A must‑see Phillip Island experience, the Penguin Parade is where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore each evening after a day of fishing. It’s a beautifully run, eco‑friendly attraction with boardwalks and viewing areas that let you get close without disturbing the wildlife.
Arrive a little early to explore the visitor centre, learn about the colony, and grab a good spot — it’s one of those simple, unforgettable moments guests always talk about. Bookings are essential via the website: Penguin Parade
Just a few minutes from Smiths Beach, the world‑famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is one of the island’s biggest drawcards. Home to MotoGP, Superbikes, and major motorsport events, it’s known for its sweeping ocean views, fast corners, and electric atmosphere.
When events aren’t on, the circuit offers go‑karting, hot laps, and a great visitor centre — perfect for a fun outing between beach sessions. For events info: Phillip Island Circuit
The 750m Phillip Island Go Kart track is a replica of the world-renowned Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit situated alongside the circuit and overlooking Bass Strait. Book two hours in advance at their website: Phillip Island Go Karts
Phillip Island is home to some of Victoria’s most diverse and beautiful beaches — there’s truly something for everyone. From calm, family‑friendly bays perfect for paddling, to world‑class surf breaks like Smiths Beach and Woolamai, the island caters to every style of beach day.
You’ll find sheltered coves for swimming, long stretches of sand for walking, rock pools for exploring, and dramatic coastal lookouts for those sunset moments. No matter what kind of beach experience you’re after, the island has a spot that fits perfectly.
If you prefer to swim where the life savers are: Phillip Island Patrolled Beaches
Smiths Beach offers a beautiful surrounding with powerful, consistent waves.
Great for surfing
Seasonally patrolled
Less crowded than Cape Woolamai
Facilities include toilets & showers
YCW Beach is a popular surf beach for experienced surfers and swimmers.
Hidden local gem, not patrolled
Unique basalt rock formations
Visit during low tide for rock pools
Facilities include toilets & showers
Cape Woolamai is famous for dramatic cliffs, powerful surf, and some of the best coastal walks in Victoria.
Best for views: Cape Woolamai walk + Pinnacles Lookout
Best time: Sunset or early morning
Is widely considered the most family-friendly beach on the island, especially for toddlers and younger kids.
Calm, shallow water (north-facing, protected from big surf)
Loads of facilities – toilets, playgrounds, cafes, ice cream nearby
Easy access + grassy areas for picnics
Quiet, relaxed vibe
Calm bay waters
Great if you want less crowds than Cowes
Ideal for younger kids and a chilled day
Sheltered and sandy
Rock pools at low tide (huge hit with kids)
Good for exploring and paddling
Great mix of play + nature
🚗 9mins drive
🌐 Facebook Page | tidesofrhyll@gmail.com
📍11a Beach Road, Rhyll, VIC 3922
📱 (03) 5956 9230
Take away or Dine in.
Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🚗 11mins drive
🌐 sweetnsassy.com.au | info@sweetnsassy.com.au
📍 Shop 1, 4 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC 3922
📱 (03) 5956 9204
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
🚗 5mins drive
🌐 Facebook Page
📍 Phillip Island Rd, Surf Beach VIC 3922
📱 0451 434 694
Monday - Friday: 5:00 am – 2:30 pm (until sold out)
Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 am – 2:30 pm (until sold out)
🚗 10mins drive
🌐 Facebook Page
📍 69 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922
📱 (03) 9034 6840
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8.00pm daily
🚗 6mins drive
🌐 phillipislandwinery.com.au
📍 414 Berrys Beach Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922
📱 (03) 8595 2155
Monday - Friday: 11am – 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11am – 5.30pm
🚗 4mins drive
📍 North Paddock, 79 Coghlan Rd, Cowes VIC 3922
📱 0429 832 304
Mon – Wed Closed
Thu & Fri 4.00pm – 8.30pm
Sat 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Sun 12.30pm – 6.00pm
🚗 7mins drive
🌐 Instagram Page
📍 209-213 Settlement Rd, Cowes VIC 3922
📱 0426 525 671
Closed Tues, Wed
Thu - Mon 11.30am – 3.00pm, then 5.30pm – 9.00pm
🚗 11mins drive
🌐 masalabay.com.au
📍 5 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, VIC 3922
📱 03 5952 2149
Mon – Thu 5.00pm – 9.00pm
Fri – Sun 12.00pm – 3.00pm, then 5.00pm-9.00pm
https://www.amazenthings.com.au
1805 Phillip Island Rd Cowes, Phillip Island
Open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week (last entry 3pm)
Amaze N’ Things is a fun, family‑friendly adventure park filled with puzzles, illusions, and hands‑on activities that keep everyone entertained.
