Located off Australia's southern coast, Phillip Island is an ideal day trip from Melbourne. It is home to a huge colony of Australian fur seals, a huge surf beach and a famous motorcycle and car racing circuit. It also features a beautiful penguin parade that runs along Summerland Beach.
Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
Located on the Summerland Peninsula, the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre on Phillip Island is a key attraction for Victoria. It's one of the most popular natural wildlife attractions in Australia, welcoming over 700,000 visitors each year. The centre features a range of interactive experiences and dining options.
The new centre will provide accommodation for up to 1,446 breeding penguins and will also restore 6.7 hectares of prime penguin habitat. This includes a brand new wetland area. It's expected that the centre will attract 840,000 visitors per year by 2030.
The design incorporates many innovative features. The penguin observation platform offers a panoramic view of the penguins. The centre also features an interactive theatre, which is used for conservation seminars. The building uses low-carbon building materials.
Nobbies Boardwalk
Located on Phillip Island, the Nobbies Boardwalk provides spectacular views of the area and is also a wonderful place to see a spectacular blowhole. The area is also home to Australia's largest fur seal colony.
The boardwalk begins on the western side of Phillip Island and is connected to the island by a narrow neck of black rock. The cliff top walk offers panoramic views of the southern coast and Western Port Bay.
The boardwalk is one kilometre long and curved along the landscape. It includes an accessible toilet facility and a small parking bay. Its sandy beach is a beautiful, almost black, colour.
A free shuttle bus runs between the car park and The Nobbies. The original stairway to The Nobbies has been closed to preserve the habitat of nesting sea birds.
Koala Conservation Centre
Whether you're looking for a family activity, a place to learn more about koalas or a unique wildlife experience, Phillip Island and the Koala Conservation Centre have a lot to offer. A visit to the Koala Sanctuary is the best way to see them up close and personal.
There's a variety of ways to explore the area, from taking a day trip or a tour by car or public transport. The Phillip Island Nature Park has several attractions and it's self-funding, making it a great choice for visitors who want to support wildlife conservation.
The Koala Sanctuary is an easy place to find and get close to koalas. They are most active in the evening and at dusk. They are also very social, which makes it easy to spot them.
Whale Discovery Trail
Whether you are looking for an exciting whale sighting or just want to enjoy the beauty of the coastline, you'll love the Phillip Island Whale Discovery Trail. This trail highlights the best viewing spots for whales, as well as the best coastal landmarks to see along the way.
The most common type of whale you are likely to spot along the Victoria coast are the humpback. They can be seen here at various times of the year, but are most common in the warmer months. There is also a chance to see killer whales and sharks.
Aside from the whales, you can also find dolphins and fur seals in the area. They are often spotted by the shape of their tails or fins. You can also see them from the beach.
Surfer's paradise
Located just a couple hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is one of Australia's most picturesque natural hotspots. Its white sand beaches and blue seas are ideal for sunbathing or swimming.
The best time to visit Phillip Island is between November and March. The warmer weather allows for better swimming conditions. It is also a good time to view the wildlife. Seal Rocks, the island's fur seal colony, is home to over 25,000 seals. The best time to see seal pups is during the autumn.
You can also take whale watching or fishing trips. You can enjoy a picnic on Ventnor Beach, which has a relaxed atmosphere and offers breath-taking views. You can also take a two-hour walk along Cape Woolamai Trail to see the Pinnacles and dramatic views of the ocean.