Activities
Family fun escapes
How to spend a couple of days uncovering the best of Phillip Island and surrounds with your family
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a fantastic family destination. No long car rides to deal with and when you arrive, you’ll be greeted with turquoise water views, beautiful sandy beaches, amazing wildlife encounters and fun-filled family attractions.
Penguin Parade
Penguin Parade Phillip Island
Experience one of Australia’s most popular attractions. Each night at sunset you’ll be amazed by Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing.
See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten.
Penguin Parade
The main penguin viewing area at Summerland Beach has tiered seating and provides a 180 degree elevated viewing of the Little Penguins on parade. Watching them arrive and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows at sunset is a magical experience for all. Visitors can also enjoy Little Penguins around their burrows from elevated timber boardwalks.
Penguins Plus
The Penguins Plus viewing platform is inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding landscape and offers visitors up-close viewing of the little penguins, complete with ranger commentary on the fascinating lives of the penguins. Limited to a maximum of 300 people, the platform overlooks the most popular pathway at the Penguin Parade, providing some great penguin viewing.
Underground Viewing
Get a bird’s-eye view of the little penguins in the Underground viewing experience. Limited to just 70 people, this world-first facility gives you the chance to watch the penguins waddling along the Penguin Parade’s most popular pathway, at eye-level. Enjoy up-close viewing of the penguins in their natural habitat through an underground viewing window, with the comfort and convenience of being indoors, undercover and out of the elements.
Penguin VIP Tour
Enjoy the Penguin Parade from the comfort of an exclusive, elevated viewing tower. Located at the main viewing stand at the Penguin Parade, this option allows ten (10)people each evening to have pole position for penguin viewing. Visitors are able to interact with a ranger and assist in the penguin count, an important part in the ongoing research of the Phillip Island penguins.
Ultimate Penguin Tour
If you are seeking a more personalised and intimate wildlife tour, the Ultimate Penguin Tour is for you. Designed for groups of up to ten(10), this fully accredited eco-tour takes visitors to a stunning, secluded beach to view Little Penguins. Participants get informative commentary by rangers through personal headphones as they view penguins with the use of night vision technology.
Behind the Scenes Tour
This fun and family oriented, ranger-led tour allows you to see what goes on at the Penguin Parade and how rangers and researchers are protecting the Little Penguins. Play with puppets to uncover the secret lives of penguins. You will also receive tips on best viewing for the Penguin Parade and a little penguin jumper to take home. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre features informative displays, gift shops, café, toilets and theatre.
Winner of Gold Banksia Award for Environmental Excellence, Tourism Hall of Fame and Fully Accredited Ecotourism organisation.
Photography and filming of the penguins is not allowed.
Experience one of Australia’s most popular attractions. Each night at sunset you’ll be amazed by Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing.
See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten.
Penguin Parade
The main penguin viewing area at Summerland Beach has tiered seating and provides a 180 degree elevated viewing of the Little Penguins on parade. Watching them arrive and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows at sunset is a magical experience for all. Visitors can also enjoy Little Penguins around their burrows from elevated timber boardwalks.
Penguins Plus
The Penguins Plus viewing platform is inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding landscape and offers visitors up-close viewing of the little penguins, complete with ranger commentary on the fascinating lives of the penguins. Limited to a maximum of 300 people, the platform overlooks the most popular pathway at the Penguin Parade, providing some great penguin viewing.
Underground Viewing
Get a bird’s-eye view of the little penguins in the Underground viewing experience. Limited to just 70 people, this world-first facility gives you the chance to watch the penguins waddling along the Penguin Parade’s most popular pathway, at eye-level. Enjoy up-close viewing of the penguins in their natural habitat through an underground viewing window, with the comfort and convenience of being indoors, undercover and out of the elements.