https://www.piwildlifepark.com.au
2115 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes
Open 11am-5pm, Friday-Tuesday (last entry 4pm)
This is one of the most hands-on wildlife experiences on Phillip Island — especially great if you’re travelling with kids.
Set on a huge 60-acre park with natural-style enclosures
Home to 100+ species of Australian animals
You can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies (food included with entry)
Animals roam freely in many areas, so it feels more interactive than a typical zoo
It’s more of a “walk-through wildlife park” than a formal zoo
Phillip Island offers spectacular coastal walks and nature hikes, with highlights including the dramatic cliff-top trails at Cape Woolamai, scenic views from Pyramid Rock, and serene walks at Rhyll Inlet. Popular trails range from easy boardwalks like The Nobbies to moderate 8km circuits, providing opportunities to spot whales, birdlife, and penguins.
Important Tips for Walking
Tide Times: Several walks, particularly Cape Woolamai and Forrest Caves, require low tide for the best experience or to walk along the beach.
Safety: Always stay on designated paths and at a safe distance from cliff edges.
Best Time: Winter is ideal for whale spotting on the coastal trails.
Top Walking Trails on Phillip Island
Cape Woolamai Circuit (6.6km–8km, Moderate): Features the Pinnacles and stunning coastal views; best at low-to-mid tide.
Pyramid Rock to Berrys Beach (2.5km–5km, Easy/Moderate): A scenic clifftop trail featuring dramatic southern coast views.
Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Walk (Various lengths, Easy): Trails through mangroves and wetlands, popular for birdwatching.
The Nobbies Boardwalk (Short/Easy): Elevated walk with spectacular views of the blowhole and surrounding rugged coast.
Forrest Caves Walk (2km, Easy): A sandy walk to coastal caves, accessible at low tide.
Churchill Island Loop (Various, Easy): Features wetlands and panoramic views of Western Port Bay.
Oswin Roberts Reserve (Various, Easy): Woodland walks ideal for spotting koalas and birdlife.
Kitty Miller Bay Walk (2.2km, Easy): Trail leading to the rusting remains of the SS Speke shipwreck.
Wooli Tavern - Relax in the lively outdoor beer garden with your dog by your side while you enjoy great pub food, cold drinks, and a welcoming local atmosphere.
Ocean Reach Brewing - Bring your furry mate along for a craft beer and a burger at this dog‑friendly Cowes favourite, where the outdoor spaces are perfect for kicking back with a pint.
Phillip Island Winery - Settle into the beautiful outdoor lawn area with your pet and enjoy local wines, cheese platters, and live music — an ideal sunny‑day outing for both humans and dogs.
Purple Hen Winery - Take in peaceful water views over a glass of cool‑climate pinot with your pooch relaxing beside you at this family‑run winery tucked away on a quiet country road.
Isola Di Capri Restaurant & Gelateria - Dine on the veranda with ocean views your dog will love, enjoying authentic Italian dishes — or grab a gelato and relax outside with your four‑legged companion.
Phillip Island is a beautiful place to explore with your dog, with plenty of beaches, trails, and open spaces to enjoy together — but it’s also home to sensitive wildlife, so choosing the right spots is important. To help you find safe, pet‑friendly walking areas that protect local animals and habitats, check out the guide below.