Top 10 Things To See & Do in Phillip Island, Australia

Courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks
Courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks
Monique La Terra

Known for the nightly Penguin Parade and as the home of the Hemsworth brothers, Phillip Island is located 140 kilometres south of Melbourne and attracts 3.5 million tourists annually. Asides from the Penguin Parade, crowds flock to these nine other attractions which include ecotourism destinations, museums, a motorsport circuit and a chocolate factory.

1. Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade

‘Take a waddle on the wild side’ at the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island’s most popular attraction. As a part of the Phillip Island Nature Park, the Penguin Parade is the only commercial venue in the world where you can see penguins in their natural environment. Explore the visitor’s centre before making your way down the boardwalks to the viewing area and watch as Little Penguins wobble up Summerland beach and into their burrows each day at sunset.

Penguin Parade at Philip Island, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia +61 035951 2800

Courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks

2. A Maze ‘N Things

A Maze ‘N Things

Be astounded by the interactive illusions at A Maze ‘N Things. Get shrunk, defy gravity and be baffled by the mysteries at Puzzle Island, traverse obstacles on the Sky Trail, explore the Maze, have a swing on the Maxi Mini Golf Course and be mystified inside Magic Manor. Aimed at adults, this funhouse provides amusement for the whole family.

A Maze ‘N Things, 1815 Phillip Island Rd Cowes Victoria, Australia +61 03 5952 2283

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Churchill Island

Take a trip back in time to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm off Phillip Island’s north coast. Dating back to the 1850s, this 57-hectare working farm allows visitors to explore a restored farmhouse and cottages and discover early farming practices. Witness the sheep shearing, whip cracking and take a wagon ride. Visitors can also embark on the Churchill Island Walk and enjoy the views from the licensed café.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm, 246 Samuel Amess Dr, Churchill Island, Victoria, Australia

+61 03 5951 2800

Courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks

3. Panny's Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory you can expect the unexpected at Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate. From the world’s largest chocolate waterfall to a two-meter chocolate statue of Michelangelo’s David, a Dame Edna mosaic made from over 12,000 truffles, a chocolate village, and walk-through tour exploring cocoa production, there is so much to see and do at this palace of chocolate. There’s even a café and factory direct store selling an abundance of delicious treats including chocolate penguins.

Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate, 930 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, Victoria, Australia

+61 03 5956 6600

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4. The National Vietnam Veterans Museum

Museum

Dedicated to the heritage and legacy of Vietnam veterans, The National Vietnam Veterans Museum opened in March 2007 as a tribute to the 60,000 Australians who served in the war. See the holographic Light & Sound show, visit the Vietnam Veterans Walk and reflect in the Remembrance Garden with a replica of the Long Tan Cross. The museum also holds vehicles, artillery, medals, uniforms and other artifacts.

5. Koala Conservation Centre

Shop

Koala Conservation Centre

Come face to face with koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre. Stroll amongst the trees on the 600 or 800 meter Tree Top Koala Boardwalk loop. Visitors can also wander through six hectares of eucalyptus woodland in search of wallabies, echidnas and native birds. Can’t get enough? The new Koala Conservation Centre has a gift shop and education displays.

Koala Conservation Centre, 1810 Phillip Island Road, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia +61 03 5951 2800

Courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks

6. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

This renowed asphalt track is the home of the Australian Motor GP and many other high octane events, but long after the races are finished the tracks continue to thunder with activities for the family all year round. Strap into a Go Kart, Hot Laps Ride or Guided Circuit Tour and drop by the Simulator Race Centre. You can even visit the History of Motorsport Museums packed with displays which trace Australia’s racing history back to 1928.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Road, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia +61 03 5952 2710

Motorcycle phillip island03 © WikimediaCommons

7. The Nobbies Centre

7. The Nobbies Centre
© Francesco Veronesi/Flickr

The Nobbies Centre

Located on Point Grant, the Nobbies Centre is an ecotourism attraction overlooking The Nobbies where Captain Wetherall raised a flagstaff in 1826, as well as Seal Rocks which are home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony and The Blowhole – an undersea cave which roars to life during massive southern swells. Through the centre, visitors can access boardwalks which lead down to lookout points.

The Nobbies, Centre, 1320 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia +61 03 5951 2800

Nobbies zz © Chensiyuan/WikimediaCommons

8. Antarctic Journey

Antarctic Journey

The Nobbies Centre is home to an interactive exhibition known as Antarctic Journey which provides a virtual tour of the world’s iciest continent. Displays include Antarctic Chill Zone where visitors can feel the freeze, an interactive seafood dinner table, and an augmented reality experience which puts you within arm’s reach of penguins, seals, and a marvelous killer whale. Immerse yourself within the captivating landscape of Antarctica through the exhibitions stunning installations.

Antarctic Journey at The Nobbies Centre, 1320 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia

+61 03 5951 2800

Courtesy Phillip Island Nature Parks

9. Phillip Island Historical Society Museum

Library, Museum

Phillip Island Historical Society Museum

For a gold coin donation, you can discover the history of Phillip Island at the Phillip Island Historical Society Museum. Through a series of thematic displays, visitors will learn about early settler’s Aboriginal culture, geology, and maritime history. The museum also has a reference library, and there are often temporary exhibitions as well.

Phillip Island History Society Museum, 89 Thompson Ave, Cowes, Victoria, Australia +61 03 5956 8501

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