Top 10 Things To See & Do in Phillip Island, Australia
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.
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
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
http://instagram.com/p/BIyshc1DYQZ/
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.
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+61 03 5951 2800
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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The National Vietnam Veterans Museum
Museum
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
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
The Nobbies Centre
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
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
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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