Exploring Phillip Island's Coastlines

The rocky coves and wind-swept shores of Phillip Island offer impressive views and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities. Whether you are staying on the island or visiting on a day trip from nearby Melbourne, here are your options to explore Phillip Island’s coastlines.

Watch the Little Penguins

The star attraction of Phillip Island is the nightly Penguin Parade on Summerland Beach. As the sun sets, hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore to return to their burrows and special viewing areas have been set up to watch the penguins without disturbing their natural routine.

Go Wildlife Watching

Penguins aren’t the only animal attractions along the coast of Phillip Island. Nearby Seal Rocks is home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Bottlenose and common dolphins are often spotted offshore, and the coastal cliffs harbor sea birds, including gannets, albatross, and sea eagles.

Hit the Water

The island’s white-sand beaches offer plenty of options for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. South coast beaches like Woolamai Beach and Surf Beach are best suited to experienced surfers, while the northern beaches of Cowes and Red Rocks are family favorites. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can get your adrenaline pumping with water sports like kayaking or flyboarding.

Take a Boat Trip

Some of the best views of Phillip Island are from the water and there are a number of options for boat trips, from full-day catamaran tours to romantic twilight cruises. Set sail around the dramatic sea cliffs and caves of Cape Woolamai, spot landmarks like the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, or watch for whales and dolphins along the coast.