EXPLORE - Phillip Island, VIC
We’ve visited friendly Phillip Island a number of times now and we’ve loved it every time. It’s a popular holiday spot and has all the creature comforts available (supermarkets, cute cafes, restaurants) but if like us you’re on a budget and wildlife and gorgeous scenery is more your thing, then this can still be the place for you.
You could easily spend a whole week here, but if only have a day or so to get your Phillip Island fix, here is what we would recommend.
And like most of the things we do, it’s all completely free.
MORNING - visit The Nobbies
One cannot go to Phillip Island and not visit the Nobbies. We go every time we come here and it never gets old.
Found right at the western tip of the island, there’s plenty of room for parking longer vans, has a discovery centre you can hide in if the weather gets too rough, and it’s free to visit.
OUR ADVICE: Go earlier in the day if you can to miss the crowds, dress warmly and bring your zoom lens, as this place is usually teeming with wildlife. You might spot some seals off the rocks, or like us have a copperhead snake in the shrubs under your feet (the only snake species to live on Phillip Island FYI)
But the star attraction here are the Little Penguins, whose hollows are set up amongst the cliffs and boardwalks (it’s like Penguin Beverly Hills).
PENGUIN SPOTTING TIP: Just because they’re not out and about doesn’t mean they’re not there. As you walk along the boardwalk, crouch down by the railing and peek into the hollow openings if you can. Chances are you’ll see at least one little sleepy penguin face looking out at you. Or if you notice a concentration of feathers right besides or going under a boardwalk, it’s a sure sign of a regular penguin hangout.
DON’T MISS: When you’ve finished having a look around, jump back in your set of wheels, and look out for a blue sign to the left of the Discovery Centre that says “Alternative Route to Penguin Parade”
Follow this for some of the best views on the island.
The road wraps right round the cliffs, the traffic is much lighter (if it exists at all) and you’ll probably spot a few wallabies and other wildlife along the way.
LATE AFTERNOON/EVENING - The Pinnacles
Head towards Cape Woolamai and park up at the surf beach there. We timed this walk so we were there for golden hour and sunset, and it was magical.
In fact, it’s got to be one of our favourite Victorian walks we’ve ever done, which is kind of a big deal. Next time we visit we’d love to do the whole 8.5km circuit track, but if you’re short on time the 4km (return) to the Pinnacles is perfect and not strenuous at all.
TIP: Be sure to allow yourself plenty of extra time before sunset to really soak up the natural beauty around you. And if you plan on getting close to the rock formations, wear proper shoes with grip and try to go at low tide or when it’s on its way out.
The first part of the track is along the beach, before you come to a set of stairs and start winding your way along the cliffs.
Look out for the local wallaby population (or army as we came to think of them. Seriously, dozens of little brown heads popping up from every direction, watching your every move. It would almost be unsettling if they weren’t so darn cute.)
Once you’ve arrived at your destination of The Pinnacles you can either sit back and admire from the lookout, or if you feel like risking your neck, try and navigate your way down to the rocks. Watch the waves when you’re down there though, and be mindful of where you step to minimise impact.
WHERE WE STAYED: Unfortunately Phillip Island doesn’t have any official free camp spots, so after our Pinnacles walk we parked the night at Bore Beach in nearby San Remo.
GOT A BIT MORE TIME TO KILL? CHECK OUT:
Cowes town centre - the commercial hub of Phillip Island, it does a good job at retaining it’s friendly, holiday feel all year round. If it’s sunny we recommend grabbing a gelato and going for a wander along the jetty.
The feeding of the pelicans at San Remo. Each day at around middy the local pelicans (usually between 15 to 30 of them) come to San Remo pier for a fish feed. It can get busy on weekends but it’s still pretty cool to watch. Those birds look MASSIVE up close.
Forrest Caves in Newhaven. At low tide go for a wander and check out these large caverns right on the beach. If it’s not low tide, it doesn’t matter, this beach is beautiful with a capital B, and well worth a visit in its own right. Just look out for some of the locals that wish ashore sometimes. We’re told blue bottle stings are pretty painful.
