subject: Phillip Island Attractions [print this page] Phillip Island is a popular tourist destination about 140 kilometers from Melbourne, Victoria. The island offers a wide selection of things to do, from the Phillip Island Nature Park, with its world-famous Penguin Parade, ranger tours, Koala Conservation Centre, to the puzzling activities at A Maze'N Things, and Phillip Island Chocolate Factory's sugary wonderland.
Often referred to as Nature Island, Phillip Island is something of a haven for Australian wildlife of both the aquatic and land based varieties! The most popular nature attraction on the island, and one of the most popular in Australia, is the Penguin Parade. A large colony of Little Penguins has made their home on Summerland Beach for many years now, and every evening the penguins return from their fishing escapades in the waters and waddle up the beach to their sandy burrows. Its an amazing and somewhat comical sight watching these cute birds march up the beach in large numbers- a sight that has firmly put Phillip Island on the tourist map. A Nature Park has been built around the beach, and there is a viewing platform where you can watch the parade without getting in the way of the penguins. A marine centre, Nobbies, has been built in the park, which has fun and interactive displays on the ocean and the animals that live in it.
To enjoy the spectacular scenery you may opt for a helicopter flight. At ground/sea level there are bus tours to Phillip Island as well as cruises to observe the beautiful coast and coastal aquatic life, including sea birds and the famous penguins and seals. Most of these depart from Melbourne. If you are energetic you will love the seemingly endless tracks and trails for walking or horse riding. These will bring you intimately close to the beauties of nature. Other really interesting things to see are the blow hole, the mangrove swamp and a shipwreck. Beautiful beaches with safe swimming are big draw cards, and all manner of water-sports and water fun activities are available. Some are even taught if you don't know how.
Apart from enjoying the magnificent coastal scenery, nature, and aquatic activities, you can also have a round of golf or mini golf. There are facilities for tennis, bowls, ten pin bowling and cycling too. Although Phillip Island is known primarily as an eco-resort, you will find nightlife as well. For art lovers there are several galleries in Cowes, as well as The Coast Arts and Music Festival and the Pyramid Rock festival. Phillip Island is world renowned for its hosting of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and World Super bike Round. The V8 Super cars also race at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Fun things for the family could include a visit to the chocolate factory or you could enjoy an Australian working farm experience on Churchill Island.
From attractions and activities on land, to the shoreline and beyond, Phillip Island has it all. Visitors will find beautiful secluded beaches to the north and some wonderful surfing beaches to the south, including Berry's Beach, Smith's Beach, near Waratah Bay, Summerland, Cat Bay and Woolamai. Alternately, Phillip Island is the base of many cruises and tours to adjacent islands. Explore the koalas on small Churchill Island located to the north-west of Newhaven settlement, or take a solar powered eco tour discovery of French Island. Other available sea or beach based activities on Phillip Island include fishing trips, Duck tours, sea kayaking, windsurfing at the renowned Sandy Point or taking a boat charter. There are plenty of activity and attraction options readily available to all Phillip Island guests.
