Explore The Best Of Phillip Island: What To See, Know and Do
With incredible natural attractions, stunning beaches, and a burgeoning culinary scene, there’s a lot of wonderful things to do on Phillip Island. This guide features the best of the Island, including what to do, where to stay, how to get there/around.
We’re ashamed to admit that we’ve always figured there wasn’t much on offer on Phillip Island beyond the Penguin Parade.
Call us naive, but Victoria’s day-trip wonders and foodie meccas, like Daylesford, the Yarra Valley, or the drama of the Great Ocean Road, all held a bit more appeal than this southern isle.
However, after exploring this part of the world extensively over the last four months, we’re happy to admit, we were wrong. Very wrong.
Phillip Island is incredible.
The Island’s natural beauty is an obvious standout, with each beach, cliffside, wetland and pasture all jaw-droppingly beautiful - especially during a late summer afternoon. From the nature parks to the hikes, surfing to cycling, there are a lot of wonderful things to do on Phillip Island that involve the outdoors.
But for us, the biggest revelation was the array of cool hangouts and hipster cafes serving delicious brunch and coffee to die for. We ate one of our favourite brunches ever on the Island, and we’re currently drooling over the keyboard just thinking about it. From artisanal eateries to cute little farm gates, the quality of produce on the Island is exceptional, and that definitely filters through to the food being served up.
With the perfect mix of incredible outdoor experiences, and good food and wine (and super friendly, laidback locals!), Phillip Island is the perfect day, weekend or week-long escape from Melbourne.
In this guide, we’ve put together our favourite things to see and do on Phillip Island below, including where to eat and drink, and where to stay.
PHILLIP
ISLAND
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Phillip Island, 140km south east of Melbourne
HOW TO GET THERE | Car, V-Line bus
WHAT TO SEE | Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Cape Woolamai, The Nobbies, Cowes, Koala Conservation Reserve
WHERE TO EAT | Anerie, The Store, Waterboy, Pinos Trattoria, Mon Dieu, Bang Bang
BEST ACCOMMODATION | Five Acres, Grey Goose & Smiths
WHERE IS PHILLIP ISLAND?
Phillip Island is located around 140 km from Melbourne CBD in southern Victoria.
Known for its incredible beaches, natural beauty, and farmlands, Phillip Island is a popular holiday destination for Victorians escaping the city, with the population swelling by 300% during the summer months.
The original custodians of the land are the Boon Warrung people of the Kulin Nation, and Phillip Island is also known as Corriong, or Millowl in the Boonwurrung language.
HOW TO GET TO PHILLIP ISLAND
Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne is super easy.
We recommend taking the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Packenham/Koo Wee Rup exit, and following Healesville - Too Wee Rup Rd (C422) towards
Turn left at the road about and join the Bass Highway (M420), which passes through Grantville and Bass before arriving at San Remo. It’s here that you pass over the Phillip Island bridge and make it onto the Island.
The main town of Cowes is the most obvious destination once on the Island. Just follow the signs and you’ll arrive into Cowes within 15 minutes of crossing the bridge.
If you’re looking for a place to stop on the way, drop into the beautiful town of Loch and enjoy its incredible cafes.
WHERE TO STAY ON PHILLIP ISLAND
Phillip Island has hundreds of hotels and rental properties across the island, so finding a suitable place to stay is super easy, especially if you read our guide to the best Airbnbs on Phillip Island.
We’ve listed some of our faves below, with Airbnb being the best option for finding accommodation on the island.
HOTEL
GREY GOOSE @ SMITH’S
Grey Goose @ Smith’s has a loft-sytle apartment to die for, with views overlooking Smith’s beach and Cape Woolamai. Close to all the major sights on Phillip Island, this cosy little apartment has all the ingredients for a brilliant weekend away.
BOOK | Grey Goose @ Smith’s
RELATED | Our guide to the best Airbnbs on Phillip Island
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON PHILLIP ISLAND
VISIT THE PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUIN PARADE
Penguins.
Got your attention? Good.
Because the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Australia’s premier attractions, home to over 32,000 fairy penguins (sometimes known as little penguins) who call this corner of Phillip Island home.
