If the sight of adorable penguins strolling up the beach at sunset sounds adorable to you, Philip Island is an essential experience the next time you’re in Melbourne.
*Pro-tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment as slots are limited!
But did you know that there are other things to do and see on Philip Island too? In this video guide, we cover a couple of must-visit attractions on Philip Island like Churchill Island, which houses Victoria’s first farm, and Wild Ocean Ecoboat Tours, that takes you on an exciting high-speed boat adventure. Besides penguins, you can even spot other wildlife like koalas and seals for an unforgettable holiday in Australia.
Getting to Philip Island is simple enough, it’s just a 2-hour drive from Melbourne — with scenic spots along the way like Brighton Beach and St. Kilda Beach (if you’ve got time to spare). But planning for the trip can be a little tedious, after all, there are just so many things to cover in one day.
So, besides watching the video, you can also check out our more detailed Phillip Island Guide with an itinerary that you can follow to make the most out of your day trip from Melbourne!
Must-visit attractions on Philip Island
00:16 – Churchill Island Heritage farm (~S$12.30) — Visit Victoria’s very first farm! Some of the original cottages still stand and we saw various farm animals here too like horses, cattle and sheep.
00:33 – Island Walks — Conquer one of the island’s walking trails for spectacular views!
00:39 – Koala Conservation Centre (~S$12.30) — Get up close and personal with these cuddly koalas in their natural habitat, found either napping in the trees or snacking on eucalyptus leaves.
00:53 – Wild Ocean Ecoboat Tours (AU$68 for 2hr tour) — If you’re up for a thrill, hop on one of these high-speed boat tours. The highlight? Spotting Australia’s largest seal colony along the way.
01:17 – Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies (~S$12.30) — An interactive exhibition filled with hands-on learning experiences about the Antarctic region and its residents!
01:28 – Penguin Parade (~S$26.90) — Don’t miss the main attraction on Philip Island! We had front-row seats watching the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the sea and head back towards their burrows.
Getting to Philip Island
Philip Island is a perfect day trip from Melbourne, being only a 2-hour car ride away! You can book a car rental and pick it up directly from the airport before making your way there. But we suggest allocating more time for scenic stops along the way, like the famous Brighton Beach, St. Kilda Beach and San Remo!
Philip Island Itinerary Breakdown
People usually travel to Philip Island for the Penguin Parade, but depending on the month, these adorable critters can arrive as early as 5:15PM or as late as 8:45PM. We wanted to make full use of our day exploring other must-visit attractions on Philip Island, so we planned our trip for the months with the later timing (between November and March).
Here’s a rough itinerary but you can check out our comprehensive Philip Island Guide for a more detailed breakdown of things to do there! Feel free to mix and match your itinerary around the Penguin Parade though, as it depends on your own trip dates.
