snaps than Phillip Island. Spectacular scenes blossom in every direction, so pack your camera and get some epic shots for your socials or private memories.
Best Travel Insurance for Australia Adventures
I can’t imagine living my life without adventure, but I need the reassurance of security to allow myself to dive into new, exciting experiences. That’s why I opt for SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance offering comprehensive coverage in over 175 countries. This flexible policy allows me to start and end my policy whenever from wherever, so I always have complete control.
As a solo travel expert, I can’t put into words how much more confident I feel when I’m backed by a reliable insurance policy. SafetyWing’s Travel Insurance for Nomads offers global coverage that can be purchased inside or outside your home country, with a simple claims service and 24/7 human support. Their cover provides the following:
- Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
- Emergency dental care up to $1000
- Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
- Coverage for lost checked luggage
- Flights home if something bad happens
- Continued coverage for visits back home
- Coverage for motor accidents
- Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities
Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers to uncover some tips and advice for choosing a dependable policy and provider.
Get a Working Holiday Visa for Australia
If you're planning on visiting Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, Welcome to Travel is a Sydney-based tour operator who appreciates the butterfly feeling that comes with moving Down Under for over a year. They provide welcome tours in Sydney, Melbourne and up the infamous East Coast to help travellers feel confident for the rest of their time in Australia AND give them the best possible travel experiences! They've given me some exclusive discount codes for you to save up to $150 on a trip to Australia:
- $50 AUD discount on Welcome Tours using code LUCY50
- $100 AUD discount on East Coast Tours using code LUCY100
- $150 AUD discount on Package Tours using code LUCY150
Taking one of these tours is a great idea if you don’t have much experience solo travelling and want to meet other adventures from the get-go.
Travelling to Phillip Island
I travelled to Phillip Island from Melbourne, which was a short yet scenic 90-minute drive south of the city. It’s also possible to take a bus, but renting a car offers the most freedom and efficiency.
How to get to Phillip Island
Reaching Phillip Island is easiest by car, but you can get to Penguin Paradise on public transport too. The Victoria Line coach will take you from Southern Cross Station to the island in a couple of hours. By car, you’ll drive the Monash Freeway and take the Phillip Island exit before following signs and eventually reaching the Phillip Island Tourist Road.
Hiring a Car to Visit Phillip Island
Visiting Phillip Island by renting a car was part of what made our trip so great. It meant we weren’t restricted by time and could mooch about at our own pace. It’s only a 90-minute drive, but you could take a detour to Loch and Kilcunda; two quaint towns en route. Getting a car isn’t essential, but if you do, I recommend hiring a car in Australia with Discover Cars – its quick, convenient, and affordable. If there's a group of you, it makes a great budget-friendly option.
Can I Do a Day Trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne?
Doing a day trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne will be busy but it’s possible! The island holds so much beauty so it’s advisable to get there early in the morning so you can have a whole day exploring. You’ll need to carve around 3 hours out for travel time, and even more if you’re taking a guided tour or participating in an activity.
To make sure you get the most out of your time, consider booking a tour through GetYourGuide who have a range of fun options for Phillip Island. Think penguin or koala tours, a scenic cruise, or even a snorkelling excursion.
How Long is the Ferry from Melbourne to Phillip Island?
To take the ferry to Phillip Island, travel to Stony Point where the passenger ferry departs. The journey only lasts around 40- 50 minutes. The Western Port Passenger Ferry Service runs between Stony, Point, Tankerton, and Cowes for ultimate convenience.
Best Places to Stay on Phillip Island
Booking accommodation is the best way to get a true feel for what Phillip Island offers, from mesmerising sunrises and sunsets to endless hikes and underwater activities. Discover hostels, hotels, resort-style locations and family apartments; there's a solution for every budget.
Best Hotels on Phillip Island
Treating yourself to a few nights on Phillip Island will reward you with time to wind down to the soundtrack of gentle waves. Wake up each morning, touch your feet on the sand, and have the most tranquil spot to enjoy your morning brew.
The Nature Resort Villas
Elegance awaits at this four-star resort offering far more than a comfy place to sleep for the night. Located in Cowes, neighbouring Phillip Island Wildlife Park, visitors can get a taste of luxury with a terrace, bar, indoor pool, sauna, and even a spa and wellness centre.
Book your stay here
Kaloha Holiday Resort Phillip Island
A short 15-minute drive away from the Penguin Parade is Kaloha Holiday Resort, boasting a beachfront park, solar-heated swimming pool, outdoor cooking facilities and high-quality apartments equipped with every necessity. The delicious The Palms restaurant offers fresh, vibrant cuisine to make dining in the sun a pleasure.
