Phillip Island, Victoria is more than a cruise port—it's a nature-forward gateway where wildlife encounters mingle with coastal drama and seaside charm. Your first sight of Phillip Island's prize asset—the parade of adorable penguins skimming across the sand—will be just one of many unforgettable moments as you explore an island sculpted by the southern ocean’s rugged rollers. Located just south of cultured Melbourne, the island’s dramatic shorelines, golden beaches and wildlife reserves set it apart from other ports, offering signature experiences like the Penguin Parade viewing platforms, the Nobbies boardwalk with seal watching, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm’s living history. From Cowes, the island’s lively hub, you can easily reach pristine coastal trails, harmony-filled wildlife encounters, and coastal drives that reveal dramatic headlands, sea caves, and lighthouse panoramas. The onshore fleet of guided shore excursions, small-group wildlife safaris, and eco-friendly transport options makes it easy to tailor your day without sacrificing time on the water. Onboard services at the port are designed to keep you comfortable and informed—from multilingual guides and informative welcome desks to streamlined luggage handling and dependable transfer arrangements—so your island day flows smoothly from the moment your ship enters the harbor to a sunset idyll over The Nobbies.
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Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
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Language
English
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Time Zone
AEDT (UTC+11) / AEST (UTC+10)
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Best Time to Visit
Oct–Apr
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Typical Duration
31-35 nights
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Price Range
$270–$29,279 per person
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
No
Gateway to Australia's natural wonders, featuring the iconic Phillip Island Penguin Parade and pristine beaches along Victoria's Gippsland coast.
Cruises that visit Phillip Island, Victoria
- cruises to Phillip Island, Victoria
- Phillip Island, Victoria sailings
- Phillip Island, Victoria cruises
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 16-night Holland America Line cruise
- 18-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 21-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 30-night Holland America Line cruise
- 35-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 35-night Holland America Line cruise
- 42-night Holland America Line cruise
- 44-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 69-night Holland America Line cruise
- 96-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Phillip Island, Victoria
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 10:00 PM
Usually about 14 hours ashore
Getting around:
Penguin Parade
It's a must-see if going to Phillip Island
Nobbies Centre
Definitely a must see when at Phillip Island.
🕐 Temporarily closed
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Must visit whenever on trip to Phillip Island.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Phillip island was the highlight of our trip to Australia.
Maru Koala and Animal Park
I visited this place in the middle of the tour to Phillip Island.
Phillip Island Nature Parks - Information Centre
If you do nothing else on Phillip island, do the penguin parade!
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Fun area to visit in Phillip Island.
Pino's Trattoria
Easily one of the best spots to eat on Phillip Island!
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
Not to be missed activity on Phillip island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Victoria.
A Maze N Things Theme Park
A must do activity if you are in Phillip Island.
Phillip Island RSL Sub Branch - Lone Pine Bistro
Very nice open atmosphere, service with a smile and fair pricing.
Hotel Phillip Island
Very relaxed and friendly service and a nice range of beers on tap.
Koala Conservation Reserve
A must do in Phillip Island.
Penguin Plus
worth while waiting for little penguin to come home @ Phillip Island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Wildlife Coast Cruises - Cowes
Would highly recommend doing this if you’re visiting Phillip Island.
SALTWATER Phillip Island
Best restaurant on Phillip Island.
Forrest Caves
I am glad to have visited this place before departing from Phillip Island.
Westernport Hotel
Friendly service amazing music and atmosphere
Pyramid Rock Lookout
This is a must-visit for Phillip Island.
Island Burger Bar
Staff were so welcome, music had a great vibe and venue was cozy.
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
Pinnacles Lookout
A must visit destination on Phillip island.
Red Rocks Beach
This beach is where I live and probably is the nicest on Phillip Island.
Phillip Island Winery
The best place to eat on phillip island!!
The Wooli Tavern
Great service, fantastic cocktails and tastefully executed food
Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant & Bar
Looking forward to our next visit to Phillip Island.
Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar Phillip Island
The best meal we had at Phillip Island!
Chapel Lane, Restaurant & Bar
I am looking forward to my next trip to Phillip island to eat here again!
Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
One of the best tourist attractions in Victoria.
Island Helicopters
A must do when visiting Phillip Island.
Phillip House Restaurant- Modern Thai Cusine
Mod Eisley Cantina
Great beers section on tap and great hamburger and super friendly staff!!
Ocean Reach Brewing
Great beers, food and staff with a very relaxed atmosphere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Anerie
The food was the best we’ve had on Phillip Island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
One Stop Discount Shop
This place has everything you could need at really good prices.
🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Masala Bay - Cowes
We’ll definitely dine here when we are next at Phillip Island.
Churchill Island Marine National Park
Phillip Island’s hidden gem
The Palms Phillip Island
Don't miss this GEM when you come visit Phillip island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Flametrees Restaurant, Cafe & Bar
The alex is amazing 10/10 amazing food and amazing drinks
Dimmeys Cowes
Very affordable!
🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Green Gully Brewing & Distilling
great beer, great view, great vibes and great rooster 5/5 would go again
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Fri
Rip Curl Phillip Island
The only issue is they never have your size alot of the time.
🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Island Express
High-quality clothes great prices very friendly customer service ,
🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Salsa Corner | Best Mexican Restaurant, Cafe & Bar in Cowes VIC
Cowes Island Vintage
Lots of variety, nice staff
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
The Coffee Cave Cowes Bazzar Phillip Island
Prices range well made and correctly divined
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Cowes Shopping Centre
Was able to find everything that we needed and very conveniently.
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
TYDE
Beautiful high quality clothes in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere!
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Cowes Plaza
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Front Room Boutique
We’re fortunate to have this gem of a clothes shop in Bass Coast!
🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Phillip Island, Victoria
Cruise Lines at Phillip Island, Victoria
- Holland America Line (7 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (5 cruises)
- Carnival Cruise Line (4 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Phillip Island, Victoria
Cruises Visiting Phillip Island, Victoria
Ship Schedule at Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island, Victoria Location
Other Cruise Ports in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phillip Island best known for?
Penguin Parade and rugged coastal scenery near Melbourne.
How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne?
About 140 km southeast, roughly two hours by car.
When is the penguin parade?
Penguin parades typically occur at dusk, year-round with seasonal variations.
What activities are family-friendly on Phillip Island?
Wildlife viewing, beaches, koalas, museums, and scenic drives.