After spending their days in the Southern Ocean, searching for food and hiding from predators, these cute little fairy penguins (they’re actually the world’s smallest species) return to their nests in the dunes of Summerlands at dusk, tending to their young, or resting for another mission to the deep blue ocean swells.
This ‘show’ is what everyone comes to see - thousands of penguins waddling to their burrows, seemingly unaware of the excitement their mere (and cute) presence is causing. Cautiously, they gather in groups and slowly make their way up the sand, heading to their dune homes. It’s definitely a magical experience to see, and obviously one of the top reasons to visit Phillip Island.
The penguin parade occurs nightly throughout the year, however, the best time to visit is during spring, when the penguins tend to their super cute recently hatched chicks.
Depending on your budget, there is a range of viewing platforms in which to watch the penguin parade (general grandstand through to an underground viewing bunker) - but each will allow you to watch the show easily. For those wanting to learn more about the little penguins, there are educational displays, plus a cafe and gift shop on site.
One thing worth noting about the penguin parade is that it does sell out, so we highly recommend booking well in advance of your planned trip (book this tour to secure your spot!). Oh, and you can’t take photos here, so bring those eyes of yours!
THE DETAILS
Where | Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Summerlands
Cost | General tickets $27.25, Penguins Plus $60, Underground viewing $75
Book | This full-day tour includes a visit to the Penguin Parade
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is an essential thing to do on Phillip Island | Image credit: Visit Victoria
ENJOY PHILLIP ISLAND’S MOST MAJESTIC BEACHES
If you forget the water temperature (it’s bloody cold), Phillip Island’s beaches might be some of the most majestic in Australia. Raw, rugged, and endless - they’re undeniably wonderful, wherever you chose to lay your towel.
The beaches located on the south of the Island tend to be more rugged - there’s nothing between here and Antarctica, so the sweeping southerly winds hit hard, creating perfect surfing conditions, and on calm days, stunning places to swim.
In the north and west of the Island, the bayside beaches are calm and perfect for families, or for an escape from the battering winds of the south.
Our favourite beaches are listed below, featuring a mix of popular and hidden beaches:
WOOLAMAI SURF BEACH | Flanked by large dunes, this expansive stretch of golden sand is one of the most beautiful, popular, and rugged beaches on the Island. Great for surfing, this ‘back beach’ is also great for swimming on calmer days, warmer days. We suggest swimming between the flags here, as the rips can be extremely powerful - just speak to the local lifeguards if you’re worried.
FLYNNS BEACH | Located in Cat Bay and the rugged south-west of Phillip Island, the 1.3km Flynns Beach is a popular surfing beach, which on calmer, blue sky days, is a the perfect, quiet place to lay your towel and have a swim. There are no amenities here, so be careful when swimming. If you’re hungry, the excellent cafe, The Store, is close by.
BERRYS BEACH | A secluded surf beach in the south of the Island, Berry’s is perfect for experienced surfers. At lowtide, there are heaps of rockpools to explore. Again, there are no amenities here, so be cafeful when swimming/fishing.
RED ROCK BEACH | A hidden ‘front beach’, with calm waters and picturesque red cliffs, Red Rock beach is a delighful place to spend a day by the water. The beach itself is farily expansive, has super clean water, and is perfect for familes.
CLEELAND BIGHT BEACH | Located opposite San Remo, Cleeland Bight beach is a secluded, family-friendly beach with golden sands and clear blue waters. It’s a delightful, hidden place to escape the heavy swells of Woolamai, or to enjoy other water-based activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking. It’s also a popular fishing location, as the tides push and pull through here.
COWES BEACH | The very definition of ‘family-friendly’, the calm and shallow Cowes beach is located right in the heart of Cowes, just off Thompson St. It’s not huge, but it’s perfect if the kiddies want a quick play after lunch, or if you’re staying in town and don’t want to travel far for a swim.
HIKE CAPE WOOLAMAI
Whether you’re in Phillip Island for a day, weekend, or the summer holidays, we recommend each visitor hikes the Cape Woolamai trail.
The popular half-day hike follows through the Woolamai State reserve, leading to the highest point on Phillip Island (at 112m, it’s not saying much). From here it’s possible to see all of Phillip Island and its rugged coastline, as well as the famous Pinnacles, Cape Woolamai beacon, and Norman Hill (Spew Hill dunes). Added to the beauty, you might also spot some local wildlife, including wallaby’s whales, dolphins, seals and even snakes (but no one wants to see them).
