Penguin Parade! Need we say more? If hundreds of the world’s smallest (and therefore most adorable) penguins returning home from a hard day’s work isn’t enough to convince you to visit Phillip Island, Victoria, here are a few more factoids: Holidays to Phillip Island are just 140 km south of Melbourne, yet chockablock with beautiful coastline and beaches, koala selfies and fresh, local cuisine. Oh, and racecars. There’s gotta be something here you’ll love.
Things to Do on Phillip Island
Got a need for speed? The island’s motorsport history is enough to satisfy any gearhead. Kick your Phillip Island holiday into first gear with a walk on the Grand Prix Circuit from Siberia to Stoner Corner (yes, those are actual names for checkpoints along the circuit). You can even go full throttle with a “lightning ride”: Strap in with an actual racecar driver for an adrenaline-pumping lap around the track.
OK, now think of something that seems like the total opposite of racecars. Did you think of cute, cuddly marsupials? Get eye-to-eye from the treetops on the Koala Conservation Centre’s canopy boardwalk and befriend wallabies and dingoes down below. These are some selfies that are sure to impress your Insta-followers. Next, head to Summerlands Beach to see the legendary Penguin Parade. Trust us, it’s way better than the last Australia Day parade you went to. Plus, you won’t be drunk, so you can motor on over in one of lastminute.com.au’s Phillip Island car hire options. Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Dingo ate your sunnies? No big deal. You can always buy more in Cowes, on the north side of the island. Take a few snaps at the jetty, then walk south along Thompson Avenue. Dig through all those penguin-themed keychains and T-shirts to find treasures like surf gear, antiques, handcrafted stationery and jewellery. Drive over to Newhaven on the island’s eastern end for an uber-local specialty: chocolate, hot off the press.
Book Phillip Island packages around the second Saturday of the month to catch the Cowes Night Market, which is really more about stuffing your face than emptying your wallet. Try everything from Polish to Japanese specialities (and definitely try the paella). In the northeast, the fishing village of Rhyll takes “farm-to-fork” to a whole new level. Fish for your own rainbow trout dinner, then dine on wattleseed scones and Tasmanian oysters just plucked from the Bass Strait as you wait for it to be served.
Partying with the Penguin Parade is about as wild as the nightlife gets on this island. If you’re looking to knock a few back post-penguins, cheap Phillip Island package deals near the jetty in Cowes will leave you plenty of cash to shout a few rounds for the locals. Better yet, chill a few bottles of wine and throw it back to Year 12 with a hotel party. No parental permission needed. What’s Next?
The only permission you need to buy cheap Phillip Island holiday packages on lastminute.com.au is your own—and maybe your boss to take your leave. Book today and get ready for a trip that’s off the charts. Your future self thanks you.
Reviewed on 23 May 2021
Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2020
Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2021
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.
