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Phillip Island is one of those magical places in Australia that just about everyone has been to. Now whether you consider yourself a tourist or a traveller it really doesn’t matter. Phillip Island has something to offer everyone from families to romantic weekends away.
Now y’all know that we don’t do romance very well, preferring to hike a mountain than hike up a mountain of debt for a weekend away. Yet despite this adventure lifestyle, we’ve chosen Phillip Island as one of the few places in Victoria that we happily travel to for a bit of romance and relaxation.

Where is Phillip Island?

Why it’s a mere 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD. And the majority of the driving is boring freeway but it is an easy drive. It’s hard to believe that such a fantastic destination is super close to Melbourne but far enough that you feel like you’ve had a real getaway. It’s great for wildlife viewing, adventure activities and long, lazy lunches.

When is the best time to visit Phillip Island?

Off season. Trust me on this one. To ensure that you have the best experience possible avoid the summer weekends. Phillip Island is a summer hotspot which means crowds, cramped parking and long delays at times. Even just getting a coffee can be a hassle. So, do yourself a favour and enjoy the wonder of the winter months. Or if you can take some time off work than try a mid-week escape.
From the moment you arrive on the island after driving over the bridge, you’ll be greeted with turquoise water views, beautiful sandy beaches, amazing wildlife encounters and spectacular sunsets.

Have I convinced you to get just yet?

Here’s a very short guide to 48 hours on Phillip Island.

Koala Conservation Centre Maru

Day 1

Depart Melbourne via the M1 and South Gippsland Highway. As mentioned above there isn’t a lot to see as most of the driving is freeway. So, grab yourself a coffee and get ready for watch the miles fly by. Incase you do need a break why not stop off at Maru Koala and Animal Park?

If you’re feeling very touristing why not take advantage of the Maru up close and personal experience? It’s $145 per couple and includes entry to the park, Pirate Pete’s Mini Golf, close encounter experiences with several animals, kangaroo food to hand feed the animals, two professional photo prints, fully guided park tour plus a two-course lunch cooked by the in-house chef in the charcoal grill oven with a wine or beer.

Afternoon Activities.

Time to get the adrenalin pumping on a tour with a twist aboard Phillip Island Thundercat Tours. Take a thrilling tour of scenic Cape Woolamai in a customised surf racing cat, finishing at the pristine and private Cape Woolamai Granite quarry with its stunning white sandy beach.

Here you can relax with a grazing box filled with a delicious selection of the finest produce from The Pantry Phillip Island and once you’re finished, hop aboard the cat for a ride back to San Remo.

Evening Romancing and Dancing

About an hour before sunset the team at Wildlife Coast Cruises depart from Cowes on a leisurely evening Twilight Cruise through the sheltered waters of Westernport Bay aboard their 19-metre vessel the ‘Kasey Lee’. Chill out with a drink from the bar, enjoy nibbles on board and watch the evening lights around the bay as the sun sets. What better way to end your day on beautiful Phillip Island? A perfect way to capture a seriously awesome sunset.

Wildlife Coast Cruises - seals

Let’s Get Sleepy.

Phillip Island has become a bit of a weekender haven. So you’ll have no problems finding suitable accommodation for your budget. It can be a bit overwhelming searching the million different sites. So pop over to The Island Accommodation to see what’s on offer. If you’re after a private suite away from the hustle and bustle of Cowes check out The Big Wave complex in Newhaven. It’s walking distance from the best coffee ever in San Remo.

The Island Accommodation & Islantis Surfboards

Day 2

If you’re an early riser and have decided to stay in Newhaven you’re in for a treat. It’s a short stroll over the bridge to some amazing cafes, bakeries and brunch spots. If the weather gods are playing nice opt for a take away and sit on the foreshore.

Flying High

Why not make it rain and enjoy some amazing flight time? Climb aboard your private helicopter and experience a flight to Wings & Fins Restaurant, Bar & Bistro. For a mere $630 for two, you can experience a luxurious lunch with a difference. What does $630 big ones get you? A Seafood Sensation tour where for lunch you will dine on famously fresh Flinders Island seafood while taking in the gorgeous views of French Island. Live like a Rockstar for a day and after you’ve had your fill, board your helicopter for the scenic flight back to Phillip Island.

