On the island's southwestern tip you'll pass by memorable landscapes of windswept grassy plateaus and rugged coastal scenery, leading to the Nobbies Centre that houses the multimedia Antarctic Journey. From here a boardwalk winds down to vantage points to view the Nobbies offshore rock formations and the offshore Seal Rocks, which are inhabited by one of Australia’s largest colonies of fur seals; the boardwalk's one-in-14 gradient makes it reasonably disability friendly. Coin-operated binoculars ($2) allow you to view the seals.

The area is a protected wildlife reserve, where penguins come to nest nightly (look for their purpose-built burrows); however, everyone is required to leave the site one hour before sunset. There's an abundance of wildlife on the roads, particularly Cape Barren geese, so take care driving – usually they won't budge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Antarctic Journey

0.02 MILES

Developed with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), this cutting-edge multimedia exhibition has a spectacular location on the southwest tip overlooking…

2. Penguin Parade

1.75 MILES

One of Victoria's major tourist draws, this evening parade of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) showcases the world’s smallest, and probably cutest,…

3. History of Motorsport Museum

6.37 MILES

Located at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, this small museum is dedicated to the history of motorsport on the island. There's a history of the…

4. A Maze'N Things

8.1 MILES

With a maze, crazy illusion rooms, mini golf, puzzle island, magic shows and rope course, this wacky fun park is popular with kids and endured by their…

5. Koala Conservation Centre

8.14 MILES

There are only 20 to 30 of these furry marsupials left in the wild on the island, but if you take to the treetop boardwalks or the easily accessible…

6. Pt. Leo Estate

8.21 MILES

One of the largest vineyards on the peninsula, Pt. Leo Estate has a magnificent setting overlooking Western Port Bay. Its winery complex is state of the…

8. Stonier

8.91 MILES

One of the original vineyards planted on the Peninsula, Stonier is widely known for its chardonnay but also produces a pinot noir and a sparkling. Kids…