Melbourne, Victoria: Phillip Island-Victoria’s Island Sanctuary

Melbourne, Victoria: Phillip Island-Victoria’s Island Sanctuary

The Gold List 2022 - Best Destination To Travel

Text by: Fabian Ooi / Photos Courtesy of Visit Victoria - 26 April 2023


IMMERSE IN PRISTINE NATURE

Welcome to Phillip Island, 101  square kilometres of amazing experiences distilled into one easygoing island sanctuary.

Located just a two-hour drive south east of Melbourne, Phillip Island is Victoria’s Island Sanctuary. The Island is famous for its Little Penguin parade and the legendary Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, but there’s much, much more to see and do. 

Phillip Island

No matter what time of the year you visit, there’s 101 square kilometres of island magic to be discovered. Explore idyllic beaches, spectacular coastline, unique Australian wildlife, adventure activities and a bustling food and wine scene. From watching fur seals sun themselves on Seal Rocks, to enjoying fresh local seafood overlooking the ocean and taking to the skies on an exhilarating scenic helicopter ride, whichever direction you head there’s fun to be found.  

101 square kilometres of amazing experiences are waiting. Phillip Island 101. One amazing place.

Phillip Island Hot Springs

Phillip Island Hot Springs

Opening in mid to late 2023, the Phillip Island Hot Springs is set to boast a geothermal mineral spring as well as an ocean water bathing experience that will provide a major all-weather all-season destination delivering blissful relaxation and well-being to Phillip Island. The Phillip Island Hot Springs will include hot spring mineral bathing pools, heated ocean water lagoons, saunas, a hammam, plunge pools, day lounges, Ocean view pools, two dining facilities, relaxation lounges, walking trails plus an extensive retail offering and related amenities. 

Phillip Island Brewing CoPhillip Island Brewing Co

Local Flavours

From hand-crafted beers and award-winning wines to fresh local seafood and waterfront dining, Phillip Island’s food scene is all about showcasing local flavours. Best known for its stunning views, the Phillip Island Winery is a haven for anyone looking to experience the area via eating and drinking. Sprawled across 14 acres of vineyards, the winery boasts rolling rural views and glimpses of the Bass Strait-the perfect backdrop for wine sampling at the boutique cellar door.

Phillip Island WineryPhillip Island Winery

For beer enthusiasts, Rusty Waters Brewery Restaurant and Bar is where you find hand-crafted ales with unique flavours from the use of malts, yeasts and hops. The addition of a diverse range of Australian native fruits and plants are also used to create a range of speciality brews unique to the Island. Enjoy a seasonal menu, hand-crafted ales, and local award-winning wines over a long lunch or dinner.

Penguin Parade Underground Viewing

Wildlife

Home to an abundance of native Australian animals, Phillip Island, is a haven for wildlife spotting. Watch thousands of Little Penguins make their way home on sunset at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Take a walk through tree-tops and spot Australia’s most iconic animal at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Take to the water on a Wildlife Coast Cruises boat tour and spot thousands of Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks, or experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot whales on their Winter Whale Cruise. See wild wallabies, birds, echidnas and other species on one of Phillip Island’s beautiful walks or drives. You can also spend a day with Island hopping from French Island to Phillip Island getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s cutest and cuddliest native wildlife.

Koala-Conservation Reserve Nature Parks

Wildlife Coast Cruises - Winter Whale CruiseWildlife Coast Cruises - Seal Cruise

Surrounded by 360° of coastline, Phillip Island also offers stunning scenery and landscape. Discover the rugged southern coastline and soak up the views along The Nobbies boardwalks, Pyramid Rock Walk or Cape Woolamai Coastal Circuit. On the north side of the Island, explore the RAMSAR wetlands and mangroves on the Rhyll Inlet and Conservation walk and the Churchill Island walks, or go in search of wallabies and echidnas on the Oswin Roberts Reserve walk. 

Cape Woolamai Walk

After a day of exploring, unwind at some of Phillip Island’s unique accommodation, including the luxury Fives Acres coastal cabins or surround yourself with the tranquillity of Bimbadeen Phillip Island. Discover the charm of Oak Tree Lodge or centre yourself in the main township of the Island at Phillip Island Apartments. 

Five Acres Farm Stay
 

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