Penguin VIP Tour
Enjoy the Penguin Parade from the comfort of an exclusive, elevated viewing tower. Located at the main viewing stand at the Penguin Parade, this option allows ten (10)people each evening to have pole position for penguin viewing. Visitors are able to interact with a ranger and assist in the penguin count, an important part in the ongoing research of the Phillip Island penguins.
Ultimate Penguin Tour
If you are seeking a more personalised and intimate wildlife tour, the Ultimate Penguin Tour is for you. Designed for groups of up to ten(10), this fully accredited eco-tour takes visitors to a stunning, secluded beach to view Little Penguins. Participants get informative commentary by rangers through personal headphones as they view penguins with the use of night vision technology.
Behind the Scenes Tour
This fun and family oriented, ranger-led tour allows you to see what goes on at the Penguin Parade and how rangers and researchers are protecting the Little Penguins. Play with puppets to uncover the secret lives of penguins. You will also receive tips on best viewing for the Penguin Parade and a little penguin jumper to take home. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre features informative displays, gift shops, café, toilets and theatre.
Winner of Gold Banksia Award for Environmental Excellence, Tourism Hall of Fame and Fully Accredited Ecotourism organisation.
Photography and filming of the penguins is not allowed.
Island Whale Festival
Friday July 6 2018 9:30 am - Sunday July 8 2018 5:00 pm
Celebrating the annual whale season
The winter school holidays don’t just mark the half-way point of the school year; they also mean that humpback whales, southern right whales and even the occasional pod of killer whales start to arrive in our coastal waters. The Island Whale Festival celebrates the arrival of these majestic creatures in our waters.
This immersive three day event takes place on Phillip Island from 6-8 July, and has something for everyone, with a weekend packed full of free or low cost activities right across the island. Whale spotting will of course be a highlight of this weekend, and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to do this from either land or sea.
Meet a marine biologist at one of the many lookouts on the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail and learn how to spot the tell-tale signs of whales as they cruise through our waters. The Trail stretches from the Bunurong Coastal Reserve between Inverloch and Cape Paterson to a number of prime viewing locations on Phillip Island such as Cape Woolamai and Pyramid Rock. Or you can join one of the boat tours that circumnavigate the island in search of both whales and dolphins.
For the landlubbers amongst us, there are some great marine wildlife movie screenings including the critically acclaimed Blue, a provocative cinematic journey which shows that our marine world is on a precipice. There are craft activities with Boomerang Bags, hands-on workshops with Trash Puppets and Seaweed Sally, and info sessions on marine research and plastic reduction. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Whale out of Water activity which involves climbing inside a 19 metre inflatable whale for a fun and unique learning experience.
This year’s Festival also features a wonderful and varied Intercultural Arts program with drumming circles, story-telling, songs of country, and deep listening circles.
Innovative and affordable art and craft works will be on display and also for sale from many of our locally based award winning photographers, painters, mixed media artists and woodcrafters. Some of our most talented marine and wildlife photographers will share their expertise across the weekend with talks, tours and workshops.
Celebrating the annual whale season
The winter school holidays don’t just mark the half-way point of the school year; they also mean that humpback whales, southern right whales and even the occasional pod of killer whales start to arrive in our coastal waters. The Island Whale Festival celebrates the arrival of these majestic creatures in our waters.
This immersive three day event takes place on Phillip Island from 6-8 July, and has something for everyone, with a weekend packed full of free or low cost activities right across the island. Whale spotting will of course be a highlight of this weekend, and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to do this from either land or sea.
Meet a marine biologist at one of the many lookouts on the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail and learn how to spot the tell-tale signs of whales as they cruise through our waters. The Trail stretches from the Bunurong Coastal Reserve between Inverloch and Cape Paterson to a number of prime viewing locations on Phillip Island such as Cape Woolamai and Pyramid Rock. Or you can join one of the boat tours that circumnavigate the island in search of both whales and dolphins.
