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.
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language
English
Time Zone
AEDT (UTC+11) / AEST (UTC+10)
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Apr
Typical Duration
31-35 nights
Price Range
$270–$29,279 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
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
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 16-night Holland America Line cruise
- 18-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 20-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 30-night Holland America Line cruise
- 34-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 42-night Holland America Line cruise
- 44-night Oceania Cruises 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
Nobbies Centre
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
A Maze N Things Theme Park
Koala Conservation Reserve
Cowes Beach
Forrest Caves
Pinnacles Lookout
Red Rocks Beach
Phillip Island Winery
Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre
Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
Ventnor Beach
YCW Beach
Churchill Island
Purple Hen Winery
Flynns Beach
Bimbadeen Phillip Island
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)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (2 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
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.