Phillip Island, Victoria

Phillip Island, Victoria

Australia

Watch thousands of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset in the world's largest penguin parade.

💱 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

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 Wildlife park · ★ 4.4 · 12k
Nobbies Centre Definitely a must see when at Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 9k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Must visit whenever on trip to Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 8k
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Phillip island was the highlight of our trip to Australia. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 5k
Maru Koala and Animal Park I visited this place in the middle of the tour to Phillip Island. Wildlife park · ★ 4.3 · 4k
Phillip Island Nature Parks - Information Centre If you do nothing else on Phillip island, do the penguin parade! Nature preserve · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Churchill Island Heritage Farm Fun area to visit in Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Pino's Trattoria Easily one of the best spots to eat on Phillip Island! Pizza · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Phillip Island Wildlife Park Not to be missed activity on Phillip island. Wildlife park · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Phillip Island Phillip Island is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Victoria. Island · ★ 4.7 · 3k
A Maze N Things Theme Park A must do activity if you are in Phillip Island. Theme park · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Phillip Island RSL Sub Branch - Lone Pine Bistro Very nice open atmosphere, service with a smile and fair pricing. Bar · ★ 4.1 · 2k
Hotel Phillip Island Very relaxed and friendly service and a nice range of beers on tap. Pub · ★ 4.2 · 2k
Koala Conservation Reserve A must do in Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Penguin Plus worth while waiting for little penguin to come home @ Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Wildlife Coast Cruises - Cowes Would highly recommend doing this if you’re visiting Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
SALTWATER Phillip Island Best restaurant on Phillip Island. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Forrest Caves I am glad to have visited this place before departing from Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Westernport Hotel Friendly service amazing music and atmosphere Pub · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Pyramid Rock Lookout This is a must-visit for Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Island Burger Bar Staff were so welcome, music had a great vibe and venue was cozy. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
Pinnacles Lookout A must visit destination on Phillip island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Red Rocks Beach This beach is where I live and probably is the nicest on Phillip Island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Phillip Island Winery The best place to eat on phillip island!! Winery · ★ 4.6 · 1k
The Wooli Tavern Great service, fantastic cocktails and tastefully executed food Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant & Bar Looking forward to our next visit to Phillip Island. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar Phillip Island The best meal we had at Phillip Island! Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
Chapel Lane, Restaurant & Bar I am looking forward to my next trip to Phillip island to eat here again! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Penguin Parade Visitor Centre One of the best tourist attractions in Victoria. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Island Helicopters A must do when visiting Phillip Island. Helicopter tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Phillip House Restaurant- Modern Thai Cusine Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Mod Eisley Cantina Great beers section on tap and great hamburger and super friendly staff!! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Ocean Reach Brewing Great beers, food and staff with a very relaxed atmosphere. Brewery · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Anerie The food was the best we’ve had on Phillip Island. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
One Stop Discount Shop This place has everything you could need at really good prices. Warehouse store · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Masala Bay - Cowes We’ll definitely dine here when we are next at Phillip Island. Modern Indian restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Churchill Island Marine National Park Phillip Island’s hidden gem Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
The Palms Phillip Island Don't miss this GEM when you come visit Phillip island. Australian · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Flametrees Restaurant, Cafe & Bar The alex is amazing 10/10 amazing food and amazing drinks Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Dimmeys Cowes Very affordable! Department store · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Green Gully Brewing & Distilling great beer, great view, great vibes and great rooster 5/5 would go again Brewpub · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Fri
Rip Curl Phillip Island The only issue is they never have your size alot of the time. Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Island Express High-quality clothes great prices very friendly customer service , Clothing store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Salsa Corner | Best Mexican Restaurant, Cafe & Bar in Cowes VIC Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Cowes Island Vintage Lots of variety, nice staff Home goods store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
The Coffee Cave Cowes Bazzar Phillip Island Prices range well made and correctly divined Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Cowes Shopping Centre Was able to find everything that we needed and very conveniently. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
TYDE Beautiful high quality clothes in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere! Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Cowes Plaza Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Front Room Boutique We’re fortunate to have this gem of a clothes shop in Bass Coast! Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Phillip Island, Victoria

About Phillip Island, Victoria

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.

Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Witness the Penguin Parade

Experience one of Australia's most iconic wildlife spectacles at Phillip Island's famous Penguin Parade. Watch little penguins return to shore at sunset in their natural habitat, a mesmerizing display that occurs nightly year-round. This unique encounter offers unforgettable memories of Australia's native wildlife in an authentic, protected environment.

2

Explore Nobbies Beach & Seal Rocks

Walk along dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine sandy beaches at Nobbies, where you'll spot Australian fur seals lounging on offshore rocks. The scenic boardwalks provide stunning ocean vistas and excellent photo opportunities, while the visitor center offers insights into the island's marine ecosystem and geological formations.

3

Taste Fresh Local Seafood

Savor Phillip Island's renowned fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants and casual eateries featuring local catches like barramundi, flathead, and king prawns. Pair your meal with Australian wines while enjoying views of the surrounding coastline, experiencing authentic regional flavors that showcase Victoria's culinary excellence.

4

Browse Cowes Village Markets

Stroll through charming Cowes, the island's main village, where local markets and boutique shops offer handcrafted souvenirs, artisan goods, and Australian-made products. The relaxed seaside atmosphere, colorful storefronts, and friendly locals create the perfect setting for discovering unique gifts and experiencing genuine island culture.

5

Discover Aboriginal Heritage Sites

Learn about the Boon Wurrung people's 6,000-year connection to Phillip Island at cultural heritage sites and interpretive centers throughout the region. These meaningful experiences provide insight into Indigenous history, traditional practices, and the island's cultural significance before European settlement.

Cruise Lines at Phillip Island, Victoria

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.