The Perfect Phillip Island long weekend

Located in Western Port Bay to the south of Melbourne, Phillip Island is a great destination for those times when you want to get away, but not that far away. Depending on where you’re coming from, it only takes about two hours to get there but you'll feel well and truly away from it all. It’s a great destination for a long weekend, with plenty of activities and sightseeing to do, including the world-famous nightly Penguin Parade. To get you inspired I’ve put together a guide to the perfect long weekend in Phillip Island (penguins included).

Day 1 - Melbourne to Phillip Island

There are public transport options to get you there but the best way to make the most of your time on the island is to take your car (or hire one). Most accommodation options won’t let you check in until the afternoon so there’s time to enjoy breakfast locally before hitting the road. After you’re all fuelled up, it’s an easy two-hour drive down the Monash Freeway then onto the South Gippsland Highway all the way to San Remo.

San Remo is the last stop on the mainland before crossing the bridge over to Phillip Island. Try and time your drive to arrive before 12pm to take in the Pelican Feeding. What once began with local fisherman throwing their scraps to the pelicans has evolved into a daily feeding ritual and information session for visitors. After the pelicans have had their lunch it’s your turn. There are a few different options in San Remo but it’s hard to go past the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op. Located directly behind the pelican feeding area the Co-Op serves delicious locally caught fish and chips. You can dine in or take your lunch to go and enjoy a relaxing picnic by the foreshore.

Once you’ve had your fill jump back in the car and cross the San Remo bridge over to Phillip Island. Just two minutes down the road you’ll find the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. A dream stop for chocolate lovers, the factory offers an interactive tour (popular with kids) as well as a store and cafe. If you’re still full from lunch you can always grab a treat for later on.

Moving on, the next stop is the Koala Conservation Reserve. The six hectare site is home to koalas, wallabies, echidnas and many species of native birds. Take some time to wander the two raised boardwalks and get up close and personal with the resident koalas. You can also learn more about the life of a koala with the interactive displays in the new Visitor Centre.

Your accommodation should now be ready and the main town of Cowes is only a five-minute drive away. After checking in and dropping your bags it's time to head out and explore the town. Despite its small size, the island boasts a good size township with more than enough shops and dining options to suit any need. If you’re travelling on a Saturday you might even be able to catch one of the local arts and crafts markets held in the area.

While in town take a walk down the Cowes Jetty. Situated on the foreshore in the centre of town, the Jetty offers beautiful views back towards the Island. Enjoy a stroll in the cool evening air, you might even see a local fisherman reeling in a big catch.

There’s plenty of options in Cowes for dinner. Try Pino’s Trattoria if you’re in the mood for delicious Italian food. If you prefer a traditional pub meal, Hotel overlooks the picturesque Jetty and includes the island’s premier bar. Rusty Waters Brewery offers a selection of handcrafted ales to accompany a seasonal menu using local produce. But if a night in sounds more appealing there’s also plenty of take-away and self-catering options to choose from.

Day 2 - Phillip Island

Start today right and take time to relax over a delicious breakfast. Occupying the former St Mary’s church, the Cheeky Goose Cafe offers a delicious seasonal menu with local flare. Madcowes Cafe on the Esplanade is a great spot to enjoy your eggs with beautiful coastal views.

Time now to head out and see some of the natural wonders Phillip Island is famous for. First stop - The Nobbies. Perched on Point Grant, just a 15 minute drive from Cowes is The Nobbies Centre. The centre itself houses an interpretive display on penguin conservation as well as a cafe and gift shop but the main attraction is found outside. A network of clifftop boardwalks snakes its way along the coastline overlooking Bass Strait. Take in the stunning views of the Nobbies rock formations and Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals. If the weather is right you can also enjoy the explosive blowhole in action or even catch a glimpse of one of the resident Fairy Penguins wandering under the boardwalk.

From the Nobbies Centre car park follow the “Alternative route to Penguin Parade” sign to the Boulevard. (Note - this is an unsealed road, consider if your vehicle is suitable before taking this route). Enjoy the spectacular views as the road hugs the southern coastline, with opportunities to stop at Southpoint and South Coast Lookouts. You may even be lucky enough to see some wildlife along the way. As you round the final bend in the road you’ll spot Summerland Beach, home to the famous Penguin Parade. Enjoy the different perspective of the grandstands and winding boardwalks you’ll be visiting later this evening.

Rejoining the main road it’s time for lunch at the Phillip Island Winery. Choose your table, indoors or out and enjoy a grazing plate, pizza or even a curry. Then why not indulge in a wine tasting and grab a bottle of your favourite local Gippsland wine to take home from the cellar door.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon before this evening’s visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. The penguins arrive at sunset so check the website and try to arrive in plenty of time to beat the peak season traffic and explore the visitor centre. There's a cafe and restaurant on site where you can enjoy dinner before or after the parade.

As the sun sets it’s time to head down to the beach. A series of boardwalks carries you over the sand dunes to the viewing area right on Summerland Beach. Once it’s dark you’ll start to see the adorable fairy penguins emerge from the water and make their way up the beach to their burrows. If you want a closer look there’s plenty of tour options available for purchase that offer up close and guided experiences. Regardless of your choice remember to bring warm clothes and a rain jacket/umbrella if rain is forecast. Something to sit on can also be handy in the main grandstand area as the concrete benches can get pretty cold.

Day 3 - Phillip Island to Melbourne

After breakfast and check out this morning there’s time to try one of the many outdoor activities Phillip Island has to offer. Depending on the time of year you visit and how active you choose to be there’s something for everyone. If water sports are your thing try a sea kayak tour with Pioneer Kayaking and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline. If you love the water but prefer to stay dry, Wildlife Coast Cruises offer a range of experiences taking in the stunning wildlife and scenery of the region. Prefer to travel at your own pace? Pick up an E-Bike from Island Bike Hire and explore some of the beautiful parts of the island that are not accessible by car.

All that fresh air is guaranteed to make you hungry for lunch. Head back towards the Island’s eastern shores and stop in at Saltwater Phillip Island. Perched on the waterfront, Saltwater has a relaxed atmosphere and is a favourite with the locals. Wrap up your perfect long weekend with delicious local produce and take in the stunning water views over the Phillip Island Bridge and Westernport Bay. The best part is there's no long journey home as it’s only a quick 2 hour drive back to Melbourne!

Where to Stay

There’s a wide variety of accommodation options on Phillip Island, with something to suit every budget and taste.

Airbnb - With over 200 properties to choose from, Airbnb is a great option when travelling to Phillip Island.

Ramada Resort Phillip Island - The Ramada Resort Phillip Island features a range of self-contained studios and two and three bedrooms cottages scattered across sixty-five acres of countryside.

North Pier Hotel - Ideally located in the central township of Cowes, just a stone’s throw from the main beach. The North Pier Hotels offers a range of accommodation options from dorm rooms to suites.

Have you been to Phillip Island? What was your favourite activity? Let me know in the comments below.