Guides

The Ultimate Road Trip – Phillip Island, Days 1+2

  • Phillip Island

Days 1 + 2: Phillip Island

Wildlife, coastlines & cosy eats.

The adventure begins with two nights on Phillip Island, where pristine beaches, adorable wildlife, and delicious dining set the tone for your road trip. Families and couples alike will love the mix of coastal charm and close-up encounters with penguins, koalas, and farm animals. Add in farm-fresh flavours, local tours, and seaside stays, and Phillip Island becomes the perfect first chapter of your Victorian journey.

Whether you’re wandering heritage farms, indulging in chocolate, cruising alongside playful seals, or simply watching the little penguins dash home at sunset, these two days are full of iconic and unforgettable experiences.

Discover the itinerary below.

Return to Road Trips

Phillip Island Map

CLAIREDAVIE_THESTORE-154_websize
d2092867f6f9f4d51f3251feff10f58b

Arrive and relax into your trip

Morning / Lunch
Ease into the trip with a relaxed first bite at The Store, known for its gourmet toasties and great coffee.

Afternoon
Head to the Koala Conservation Reserve, where treetop boardwalks bring you face-to-face with these sleepy icons in their natural bushland home.

f8782357c3d09170a1e995d1d2c8534a
NEW-FOOD-2022

Ease into the golden hour…

Take in Sunset
Experience the magic of the Penguin Parade, as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk — a memory for all ages.

Evening
Enjoy the bustle of the esplanade and foreshore at Hotel Phillip Island or for more casual dining and ocean views head to Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar, showcasing local produce and wines.

Phillip Island Apartments
Genesta House bed & breakfast
c1ceafcb1e6b28f6002e7bac9a8b4ead

Choose where to stay to suit your trip

  • Stay in comfort at Phillip Island Apartments, offering spacious and family-friendly accommodation.

  • For a touch of boutique charm, choose Genesta House, a historic guesthouse in the heart of Cowes.

  • Travelling with kids? Anchor Belle or Park Lane Holiday Parks are fantastic family options, packed with facilities to keep little ones entertained. 

Churchill-Island-Highlander-Cows
84217108915ded1cadddcae6dc3c08d2

Plenty to see on your second day

Morning
Step back in time with a gentle wander around Churchill Island, where heritage farm life and peaceful views delight families and couples alike.

Late Morning
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, a fun pit stop with plenty of treats.

ad6a6ef4093f889c7335b0f6d4e5c906_1600X1200
Original__9619140_AD55_16793_z19pjjv
Wildlife-coast-cruises-resized

Afternoon
Choose your own adventure:

  • Wildlife lovers: Maru Koala & Animal Park

  • Nature seekers: Wildlife Coast Cruises for seals and coastal views

  • Rainy-day or wellness: Bowling at Phillip Island Tenpin or a massage at Island Healing

867ff75d3246e9df16726a8ca6ab9a1e_2022-05-26-024149
d1bccdea12bd051892c339d7bac9d83c

Evening
Round off the day with dinner at The Wooli Tavern, a friendly local favourite.

Optional Extra
For a deeper dive, book a personalised experience with Local Way Tours, led by expert local guides.

Wake up on Day 3 and head to Mornington Peninsula to continue on the Ultimate Road Trip.

Discover More and Links to Book

Phillip Island Apartments

Phillip Island Apartments offers spacious self-contained stays just minutes from Cowes beach, dining, and shopping. Choose from one, two or three-bedroom apartments with flexible bedding, open-plan living areas, and most with a balcony or patio. A fully equipped kitchen and laundry make longer stays easy, while an accessible unit is also available. The leisure area features a pool, heated spa, and barbecue space, creating a relaxed holiday vibe.

Perfectly placed for exploring Phillip Island’s highlights, from the Penguin Parade and Koala Reserve to the Nobbies, beaches, and wineries, it’s an ideal base for both families and couples.

Genesta House bed & breakfast

Genesta House Bed & Breakfast  is one of Phillip Island’s charming original guesthouses, offering boutique accommodation in central Cowes. Just a short stroll from the beach, shops, and restaurants, this heritage B&B provides three individually styled suites, each with new ensuites, heating and cooling, and private verandahs overlooking lush gardens with century-old trees and a pond. Guests enjoy an in-room continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Peaceful yet central, it’s the perfect retreat for couples looking to explore Phillip Island’s natural and cultural attractions, with the Penguin Parade, Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Reserve and the Grand Prix Circuit all just a short drive away.

Anchor Belle Holiday Park is a family favourite in Cowes, only 100 metres from a safe swimming beach and minutes from the Penguin Parade. Accommodation ranges from two-storey townhouses and three-bedroom villas to self-contained cabins and wheelchair-accessible options, all with fresh linen and homely touches. Families love the heated indoor pool, playground, ball court, and jumping cushion, while campers enjoy powered sites, ensuite sites, and pet-friendly areas (seasonal restrictions apply).

With camp kitchens, barbecues, and easy access to town, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and fun. Anchor Belle provides an ideal base for exploring Phillip Island’s many attractions.

Set across ten acres, Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park is a family-friendly escape with a wide range of accommodation. Options include cosy studio cabins, spacious two- and three-bedroom park cabins, modern villas, and motel-style rooms. Guests can enjoy camp kitchens, a wood-fired pizza oven, a games room, and sporting facilities including tennis and basketball courts.

The park also features a pool, playgrounds, and is bike-friendly, making it ideal for kids. A highlight is its link with A Maze’N Things, offering puzzles, mini golf, a magic manor, and rope course—plus guests enjoy half-price entry. Perfect for fun-filled family breaks.

