Things to do in Phillip Island
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Motor Racing Circuit
Even when the motorbikes aren’t racing, petrolheads love the Motor Racing Circuit, which was souped up for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989, although the island hosted its first Grand Prix way back in 1928. The visitor centre runs 45-minute guided circuit tours, which include a visit to the History of Motorsport Museum, as well the chance to cut laps of the track in hotted-up V8s (one/two/three people $210/315/365, booking essential). There’s also a go kart track.
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Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade attracts more than 500, 000 visitors a year. The ‘fairy penguins’ have been recently rebadged as ‘little penguins’ – a more accurate translation of the scientific name Eudyptula minor. Concrete amphitheatres hold up to 3800 people who coo over the ridiculously cute penguins that emerge from the sea after sunset and waddle resolutely up to their beach nests. The visitors centre has a gift shop and café (try the penguin burger!).
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Nobbies Centre
The Nobbies Centre is a sort of gigantic cafe and souvenir shop with an interpretive centre tacked on, but there are some great interactive panels and games, and the huge windows afford great views of the 6000 Australian fur seals who loll here during the October–December breeding season. You can view the seals from boardwalks or use the centre’s underwater cameras to zoom in on them ($5).
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Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Like Willy Wonka’s famous factory, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory has a few surprises. As well as free samples of handmade Belgian chocolate, there’s a walk-through tour of the chocolate- making process, including a remarkable gallery of chocolate sculptures, from Michelangelo’s David to an entire model chocolate village! Naturally, you can buy chocolate penguins.
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Grand Prix Circuit
The Grand Prix Circuit hosted it’s first grand prix in 1928. It was overhauled to stage the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989. The visitors centre runs one-hour walking tours of the track, and you can have your photo taken on the winner’s podium.
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Hotel
This breezy corner pub is all leather, sleek lines and big windows. The menu is honest and good value with all-day tapas plates, pizza and the standards of steak and chicken parma.
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Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass - Penguin Parade and more!
Flexible (Departs Phillip Island, Australia)
by Viator
This 3 Park Pass allows you to make the most of your visit to Phillip Island Nature Park. There is no waiting for buses or keeping to schedules, on this self-dr…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$36.59 -
Isle of Wight Hotel
This Cowes icon is a classic rambling pub and a great place for a beer or simple pub meal. The hotel has planning approval for a huge redevelopment that will replace the existing building with a five-star hotel and convention centre. Drink a toast to the old girl before they ’doze her!
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Infused
Infused's groovy mix of timber, stone and lime-green decor makes a relaxed place to enjoy a beautifully presented lunch or dinner, or just a late-night cocktail. The eclectic Mod Oz menu is strong on seafood and moves from freshly shucked oysters to Asian curries and Black Angus rib eye.
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White Salt
White Salt serves the best fish and chips on the island – selected fish fillets and hand-cut chips, tempura prawns and marinated BBQ octopus salad with corn, pesto and lemon.
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Madcowes
Stylish cafe-foodstore looking out to the main beach. Try the ricotta hotcakes or the grazing platter, and browse the selection of wine and produce.
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Phillip Island Wildlife Park
A good range of wildlife can be spotted at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, about 1km south of Cowes. As well as koalas, wombats, roos and wallabies there are a few harder to find critters such as Tasmanian devils, cassowaries and quolls.
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Purple Hen Winery
Try the signature pinot at the cellar door of this pretty winery off the main tourist route, with views over Westernport Bay. It’s a light, pale red with almost a rosé-style palate – not too overcooked like many Australian pinots.
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Phillip Island Ultimate Penguin Eco Tour or Skybox Experience
by Viator
Want the best penguin viewing opportunities in Australia? Take the Penguin Eco Tour for a premium penguin experience that offers a personalized, intimate wildli…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$60.50 -
Churchill Island
Churchill Island is a working farm off Phillip Island Rd, where Victoria’s first crops were planted that today features historic displays, including butter churning and blacksmithing (call ahead for times).
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Foreshore Bar & Restaurant
The water views from the timber deck of the classy village pub and restaurant complement your lunchtime fish and chips or bowl of mussels.
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Koala Conservation Centre
From the boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre you can watch koalas chewing on tasty eucalyptus leaves (or more probably dozing – they sleep about 20 hours a day!).
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Amaze’n Things
With an illusion maze, mini-golf, puzzle island and lots of activities, the whacky Amaze’n Things fun park is great for kids, but gets the adults in, too.
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Phillip Island Winery
Here you can sample excellent wines made by renowned Diamond Valley wine-makers and share platters of cheese, terrine, smoked salmon, trout fillets and pâté.
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Curry Leaf
This cheery Indian restaurant and takeaway is popular for its piquant curries.
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Café Lugano
This cool hole-in-the-wall joint is the place to come for good coffee, or healthy lunch of focaccia, rice burger or felafel salad.
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Island Surfboards
Island Surfboards can start your waxhead career with wetsuit hire and lessons for all standards.
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Out There
Out There also offers surfing lessons as well as sea-kayaking and mountain-biking.
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Wildlife Coast Cruises
Runs a cruise around Phillip Island and Seal Rocks, and trips to French Island.
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Smiths Beach
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