For the landlubbers amongst us, there are some great marine wildlife movie screenings including the critically acclaimed Blue, a provocative cinematic journey which shows that our marine world is on a precipice. There are craft activities with Boomerang Bags, hands-on workshops with Trash Puppets and Seaweed Sally, and info sessions on marine research and plastic reduction. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Whale out of Water activity which involves climbing inside a 19 metre inflatable whale for a fun and unique learning experience.
This year’s Festival also features a wonderful and varied Intercultural Arts program with drumming circles, story-telling, songs of country, and deep listening circles.
Innovative and affordable art and craft works will be on display and also for sale from many of our locally based award winning photographers, painters, mixed media artists and woodcrafters. Some of our most talented marine and wildlife photographers will share their expertise across the weekend with talks, tours and workshops.
Koala Conservation Centre
Stroll through this eucalypt woodland and come ‘face-to-face’ with koalas in their natural habitat. The Koala Conservation Centre’s unique tree top boardwalks and close viewing areas allow visitors to see how truly amazing koalas are.
The new koala boardwalk provides exceptional koala viewing and features amazing views of a beautiful natural wetland area. Also not to be missed are the centre’s latest additions. Catch a glimpse of this year’s koala joeys, as they take their first adventures out of the mother’s pouch, learning to climb, find food and meet each other. Exceptional photo opportunities abound!
Promoting koala conservation, this ecotourism attraction has been essential for saving Phillip Island’s koala population and natural bush environment. The new close viewing area plays host to a special koala breeding program over the next year, ensuring it remains a key player in the conservation of these important animals.
Visitors have the opportunity to experience a ranger-led ‘Koala Eco-Explorer Tour’ which provides them with the chance to discover behind the scenes information about one of Australia’s favourite icons.
Unlike a zoo, the Koala Conservation Centre is really unique as visitors get the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, living as they would in the wild. Another spectacular area is the woodland walk. Wandering through natural bush, amongst hundreds of different species of Australian wildlife, (including wallabies, possums, echidnas and snakes) visitors can try to spot the koalas themselves.
The Koala Conservation Centre also features a visitor interpretation centre with gift shop and educational displays, which visitors will find extremely fascinating and informative. The Koala Conservation Centre is part of the Phillip Island Nature Parks and is a great addition to any trip to Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade.
The new koala boardwalk provides exceptional koala viewing and features amazing views of a beautiful natural wetland area. Also not to be missed are the centre’s latest additions. Catch a glimpse of this year’s koala joeys, as they take their first adventures out of the mother’s pouch, learning to climb, find food and meet each other. Exceptional photo opportunities abound!
Promoting koala conservation, this ecotourism attraction has been essential for saving Phillip Island’s koala population and natural bush environment. The new close viewing area plays host to a special koala breeding program over the next year, ensuring it remains a key player in the conservation of these important animals.
Visitors have the opportunity to experience a ranger-led ‘Koala Eco-Explorer Tour’ which provides them with the chance to discover behind the scenes information about one of Australia’s favourite icons.
Unlike a zoo, the Koala Conservation Centre is really unique as visitors get the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, living as they would in the wild. Another spectacular area is the woodland walk. Wandering through natural bush, amongst hundreds of different species of Australian wildlife, (including wallabies, possums, echidnas and snakes) visitors can try to spot the koalas themselves.
The Koala Conservation Centre also features a visitor interpretation centre with gift shop and educational displays, which visitors will find extremely fascinating and informative. The Koala Conservation Centre is part of the Phillip Island Nature Parks and is a great addition to any trip to Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade.
Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary
Voted top wildlife park experience in the RACV poll for Victoria’s 101 best tourist experiences!
Located half way between Melbourne and Phillip Island near Tooradin, meet endangered Australian native animals in a natural bushland setting, during the day or on our unique and magical evening walks.
Daytime: Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Get close to koalas, kangaroos and dingos, as well as colourful native birds, including cockatoos and waterbirds. See reptiles, frogs, and interesting insects in our visitor centre. Have a coffee in our cafe overlooking our wetlands and grazing kangaroos. Photo opportunities available.