We took our hike on a blustery autumn day, where the southern ocean swells were battering the coastlines, and intermittent rays of sunlight were quickly enveloped by dark rain clouds. It made the whole hike even more beautiful as the landscapes flitted between bright greens and blues, and dark oranges and greys.
Starting at Cape Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club car park, we followed the golden sands of Woolamai, making
sure we didn’t get swept away by the high tide. From the wooden stairs, we took the path east towards the Pinnacles, a set of 360 million-year-old volcanic rock stacks that have eroded over time. The Pinnacles are the most beautiful natural feature of the walk, with their sculpted granite peaks uniquely captivating.
After taking too many photos, we continued on through the coastal scrub, the dramatic cliffs ever-present as we made our way to the Cape Woolamai beacon. From here we were afforded views from San Remo to the Nobbies - another wonderful feature of this hike.
We took in the Gull Island viewpoint in the hope of spotting some aquatic wildlife but weren’t able to spot anything more than a seagull. However, all was redeemed as we made our way through the faunal reserve, where we spotted some Australian wallabies nibbling away at the grass, making these two recently-returned Aussies giddy with excitement (yeah, we still get excited when we see Australia’s weird and wonderful fauna!) and ending our hike perfectly.
The hike is around 8km in total (there’s also a shorter 4km circuit to the Pinnacles or a 6.6km circuit to the Beacon), and takes around 2 - 4 hours depending on fitness. If hiking in summer, keep an eye out for snakes as their pretty common in these parts.
If you’d prefer to see Cape Woolamai from the ocean, join this boat tour that takes in the cape and surrounding landscapes.
THE DETAILS
Where | Cape Woolamai Circuit
Length | 8km total
Time | 2 - 4 hours
Note | Hike at low tide as you may get caught out along the Cleeland Beach section during high tide
Tour | Cape Woolamai boat tour
LEARN TO SURF ON PHILLIP ISLAND
Learning to surf can be a pretty tough affair, especially for those with zero balance skills, such as ourselves. Fortunately, Phillip Island is home to some of the friendliest beginner waves in all of Victoria, with Smiths Beach the ideal place to learn to surf.
Surf schools are dotted throughout the Island, but we recommend Island Surf School, one of the most established surf schools in Australia, which are also family-owned and operated since 1969. They have an awesome surf school with experienced instructors, and a large range of boards and wetsuits to suit all types, shapes, and sizes.
The waves of Smiths Beach themselves and small enough to learn on, but big enough to feel like you’re actually surfing, so there’s a high likelihood you’ll stand up the first time. If this does happen, be warned - you’ll be hooked on surfing forever, as it’s the best rush you could ever have!
If you’re a more experienced surfer, there are still plenty of awesome waves to catch on the Island, including the world-famous breaks of Woolamai, which hosts the Men's and Women’s Phillip Island Pro.
THE DETAILS
Where | Smiths Beach, Phillip Island
Who | Island Surf School
Cost | $70pp for a public group session, $150 for a private lesson (includes board, wetsuit & sunscreen)
EXPLORE THE ANCIENT FORREST CAVES
Just off the main Phillip Island road past Cape Woolamai is an almost inconspicuous turnoff to one of the island’s lesser-known but equally worthy highlights, Forrest Caves.
Obscured by the towering sand dunes and only accessible via a 300m beach stroll, the caves were created over thousands of years by erosion through the deep red basalt rock. The result is these picturesque caves, which make for the perfect photo!
The caves make for a fun visit, and can be explored from above (there are plenty of rock pools to keep little ones occupied) or via the caves themselves.
Note that the caves can only be accessed during super low tides; we visited at the tail end of low tide and already couldn’t access the caves from inside due to the water levels.
The whole picturesque coastline was culturally significant to the Boon Wurrung Indigenous people who are the traditional custodians of this area; their ancestors once spent summers camping here, feeding upon shellfish and local fauna under the shade of the twisted Moonah trees near the beach that have stood here for hundreds of years.
