The first Europeans that discovered the island in 1798 were George Bass and William I. During his travels from Port J. Jackson named this area Western Port. The island became named after Governor Arthur Phillip, the initial Governor of New South Wales.

Located just off the coast of Victoria, Australia, Phillip Island is known for its incredible natural sights, abundant wildlife, and captivating events. From the famous penguin parades and the beautiful beaches to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the V8 Supercar Series, you’ll never run out of things to do around Phillip Island. The island’s natural wonders include diverse wildlife such as fur seals, little penguins, and koalas, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or an expat, there are plenty of things to do on Phillip Island! Here is my list of what to do on Phillip Island!

The Best Things To Do On Phillip Island

1. Witness the Famous Penguin Parade 

As you may know, Phillip Island hosts Australia’s largest colony of little penguins. Every night, these penguins make their way back from the ocean to their burrows, creating a fun “penguin parade.” From the Phillip Island Nature Parks, you can book tickets to view the penguin parade from their specially constructed boardwalks and viewing platforms.

There are a variety of viewing and tour experiences, offering view points, such as underground areas that allow you to see the penguins from ground level (literally). The tours can also allow you to get specialised presentations and attention from knowledgeable staff to enhance your experience. No matter how you choose to enjoy the nightly penguin parade, make sure that you see it! It is one of the most notable things to do in Phillip Island.

2. Catch a Wave at Smiths Beach National Surfing Reserve

Phillip Island has a reputation for being a surfer’s escape. As Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve, the island has many beaches perfectly suited for surfing and protected for that purpose. For the best surfing experience, we recommend checking out Smiths Beach, which is known for the “Express Point,” an expert surfing area. If you’re not quite an expert yet, you can still catch a wave at Smiths Beach. There are patches of gentler surf, as well as surf shops that can set you up with anything you’ll need from wetsuits and boards to expert instruction. 

If Smiths Beach isn’t at the top of your list, don’t worry! There are many other beaches to choose from on Phillip Island. Generally, you’ll want to stick to the south part of the island for the best surfing and body-boarding opportunities. If you’d rather just spend some time in the sun or go paddleboarding, the north part of the island is the place to be. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a beach to suit your needs. And, without a doubt, visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in Phillip Island Victoria!

3. Get Up-Close with Wildlife at Phillip Island Wildlife Park

While the penguin parade is a can’t miss activity, there are plenty of other things to do in Phillip Island Wildlife Park! Established in 1996, this incredible conservation park stretches over 60 acres and holds over 100 species of Australian animals in their natural habitat. Many of the animals housed there are emblematic of Australia, such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. You cannot visit Phillip Island without visiting this park, which is open five days a week year-round.

To make the experience more magical, some of the animals such as the kangaroos and wallabies wander freely throughout the park, where you can see them. You can interact with some of these animals up-close and feed them, if you wish. Other animals, such as the koalas and penguins parade path, are kept in special areas, where you can view them from designated areas. Trust me, you can’t truly experience Phillip Island without seeing the unique wildlife at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park!

4. Visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 

Every year, Phillip Island hosts notable motorsport races, such as the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the V8 Supercar Series. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is where those heart-pounding events take place! 

First used in 1952, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit welcomes visitors most every day, who want to get closer to racing culture. With fun activities, such as go kart racing on a 750 metre scale replica circuit, you can get a taste of what it feels like to be behind the wheel. If that sounds like too much, you can always take a tour of the property, the Guided Circuit Tour, to see the venue and the views. 

You’ll also get to hear about the history and culture associated with the circuit along the way. This is one of the most popular things to do on Phillip Island, especially if you have a sports fan in the mix!

5. Explore the Nobbies Centre Boardwalk 

If you do check out the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, you should put Nobbies Centre Boardwalk on your list as well! This beautiful boardwalk area is located a short distance beyond the site of the Penguin Parade. From Nobbies Centre, you can explore the boardwalks and take in all the amazing views along the Bass Strait. 

There’s also more to do in the Centre than walk around and see the sights. You can also enjoy fresh seafood dishes (and more) in Nobbies Cafe. You can decide how to want to engage with this classic among things to do on Phillip Island! 

6. Take in the Views at Pyramid Rock

One of the most iconic views of Phillip Island is Pyramid Rock. Just beyond the Nobbies to the east, Pyramid Rock cuts an impressive line against the waters of the Bass Strait. Best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset, visitors can appreciate the breathtaking sights from either one of two viewing platforms. With a nearby parking lot that makes it easily accessible, there is no reason not to visit this entry among the top things to do on Phillip Island! 

7. Go Out on a Boat Tour 

To get a taste of two of Phillip Island’s classics at once, consider a boat tour! There are lots of scenic boat tour options around Phillip Island, which focus on different aspects of the island. Appreciate the wildlife, striking coastline, or onboard commentary (or all three), depending on which tour you choose! 

You can even select an option that has a high-speed boat tour or a thrilling jet boat ride around the coast, if you’re looking for a more adrenaline-packed experience. No matter which type of boat tour you select, a boat tour is a great way to get out on the water and see some of the iconic views of Phillip Island!

8. Do a Wine Tasting at Phillip Island Winery  

For a wine tasting experience that combines the best of local produce, head to the Phillip Island Winery! Sitting on the south coast of the island, Phillip Island Winery has beautiful grounds combined with delicious Australian wines. Taking advantage of Victoria’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine regions and the wonderful views around the property, Phillip Island Winery is an amazing spot for a meal, a wine tasting, or both. If you need a relaxing activity to complement the rest of your plans, consider a leisurely stop at Phillip Island Winery. You won’t regret it! 

9. Get a Taste of Farm Life at Churchill Island 

Just off the northeast coast of the island near Newhaven, Churchill Island makes for a great day-long thing to do from Phillip Island! Once you get onto Churchill Island, you’ll have a chance to explore the historical grounds, get a view of heritage farm activities, and appreciate the views. From the walking trails, demonstrations, wagon rides, and hands-on farm activities, you won’t run out of family attractions to keep you entertained! It’s especially fun for kids, if you have kids in your group, making it perfect for family fun.

10. Catch a High Octane Event 

High profile events are part of the fabric of Phillip Island, and they are definitely one of the most fun things to do on Phillip Island! From the Superbike World Championship and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, there always seems to be something special happening on the island. With the infrastructure of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, it makes for an incredible venue. No matter where you’re sitting on the circuit, you can expect an amazing view!

If racing isn’t your thing, there are spectacular musical and cultural events throughout the year as well. Just a few of these events include the Ocean Sounds Music Festival, which features prominent local musicians. Key cultural events include the Phillip Island Whale Festival and the Tidal Seafood Festival; both of these festivals celebrate the natural environment and the unique culture of the area. 

If you have the flexibility to do so, you should definitely check out one of these special events while you’re on Phillip Island.