The Store in Ventnor is a local favourite, combining café culture with a gourmet pantry. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, sourdough loaf, or one of their delicious toasties, the focus is on fresh, locally sourced produce. Shelves are stocked with artisan cheeses, fruit, veggies, flowers, and treats, plus Island Primary Produce is right next door. Dine in for a relaxed brunch or grab something to go before heading out to explore Phillip Island’s beaches and attractions.

With its warm hospitality and high-quality offerings, The Store is a must-stop destination for both visitors and locals alike.

The Koala Conservation Reserve invites visitors to encounter Australia’s favourite marsupials in their natural bushland home. Wander along elevated treetop boardwalks that bring you up close to the koalas as they laze, feed, and nap. The reserve also supports wallabies, echidnas, and colourful birdlife, while interactive displays and ranger talks offer insights into koala life and habitat protection. Families can collect seeds from the Native Seed Station to take home and grow.

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this eco-experience combines fun with education, making it an essential Phillip Island stop for wildlife lovers of all ages.

The Penguin Parade is Phillip Island’s most iconic attraction, where every evening hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset. Stroll the boardwalks to witness the spectacle up close and hear the colony come alive with chatter as penguins greet their partners and chicks. Along the way, spot other native wildlife like wallabies and geese. Visitors directly support conservation through Phillip Island Nature Parks, ensuring these habitats thrive into the future.

Choose from self-guided viewing or book a ranger-led tour for a deeper insight into the penguins’ lives. It’s an unforgettable wildlife experience that’s truly world-class.

Hotel Phillip Island is a lively waterfront destination in the heart of Cowes, perfect for a relaxed dinner with family and friends. Overlooking the foreshore, it combines coastal charm with a modern pub-style atmosphere, offering spacious indoor dining and a sun-drenched outdoor deck. The menu showcases classic favourites alongside fresh local produce, from woodfired pizzas and hearty mains to share plates that pair beautifully with craft beers, local wines, or signature cocktails.

With live music, welcoming service, and unbeatable views of the bay, Hotel Phillip Island is the ideal spot to unwind and soak up the island vibe after a day of exploring.

Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar is Cowes’ go-to dining spot with unbeatable waterfront views. Set in a relaxed, casual setting with indoor and outdoor options, it’s perfect for long lunches or sunset dinners. The menu, crafted by an internationally trained head chef, celebrates local Gippsland and Phillip Island produce—think fresh seafood, premium beef, and vegan-friendly options. Pair your meal with local wines or sample from the region’s best craft beers on tap.

With friendly service, stunning views, and a focus on fresh, seasonal flavours, Beach HQ offers a memorable dining experience for couples, families, and groups alike.

Maru Koala and Animal Park offers close encounters with Australia’s wildlife in a fun, family-friendly setting. Hand-feed kangaroos, meet albino wallabies, or join keeper talks to learn more about dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and even crocodiles. Capture a special photo with a koala before heading to Pirate Pete’s mini golf for 18 holes of themed fun. The park also features the Homestead Bistro, serving fresh meals, and has accessible paths and shaded seating.

Owned by the Heffer family for over 35 years, Maru prides itself on warm hospitality, great value, and experiences that delight both children and adults.

Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a chocolate lover’s paradise, producing over 190 sweet varieties from rocky road to Turkish delight. Entry to the café and factory shop is free, with samples to taste, while the Amazing World of Chocolate attraction brings confectionary to life. Highlights include a two-metre chocolate statue of David, a chocolate mosaic of Dame Edna, a working chocolate village, a one-tonne block of chocolate, and a cascading chocolate waterfall.

Interactive exhibits, games, and live demonstrations make it fun for all ages. With treats to buy, displays to marvel at, and plenty of photo opportunities, Panny’s is a Phillip Island must.

Wildlife Coast Cruises delivers unforgettable marine adventures around Phillip Island, Western Port Bay, and Wilsons Promontory. Step aboard spacious catamarans designed for comfort, with indoor and outdoor seating plus a licensed bar. Knowledgeable crew share insights into local wildlife and landscapes as you cruise. Tours include visits to Australia’s largest fur seal colony, whale-watching journeys, and sunset sailings along the rugged coastline.

Whether you’re spotting dolphins, seabirds, or migrating whales, every trip offers a chance to connect with Victoria’s spectacular marine environment. With a focus on both scenery and wildlife, it’s a highlight for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.

The Wooli Tavern is a family-friendly pub at the heart of Cape Woolamai, offering hearty modern Australian cuisine in a laid-back setting. Sourcing local produce, the menu covers all the classics—from juicy steaks and seafood to kid-approved favourites. A fully licensed bar serves up local beers and wines, and the atmosphere comes alive with regular live music on weekends.

Open for lunch and dinner, it’s a great place to refuel after a day of exploring Phillip Island’s beaches and attractions. Welcoming staff and casual vibes make it a community hub and a must-stop for both locals and visitors.

Local Way Tours specialises in authentic, small-group adventures across Victoria, offering travellers a chance to experience the region through a local’s eyes. Expert guides lead immersive journeys, from penguin encounters on Phillip Island to the dramatic Twelve Apostles, boutique winery tours, and rejuvenating hot spring visits on the Mornington Peninsula. Tours include locally sourced food and wine and are conducted in deluxe midi-coaches designed for comfort.

With a focus on fun, connection, and cultural insight, Local Way creates memorable experiences for both couples and groups. Departing daily from Melbourne, it’s the perfect way to explore Victoria the “local way.”

Next Destination: The Mornington Peninsula

The Ultimate Victorian Road Trip

SIGN UP

 for the best deals delivered right to your inbox