THE DETAILS
Where | Forrest Caves, Newhaven
Note | Check tides before visiting - you can only see the caves at low tide
WALK THE THE EDGE OF PHILLIP ISLAND AT THE NOBBIES
Just past the Penguin Parade is The Nobbies, a collection of jutting basalt rock formations and rugged coastline sculpted by the whipping southerly winds and the icy swells of the southern ocean that lap from Antarctica.
We visited on one of those perfectly sunny early winter days, when the wind was calm and the sun bone-warming, and had clear views over Flinders, Cape Woolamai and Pyramid rock from the boardwalk that stretches from the Nobbies Centre.
If you’re lucky you might spot some of Philip Island’s local wildlife. Here, you can see some of the local little penguin population, seals playing on the rocks and waves, while we also spotted some kangaroos bounding through the long grasses nearby (even for us Aussies, this still excites us!).
If you’re visiting in summer, be aware that there is a population of Copperhead snakes here, but they tend to be fairly shy and avoidant of humans.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Nobbies, Summerlands
ENJOY A WINE-TASTING AFTERNOON AT THE EXCELLENT PHILLIP ISLAND WINERY
There are just some places you visit that you feel immediately at home, and the unbelievably hip and cool Phillip Island Winery is that kind of place.
One of the very few wineries on the Island, Phillip Island Winery is the perfect place to enjoy a long, summer day, set amongst a small vineyard, and hipster-cool barn/restaurant. They’ve also got a huge lawn (over 5 acres!) where you can set up a picnic and sit back and enjoy a Rose or twelve.
The small yet wonderful range of wines is truly delicious - including a sparkling, two whites, a Rosé, two reds, and a Moscato. Our recommendation: a tasting flight, comprising a selection of all the wines. Or, grab yourself a glass of the refreshing Rosé (Man in the Moon), or the seriously delightful Pinot Noir (The Bill Henry).
The excellent restaurant serves share plates and sourdough pizza, and the food is really on point - we recommend the hand-rolled gnocchi with burnt butter and sage, and the catch of the day served with a range of vegetables and lentils.
Or, if oysters are your thing, grab a plate - they’re super fresh here. Alternatively, there’s a grazing board full of local produce, including Gippsland cheese, olives, and dips, served with PI winery sourdough - a perfect accompaniment to any wine-tasting session.
Over summer weekends, musicians play relaxed tunes on the lawn - sounds perfect, right?
THE DETAILS
Where | Phillip Island Winery
Opening Hours | Thursday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm, with three main meal sittings. Booking online is essential as we have limited seats here. The Yards tasting area is also open on Wednesday, although check the Google listing for up to date times.
STROLL THROUGH COWES
The main town of Cowes, much like most of Phillip Island, is pretty laid back, and while there’s not a lot to see and do, we recommend a lazy stroll through the streets and to the foreshore.
Flanked by huge golden cypresses, Thomson Avenue is the starting point for all things good in Cowes. The main street has a range of cafes and restaurants (our fave ones are listed below), boutiques, ice cream parlours and of course, the infamous Hotel Phillip Island.
We recommend starting at the roundabout on Chapel St and Thomson Ave, and strolling down towards the beach (after brunch at nearby Waterboy - see below).
A famous stop on the strip Isola Gelateria, selling Italian style gelato with a huge selection of flavours. Grab one and head to the foreshore or pier.
A few stores we recommend checking out include:
Pollyanna | A cool, corner store boutique with a selection of cool labels
Front room | Designer labels from around the world
Sarsparilla | A little boutique with colourful pieces
A few coffee stops we recommend:
G’day Tiger
Phillip Island Coffee Co.
Cafe Lugano
VISIT THE KOALA CONSERVATION RESERVE
There are very few places in the world to see koala’s so freely, and yet the Koala Conservation Reserve, set amongst Phillip Island’s last remaining native bushland, is one of those places. There are two expansive boardwalk areas where you’ll 100% be able to see koalas in their natural habitat, high up amongst the gums, while the rest of the park is open for you to roam and find these cuddly bears yourself.
There’s an extensive education centre which covers indigenous history, as well as the history of koalas on the Island (they were first introduced in the 1870s!), and everything you need to know about Australia’s most popular animal.
Rangers put fresh food out for feeding at 10 am, so we suggest visiting around this time to see the koalas in full (if not slow) flight.