Book your stay here
The Waves Apartments
Settle for nothing less than serenity at The Waves Apartments. Sweeping terrace views allow visitors to marvel at Phillip Island’s majestic landscape in the utmost comfort. The beachside location and luxury decor make every stay special with a comfortable night’s sleep guaranteed.
Book your stay here
Best Hostels on Phillip Island
Hostels are the cheapest and most social accommodation option, offering ideal opportunities for bonding with other travellers. Affordable with great central locations, hostels usually aren’t far from the action of a town or city, and on Phillip Island, there are a few unique accommodations to choose from!
The Island Accommodation YHA
Offering every room type from private double and twin rooms to family rooms and private ensuites, there’s something at The Island Accommodation YHA for every traveller. The eco-friendly accommodation is moments away from beaches, cafes, restaurants, and public transport to make for stress-free island exploration.
Book your stay here
Captain’s Lock Cottage
Calling the beachfront home, Captain’s Lock Cottage is a stunning accommodation choice with a balcony, private parking, and free WiFI for top comfort and convenience. Why not hire the cottage and spend a week on the island with friends? Everyone can enjoy the four bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, and living rooms, catering to a mixture of socialising and enjoying solo downtime.
Book your stay here
Arthur Phillip Motor Inn
Highly rated by solo travellers, Arthur Phillip Motor Inn is a short distance from the island’s Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes Golf Club, and Penguin Parade. Every room is equipped with essentials like AC, kitchen amenities, and a private bathroom.
Book your stay here
Is Phillip Island Good for Solo Travellers and Backpackers?
Phillip Island is a tourist hotspot, making it ideal for solo travellers and backpackers. I bumped into lots of backpackers also exploring the island. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and pristine beaches, Phillip Island is a haven to relax and slow down the pace of travelling for a few days. Free camping isn’t allowed on the island, so it’s best to check into one of the many gorgeous accommodation options.
Visiting the Penguins on Phillip Island
Nearly one million people flocked to Phillip Island in 2023 to see pristine beaches, panoramic ocean views, and of course, the Phillip Island Penguins. These little beauties can be witnessed at various points on the island, but many tourists head to the Penguin Parade for complete cuteness overload.
Where are the Penguins on Phillip Island
Phillip Island is home to the world’s largest little penguin colony, and these beauties can be seen crossing the sand at sunset at the Penguin Parade. Visitors can watch the sunset waddle by buying tickets to support Phillip Island Nature Park’s efforts to keep the environment safe for wildlife and accessible to visitors.
You can book a range of experiences such as a general viewing pass, guided tour, and ultimate adventure tour through Phillip Island Nature Park’s website here. For those who’d rather skip the crowds and save some pennies, head to The Nobbies. The boardwalk here is perfect for watching penguins and spotting other wildlife like wallabies and cape barren geese.
How Much Does it Cost to See Penguins at Phillip Island?
Prices for the penguin parade start at $32 for general viewing but increase to $120 for the Ultimate Adventure Tour which features a fully accredited eco-experience along a private boardwalk. If the Penguin Parade has always been on your bucket list and you’ve got the funds available, it’s a great experience.
Personally, I preferred venturing to quieter parts of the island where the penguins are left undisturbed and can go about their usual routine without flashing lights and noisy crowds everywhere.
Is it Safe to Walk to Penguin Island?
Attempting to swim or walk to Penguin Island isn’t advisable as water current, rips, and depth can change rapidly with little to no warning. It’s a dangerous mission, so it’s far safer to stick to recommended areas and view penguins without risking injury or drowning.
Book a Tour to Visit the Penguins
Tours not only provide awesome opportunities for meeting other travellers but they are usually led by experts who can share useful and interesting information. I recommend booking a tour through GetYourGuide who offer a range of Phillip Island experiences catering to different activity preferences, budgets, and timeframes.
General ticket prices may even be cheaper by booking through GetYourGuide, so it’s worthwhile checking out everything they offer. The Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour is the perfect match if you’re strapped for time but want a magical experience. It combines the Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguin Parade in one day, so you can enjoy the scenic landscape followed by sunset penguin joy.
Best Things to Do on Phillip Island (Other than See Penguins!)
It goes without saying that penguins are a true highlight of Phillip Island, but you can’t leave without experiencing some of the other gems it has to offer! From scenic cruises and snorkelling to wildlife watching and private tours, there are so many ways to capture the Phillip Island magic.
- 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise
- Seals & Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch
- Seal Watching Cruise
- Wine, Wildlife & Penguins with Gourmet Feast
- Dolphin & Whale Cruise
- San Remo: Phillip Island Sunset Cruise
- Whale Watching Boat Tour
- Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour
- Koalas, Pelicans, and Scenic Lookouts Tour
- Private Tour of Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island
I’ve used many different activity providers over my 10 years travelling the globe, and GetYourGuide comes out on top every time. The diversity of their tours is unmatchable, and the package deals for Australia are worth the investment.