Visit with a Mornington Peninsula Attractions Pass, with entry to Ashcombe Maze and Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Buy them at Moonlit Sanctuary!
Evening tours: Come close to animals now extinct on mainland Australia, like the southern bettong, Tasmanian devil, and red-bellied pademelon, as well as kangaroos and koalas. See Aussie animals when they are most active, after dark! Our guided tours run every night, but bookings are essential. Or treat yourself to a private tour, ideal for the wildlife lover or photography enthusiast.
We also offer: School holiday programs, Children’s parties and functions for groups, Educational programs for school groups, “Keeper for the day” experience.
Voted top wildlife park experience in the RACV poll for Victoria’s 101 best tourist experiences!
Located half way between Melbourne and Phillip Island near Tooradin, meet endangered Australian native animals in a natural bushland setting, during the day or on our unique and magical evening walks.
Daytime: Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Get close to koalas, kangaroos and dingos, as well as colourful native birds, including cockatoos and waterbirds. See reptiles, frogs, and interesting insects in our visitor centre. Have a coffee in our cafe overlooking our wetlands and grazing kangaroos. Photo opportunities available.
Visit with a Mornington Peninsula Attractions Pass, with entry to Ashcombe Maze and Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Buy them at Moonlit Sanctuary!
Evening tours: Come close to animals now extinct on mainland Australia, like the southern bettong, Tasmanian devil, and red-bellied pademelon, as well as kangaroos and koalas. See Aussie animals when they are most active, after dark! Our guided tours run every night, but bookings are essential. Or treat yourself to a private tour, ideal for the wildlife lover or photography enthusiast.
We also offer: School holiday programs, Children’s parties and functions for groups, Educational programs for school groups, “Keeper for the day” experience.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Go Karts
Go full throttle on our brand new Go Karts at the 760 metre scale replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Situated right alongside the Grand Prix Circuit and overlooking Bass Strait, your Go Kart experience will be like no other. With personalised lap time print outs you can check out your own performance and compare it with your friends.
Groups are welcomed with tailored race packages available to suit. Tandem karts are also available for the youngsters. Become a Go Kart member and receive e-newsletters to keep you informed about upcoming karting days and special events and offers.
Conditions apply – see the website for more details
Hot Laps
Buckle in for the real deal: an adrenalin-amping triple Hot Lap lightning ride around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit with an experienced racing driver. Strapped into your 5 point harness in a race prepared vehicle, it’s just you alongside our experienced racing driver, the car and the track – no room for passengers here!!
Guided Circuit Tour
Follow in the footsteps of racing superstars on a daily Guided Circuit Tour featuring a MotoGP sound simulation and access to restricted areas such as the Race Control, where you get a behind the scenes look at running major events, the pit roof complex and finishing up where every racer wants to be – the winner’s podium for that “Shake the Champagne” shot. Tours run daily 2pm. Walking tour with a duration of approximately 45 minutes and is of an “easy” to “mild” intensity.
History of Motor Sport Display
Visit the newly renovated nostalgic history of motor racing on Phillip Island from the sleek, vintage and classic, to contemporary machines. Share the crazy adventures of pioneering racers who blazed a dusty, muddy and frequently dangerous trail for today’s international superstars.
Slot Cars
Get behind the controls of our brand new slot cars yourself and experience the fun of Australia’s largest GP slot car track.
Champion’s Café
Take a pit stop and tuck into sumptuous meals and refreshing drinks in Champions Café and Bar – the best burgers in town! There is a secure Toddler’s Playground and Circuit Merchandise & Gift Shop.