THE DETAILS
Where | Koala Conservation Reserve
Opening Hours | Daily, 10 am - 5:30 pm
Cost | $13.70 per adult, $6.85 per child
STOP BY THE STORE IN VENTNOR
The Store is basically our dream.
A beach-cum-hippie shack off the main Ventnor road, The Store is nestled amongst paddocks where sheep graze and classic Aussie/Gippsland farmland rolls towards the bay.
Owned by Phillip Island local Siann since Feb 2019, this is a cute little general store with a twist; it has a small, but tasty, menu selection with incredible toasties and pies, with delicious chai, matcha, and turmeric lattes found alongside great coffee.
There’s also a selection of quality gourmet products (their bread is to die for!), and sustainable/zero waste goodies, like Olieve and Olie solid cologne, moisturiser bars and skincare products, reusable straws, and cute beanies and shoes.
All in all, The Store is a super pleasant surprise and the perfect place to while away a few hours in the sun while enjoying a coffee or three.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Store, Ventnor
TAKE A HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER PHILLIP ISLAND
Nothing quite prepares you for a helicopter ride - it’s a sensation altogether different to the one you’ve felt before in an aeroplane, as you float elegantly above the clouds, shifting seamlessly with every shift of the gearstick. And the best place to experience this sensation is above the glorious Phillip Island coastline (trust us, Mark’s done this a few times in his former job!).
From here, up in the sky, you’ll be able to witness Phillip Island’s most iconic attractions, including spotting seals or whales near Pyramid Rock, the rugged coastline surrounding Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and other parts of this natural paradise.
The scenic flights depart from Newhaven, and follow a circular route, depending on which flight option you chose - to take in the sheer beauty of the island, we recommend the 25-minute flight around the Island.
THE DETAILS
Where | Phillip Island Helicopters
Opening Hours | 9 am - 6 pm (Check Google for up-to-date hours)
Cost | Flights start from $125 per person
ENJOY SUMMER SUNDOWNER SIPS
In our mind, there’s no better way of finishing a long summer’s day than with a Gin & Tonic, Aperol Spritz, Rosé or ice-cold beer.
While Phillip Island isn’t renowned as a booze or culinary destination, it’s undergone a massive transformation over the last few years, with new, hip bars and restaurants opening just about every other month. It’s led to a welcomed renaissance and turned what was a super daggy place into a trendy foodie/brewery/cocktail hub.
We’ve listed our faves below:
KELP SAN REMO
Melbourne-style vibes in the heart of San Remo, Kelp is an absolute gem of a place - it’s not only one of the best cocktail bars in Phillip Island but also one of the best restaurants.
Kelp comes alive over the weekends when in the know locals descend to eat good food and delicious cocktails. If you’re into seafood, try the oysters, kingfish ceviche, and crispy skin cod. The cauli-tacos are also an absolute winner.
SHAKA BAR
Phillip Island is definitely a family-friendly affair, so a good bar to enjoy a cocktail or two is few and far between.
Shaka Bar, located in the heart of Cowes is the exception, where cocktails and chilled vibes are the go. There’s a great selection of cocktails, local and foreign beer, as well as a rotating food menu.
The indoor area is Melbourne-cool (which basically is just super-cool!) while there’s an outdoor beer garden which is perfect for afternoon sips during the summer months.
Now, who’s up for a Gin?
HOTEL PHILLIP ISLAND
Set in the heart of Cowes, Hotel Phillip Island is an institution.
The outdoor beer garden is perfect for a Sunday session, serving local and international beers, Victorian wines and cocktails, while the restaurant serves good pub grub at affordable prices.
WESTERNPORT HOTEL, SAN REMO
As far as regional pubs go, the Westernport is one of the best. Located right in the heart of San Remo, overlooking the pier and water, the pub serves unpretentious, yet quality, pub grub, a range of local and international beers, and spirits. There’s also a band room, which over the summer features a whole host of bands.
We suggest sitting under the fairy lights in the alfresco seating area, and enjoying a brew, and parma (there’s a good range of vegetarian options, too!), and chatting with the locals.
A paddle of beer from Phillip Island Brewery Co | Image credit: Visit Victoria
SPOT WHALES (OR SURFERS) FROM PYRAMID ROCK
Pyramid Rock is, as the name might have already given away, a pyramid-shaped outcrop off the southern edge of the Island.