Phillip Island Helicopters view

Afternoon stroll along the beaches

You’d be a fool to miss an afternoon stroll along the beaches. It’s one of the many things that Phillip Island is famous for. Beach time! You don’t need to spend hours being a mermaid to enjoy the waterfront around the island. If you are visiting in the off season as suggested than I dare say that you won’t want to indulge in a dip. The water will be freezing. But don’t let me stop you on that activity.

Now the above really is a very short, first timers guide. Phillip Island has so much more on offer. I’m sure that once you’ve been you’ll be discovering things that we haven’t seen. Thankfully being so close to Melbourne it’s rather easy to go back time and time again. Which my family have been doing for the past 25 years! If you’re looking for more things to do go check out the Visit Phillip Island website.

Have you been to Phillip Island? What was your favourite thing to do? Let us know in the comments below.

Just a little FYI- this article was written in partnership with the Visit Phillip Island.  Any and all views and opinions expressed are entirely my own based on personal experiences when travelling and are honest and factual without any bias.
Jeanette

Jeanette

Founder, Principal Blogger & Coffee Drinker

Coffee Lover | Travel Blogger | Horse Rider | Adventure Racer | Donut Dame. Generally nice lady-enjoys wine, indie movies & random dance parties in my tent.

18 Comments

  1. Looks awesome! Totally an offseason guy here too. Almost everywhere we go, offseason beats high season by a mile. Less crowds, weather changing a bit which I prefer and lower rates too. Meaning you likely see more sea lions during low season. Fewer tourists to elbow out of the way 😉

    Ryan

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  2. The afternoon stroll along the beach and the helicopter ride are among my favorites. So many different things to do during a weekend away! Loved how you incorporated both adventure and romance!

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  3. I still kick myself that I never visited Phillip Island when I lived in Melbourne a few years ago. Now that I’m back in Australia, I can’t wait to get there. It’s on my list for my road trip later this year!

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  4. Geez I’m going to be honest I lived in Sydney for 4 months and never even made it to Phillip Island. The seals and that bird’s eye view of the beach might be enough reason to come back haha!

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  5. Phillip Island looks wonderful – those seals! The beaches look fabulous too. I’m quite upset that I didn’t have time to make it to Melbourne on my trip to Australia – but that means it’s a great excuse to go back 🙂

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  6. I have never heard of Philip Island but it sounds like a lovely weekend trip for sure and I would do the Twilight Cruise!

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  7. Omg, this is one of the most adorable island ever, I had never heard about Phillip Island before. The helicopter ride looks amazing, I love the picture!

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  8. Phillip Island looks a like dream vacation for me! and the picture of those baby seals are sooo cute! Thanks for the detailed post

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  9. Holy crap could you have any cuter photos of the animals? Although that boat looks a bit invasive creepin on those sea lions. :/ Animals are truly the best thing about Australia in my book, (well Nature too) but i’m an animal lover and i’ve only seen them in film and books as Australia remains to be a future trip.

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  10. Oh, my gosh those seals in the first photo are too cute! I haven’t made it to Austraila but hope to one day.

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  11. Woah, so many amazing experiences to be had on Phillip Island! I love animal-watching, so this would be a perfect trip in my mind:) Your photos are spectacular, the sea is so blue and the beach so pristine… Activating my wanderlust here! I might be going to Australia at the end of the year so I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks!

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  12. We went to Philip Island last year. My daughter lives in Melbourne so we will be able to go back many times!

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  13. I would love to go on an animal trip like that, it sounds amazing! When I am around Melbourne, I’ll definitely consider going there.

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  14. Love hearing about new places like this ! I’m a truly nature lover so I would definitely love to visit Phillip Island ! Having close encounter experiences with several animals 🙂 is a must !

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  15. Oh my! Those cute animal pics from the Animal Park make me want to go right away! I haven’t been to Philip Island but this makes me want to go!

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  16. Those seals are so cute <3
    This is like a little corner of paradise. As for the views from the helicopter… It's an experience worth the cost.

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  17. This is exactly the animal-y trip I like to take! So adorable!!!!

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  18. It’s been too long since I was on Phillip Island. I loved the penguin parade, of course, and would do that again. I’m going to book a trip with my little guy. He’ll love the wildlife experiences.

    Reply

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