Public Events
Phillip Island is famous for its international motorcycle and car racing events. Motorsport enthusiasts the world over, converge on the Island to see the big name drivers and riders in action on the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Go Karts
Go full throttle on our brand new Go Karts at the 760 metre scale replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Situated right alongside the Grand Prix Circuit and overlooking Bass Strait, your Go Kart experience will be like no other. With personalised lap time print outs you can check out your own performance and compare it with your friends.
Groups are welcomed with tailored race packages available to suit. Tandem karts are also available for the youngsters. Become a Go Kart member and receive e-newsletters to keep you informed about upcoming karting days and special events and offers.
Conditions apply – see the website for more details
Hot Laps
Buckle in for the real deal: an adrenalin-amping triple Hot Lap lightning ride around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit with an experienced racing driver. Strapped into your 5 point harness in a race prepared vehicle, it’s just you alongside our experienced racing driver, the car and the track – no room for passengers here!!
Guided Circuit Tour
Follow in the footsteps of racing superstars on a daily Guided Circuit Tour featuring a MotoGP sound simulation and access to restricted areas such as the Race Control, where you get a behind the scenes look at running major events, the pit roof complex and finishing up where every racer wants to be – the winner’s podium for that “Shake the Champagne” shot. Tours run daily 2pm. Walking tour with a duration of approximately 45 minutes and is of an “easy” to “mild” intensity.
History of Motor Sport Display
Visit the newly renovated nostalgic history of motor racing on Phillip Island from the sleek, vintage and classic, to contemporary machines. Share the crazy adventures of pioneering racers who blazed a dusty, muddy and frequently dangerous trail for today’s international superstars.
Slot Cars
Get behind the controls of our brand new slot cars yourself and experience the fun of Australia’s largest GP slot car track.
Champion’s Café
Take a pit stop and tuck into sumptuous meals and refreshing drinks in Champions Café and Bar – the best burgers in town! There is a secure Toddler’s Playground and Circuit Merchandise & Gift Shop.
Public Events
Phillip Island is famous for its international motorcycle and car racing events. Motorsport enthusiasts the world over, converge on the Island to see the big name drivers and riders in action on the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The Nobbies Centre
The Nobbies Centre
The Nobbies Centre is an ecotourism destination located at Point Grant, on the western tip of Phillip Island.
A network of boardwalks outside the centre overlook Seal Rocks, The Nobbies, and The Blowhole. Inside you can enjoy a meal and drink at the cafe and shopping in the gift shop all while enjoying the great view with floor to ceiling windows looking out to Bass Strait. The Nobbies Centre is also home to the Antarctic Journey.
Around one kilometre offshore from The Nobbies is Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals with an estimated 16,000 inhabiting the area. The Nobbies Centre opens at 10 every day and closes approximately one hour before sunset each day to protect the native wildlife.
Here are the approximate opening times throughout the year:
Summer: 10am – approx. 7.30pm
Autumn: 10am – approx. 5pm
Winter: 10am – approx. 4pm
Spring: 10am – approx. 6pm
The Nobbies Cafe closes approximately 30 minutes before the above closing times, while the Gift Shop will remain open until the centre closes.
The Nobbies Centre is an ecotourism destination located at Point Grant, on the western tip of Phillip Island.
A network of boardwalks outside the centre overlook Seal Rocks, The Nobbies, and The Blowhole. Inside you can enjoy a meal and drink at the cafe and shopping in the gift shop all while enjoying the great view with floor to ceiling windows looking out to Bass Strait. The Nobbies Centre is also home to the Antarctic Journey.
Around one kilometre offshore from The Nobbies is Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals with an estimated 16,000 inhabiting the area. The Nobbies Centre opens at 10 every day and closes approximately one hour before sunset each day to protect the native wildlife.
Here are the approximate opening times throughout the year:
Summer: 10am – approx. 7.30pm
Autumn: 10am – approx. 5pm
Winter: 10am – approx. 4pm
Spring: 10am – approx. 6pm
The Nobbies Cafe closes approximately 30 minutes before the above closing times, while the Gift Shop will remain open until the centre closes.