Located on the southern side of the Island, Pyramid Rock is the perfect place to admire the long stretch of coastline, or better yet, sport whales.
Our visit happened to coincide with the journey of a pod of whales through the bay, which was totally unexpected on our part and every bit as awesome as you might imagine. Watching them play and spray water in the air had us captivated for at least half an hour. Locals said that there are close to 100 sightings a year, and growing each year. If you realllly want to see whales, jump aboard this whale-watching tour!
There are a number of hikes that commence at Pyramid Rock, including the Berry’s Beach hike which follows the cliffside, passing typically Phillip Island scenery before arriving at the golden sands of Berry’s beach.
The walk is around 2.5 km in length and takes around 1 hour one way. In summer, bring your bathers and head for a swim, before hiking back.
THE DETAILS
Where | Pyramid Rock, Phillip Island
Book | This Whale-Watching Tour
GO KART FUN AT THE FAMOUS PHILLIP ISLAND RACE TRACK
There’s no denying Phillip Island race track is one of the most picturesque circuits in the world. Built on a vast plain on the edge of a cliff overlooking the heaving Bass Strait, there’s no better place to enjoy motorsport.
If you’re into such things, Phillip Island plays host to a range of global motorsport events, including the MotoGP, World Superbike Championships, and V8 Supercars, to name but a few events.
However, it’s racing around the go-kart track which is one of the best things to do in Phillip Island. Here, you can live out your F1 dreams on a 750m replica track, while overlooking the most picturesque vista, although we do suggest keeping those eyes on the road… you know, so you don’t crash!
You can book up to three, 10-minute sessions, which allow you around 6 - 12 laps depending on speed - which should be enough to feel the need for speed, while doing some sightseeing at the same time.
THE DETAILS
Where | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Opening Hours | Open 7-days, 9 am - 5 pm
Cost | Starts from $35 per person
STOPS ON THE WAY TO PHILLIP ISLAND
LOCH VILLAGE
Nestled amongst Gippsland’s green rolling hills just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne lies this endearing little village.
Featuring an achingly beautiful main street, lovingly restored to its glory days, magnificent cafes, a brewery and distillery and an award-winning winery, Loch is the perfect day trip from Melbourne.
A small-scale Daylesford championing all that’s good about regional Victoria, a quick stop here is essential when visiting Phillip Island.
KILCUNDA GENERAL STORE
Our go-to cafe when visiting the Island, Kilcunda General Store serves a range of excellent cafe-style food, the world’s best-iced chai, and a range of sweet treats (mostly vegan.. yay!).
But it’s the balcony, complete with bright yellow and white umbrellas and the best view over Bass Strait, that is the real winner.
Grab a toastie, burger or coffee, and park yourself here for an hour or so - you won’t be disappointed.
BASSINE SPECIALITY CHEESES
A family-owned and operated dairy farm located just off Bass Highway, Bassine produces a variety of artisan cheese, milk, and cream. Stop in for a cheese platter, or milkshake, or grab some exceptional cheeses for a weekend getaway on the Island. Their halloumi is delightful as is their brie.
FIG & BAY CORINELLA
One of our favourite cafes/restaurants in the area, Fig & Bay is a lovingly restored homestead which serves exceptional brunch and lunch.
Set under two huge Moreton Bay fig trees on the coast in Corinella, Fig & Bay is a local favourite. We suggest the delightful corn fritters or the fried chicken burger.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK ON PHILLIP ISLAND
WATERBOY, COWES
Waterboy is a slice of Melbourne in the heart of Cowes.
Modern and minimal, Waterboy is set in a shack with dark timber finishes, exposed iron beams and pendant lighting, providing the perfect mood in which to consume and all-time brunch. The open(ish) kitchen faces into the dining area, where patrons can smell wafts of gourmet magic being created and the faces of those creating it for them.
We had the eggs benny and the mushroom ragout with polenta (and an extra egg on top after a morning of adventures!), and let us tell you guys, the mushrooms were probably the best We’ve. Ever. Eaten.
We also recommend the Prana Chai, served as chai should, with all the herbs, while the five senses coffee is delish.
Staff are friendly and helpful, and there’s just a really lovely, local/neighbourly vibe about the place.
