This tiny island just 90 minutes from Melbourne packs so many attractions that everyone in the family can enjoy. From seeing the biggest fairy penguin colony in the world at the Penguin Parade to venturing to the many amazing beaches, Phillip Island has something to do for the whole family! Read on to find out more on the Top 8 Family Attractions in Phillip Island.
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Why choose Phillip Island for a family holiday
This little island is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. Let me tell you why:
- A haven for animals and wildlife lovers. The Penguins of course the star attraction but also so many other places to see lots of animals.
- Amazing beaches all over the island, from calm beaches for toddlers like Cowes main beach to surf beaches like Cape Woolamai (did you know it’s one of the Hemsworth brothers favourite beach to surf??). Check out all the FREE attractions to see in Phillip Island on my other post!
- Accommodation options for all budgets, from cozy cabins in one of the many caravan parks to fully serviced apartments and holiday homes.
How to get to Phillip Island
Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne by car, Phillip Island is close enough to be popular for day trippers, or people travelling there for the weekend or holiday. To get to the island, you will need to cross a road bridge from San Remo. Plan ahead during busy times or holiday periods as it can get busy or stop off in San Remo for some lunch or to see the Pelican Feeding!
You can reach Phillip Island also by ferry from the Mornington Peninsula from Stony Point. There are sailings every 3-4 hours from around 8 am to 4 pm, so check ahead on their website for exact times. Sailing to Cowes one way is around 40 minutes.
By bus – V/Line Buses connect Southern Cross to Phillip Island, with an interchange in Koo Wee Rup then heading to Cowes (approx 2.5 hours travel time).
By Train & Bus – Metro service to Dandenong connecting with V/line bus to Cowes (approx 3.20 hours travel time).
The best time to visit Phillip Island
Phillip Island is best enjoyed when the weather is warm, from late spring (November) till March. It’s an island full of wildlife and in summer is when you can see an abundance of it.
A thing to keep in mind is that the island can get very busy during school holidays, weekends and event periods (like the international Moto GP). If you are visiting during these times, you will need to book ahead for most things including events, attractions and accommodation, and allow for extra time when travelling to the island.
There is just one road in, and out road out of Phillip Island, and the bridge from San Remo to Cowes can get very congested. Get out early or travel outside of peak times for less crowds.
Top 8 Family Attractions in Phillip Island
Penguin Parade
The top attraction for families and visitors to Phillip Island is without doubt seeing the fairy penguins at the Penguin Parade. The fairy penguin colony in Phillip Island is the biggest in the world! Every night the little penguins come out from the sea and back to their burrows in the Summerland Peninsula.
The Penguin Parade operates every day of the year. The time varies depending on the season, outside of summertime they come to shore earlier (5.30-6.30 pm) compared to the later time of 8 pm onwards in summer. You can check the Penguin arrival calendar HERE. Make sure to book ahead as ticketing is capped and it does book out during school holidays. More info on the website.
Churchill Island Farm
The tiny island just off Phillip Island, Churchill Island is a green oasis to check out some farm animals and see what a historical farmhouse looked like. Little ones will enjoy the demonstrations of milking the cows, sheep shearing and more. Wagon rides are also available during the school holidays for an additional 7 AUD per ticket (not included in the 3-park pass). Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm. More info on their website.
Are you planning to visit Churchill Island as well as the Penguin Parade? To save some money, you can also purchase a 3 Park Entry Pass, which includes entry to the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island & the Koala Conservation Centre. You can check it out on the link below on Klook.
Klook.comKoala Conservation Reserve
The Koala Conservation Reserve is incredible to see the fluffy koalas in their natural surroundings. You can learn more about these beautiful native animals here and see them when walking through the purpose-built boardwalks. It’s not your typical zoo, more like an open reserve, where each day the rangers estimate how many koalas you can see while exploring the park. Open daily 10 am to 5.30 pm, more info on website.
Amaze N Things
This quirky theme park in Phillip Island has been around for over 30 years! It’s a great day out for families visiting Phillip Island! Our kids (4 & 6 years) had a ball here but it is also suitable for older ages too. It’s unlike any other theme park and is magic & illusion-themed. It also has a large maze, minigolf and sky trail rope course all within the same location.
General entry to Amaze N Things includes access to Puzzle Island, Magic Manor and the Maze, the Minigolf course and Sky Trail are extra. Facilities onsite include a coffee shop, Ice cream and lolly store & gift shop. Outside there is also access to the playground (which is part of the attached Park Lane Holiday Park). Entry is 50% off if staying the Holiday Park. Amaze N Things is open daily 10 am to 5 pm, Prices starting from 42 AUD per adults and 28 AUD for kids, FREE under 3. More info on website.
Grumpys Crazy golf
The big cow at the front doesn’t go unnoticed as you walk or drive past Grumpys Crazy Golf on the main street in Cowes. A perfect place to spend an hour or so in on a rainy or too sunny day, this is a fully undercover 18 hole minigolf course. Open daily 10 am to 5 pm and later in the evening during holiday periods. More info on website.
National Vietnam Veteran War Museum
You can’t miss this museum as you drive through in Phillip Island as it has big war planes outside! This incredible museum in Newhaven has a large display of planes, tanks and memorabilia and is a fantastic place to learn about Australian history and the war. Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm. More info on their website.
Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Panny’s Chocolate Factory is for all the chocolate lovers! It’s a museum, shop and cafe. There are chocolate displays, and a huge fountain, and you can see how the chocolate is made right from the bean harvesting to final packaging. Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm. Fee to enter museum of 22 AUD for Adults, 14 AUD entry fee for kids and FREE under 3. More info on their website.
Go-Karting in a Miniature Moto GP track
For older children and teens seeking some thrills, right near the Moto GP Grand Prix track, you can drive on Go-Karts on a miniature GP Track! Younger kids aged 5-12 yr that are over 100 cm can drive in tandem with a grown up too. Open 10 am to 4 pm daily, More info on the website.
Nearby, you can also visit the History of Motosport Display to learn everything about the world-famous annual Moto GP that usually runs mid-October each year.
Family Friendly Dining in Phillip Island
Check out my other post here on Where to eat in Phillip Island with Kids!
Where to Stay In Phillip Island
Phillip Island Apartments
Modern, spacious apartments located just a few minutes walk away from all the shops and restaurants of Cowes. There are 1,2 and larger 3 bedroom apartments with balconies or patios fully self-contained, and an outdoor pool, heated spa & BBQ area to relax in.
Check Prices and Availability for Phillip Island Apartments HERE
Silverwater Resort
Another popular resort with families visiting Phillip Island is actually just before the bridge crossing in San Remo!
Silverwater Resort is a large complex with resort rooms and many spacious 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments. The resort also has a full restaurant, bar and many facilities that the whole family can enjoy during their stay like the indoor and outdoor pool, gym, spa and tennis court.
Check Prices and Availability for Silverwater Resort HERE
Want to read more?
You can read more about Phillip Island in my other post on 5 Free Things to do in Phillip Island with Kids and Where to eat in Phillip Island with Kids.