SAN REMO FISH AND CHIPS
Down by the harbour where colourful fishing boats bob and eager seagulls wait to scavenge scraps lies the San Remo Fishing Co-Op.
The co-op has serviced the local fishing industry here since 1948, when the area was a hub for traditional Couta boat fishing - so it goes without saying, then, that it’s also home to some of the best fish and chips you’ll find in the region.
Portion sizes are decent for the price (we had a single pack for $15 and it would have made a decent lunch service for two). Best eaten, of course, on the jetty during sunset...
They also do a daily pelican feeding (midday), which is suitably hectic and humorous at the same time.
A visit here is an essential thing to do in Phillip Island and something we try to do every time we’re in the area.
THE DETAILS
Where | San Remo Fishermans Co-op
Opening Hours | 10:30 am - 8 pm
MEDITERRANEAN AT BANI’S KITCHEN, COWES
A slice of Greece in the heart of Cowes, Bani’s Kitchen is a consistent performer when it comes to Cowes best restaurants.
There’s a range of traditional and modern Greek food, including fresh seafood, souvlaki, and salads - and for veggies like us, there’s the delicious vegan bowl.
A MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON PHILLIP ISLAND
To help make your adventure easier to plan, we’ve put all the best Phillip Island attractions and restaurants listed in this post into the map below. You can filter it by ‘things to do’ and ‘where to eat’ - save it to your phone to access later.
PHILLIP ISLAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING PHILLIP ISLAND
Before visiting Phillip Island, there are a few things you should know - a number of little quirks which you need to be aware of to have the best day trip or holiday possible.
There’s only one bridge that connects Phillip Island to the mainland, and Melbourne, so it can get quite busy/banked back on weekends and public holidays. Plan your days accordingly, or turn up the tunes and slowly make your way across
Surf beaches can be pretty dangerous. It’s a very rugged part of Victoria with rips commonplace. Make sure you are a strong swimmer and swim between the flags during summer
Watch out for snakes, as they’re quite common on the island, especially at tourist hot spots
Phone reception on the island is quite good, so you’ll generally always be able to scroll that Instagram feed
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT PHILLIP ISLAND?
Long-time readers of The Common Wanderer will know that we’re massive advocates of travelling in shoulder seasons - like spring or autumn, because, well, it’s just better. There are fewer people, less traffic, it’s cheaper, there’s more chance of getting into your favourite restaurant… the list goes on.
Having said that, the best time of year to visit Phillip Island is in late summer.
The warmer months are when the Island comes alive, with all the major tourist attractions open, as well as restaurants, cafes and bars (which tend to shut down during winter). The long, hot days allow for ample adventures to be had, as well as relaxing days laying on the golden beaches. In short, it’s rad.
We would, however, avoid the Christmas and New Year period, which sees the Islands’ population swell by 300%. February and March are wonderful times to visit when the weather is still warm, but the crowds far less.
That being said, Phillip Island is great during autumn and spring, and wonderfully moody (and cheap) in winter.
HOW TO EXPLORE PHILLIP ISLAND
Pretty much the only way to explore all of Phillip Island’s attractions is via vehicle, whether your own rental or on a day trip from Melbourne if time is limited.
Here are a few of our fave options:
BY CAR
Phillip Islands is perfect for an epic road trip from Melbourne. If you don’t own your own car, or if you’re a traveller in Australia and need to hire a car, we recommend booking through Rentalcars.com.
BOOK | Rentalcars.com
BY VAN
One of the most common sights you’ll see on Victorian roads is the bright green and purple branding of Jucy Rentals vans. #Vanlifing across the state is one of the most popular ways to discover the area — and is something we can personally vouch for having done the very same for a week back in 2017!
BOOK | Book your Jucy Rental
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN AUSTRALIA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPLORE THE BEST OF VICTORIA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL POSTS
THE BEST OF THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD | Everything to do on the Great Ocean Road, our guide to Hopetoun Falls, and the mystical Otway Californian Redwoods, The ultimate guide to visiting Loch Ard Gorge
THE BEST OF WARBURTON | Our complete guide to the beautiful Warburton, and the East Warburton Redwood Forest
LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland’s cutest little town, Loch
VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide
DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?
Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR AUSSIE ADVENTURE WITH THESE GUIDES
Some of the links on this guide to the best things to do on Phillip Island are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.