The Perfect Phillip Island Full Day Itinerary - From Sunrise to Sunset

Only have a day to spare but keen to see the best of Phillip Island? We’ve curated the perfect one-day itinerary - so you can be sure that you’ll be seeing the very best of Phillip Island from sunrise to sunset.

You may be visiting Phillip Island for the penguins, but there are also plenty of must-visit attractions and things to do on the island!

From nature parks to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, you’re definitely in for a fantastic day away from the city! Read on for the best way to spend your day at Phillip Island.

From Melbourne, hop on your car and go on a 2-hour drive south to Phillip Island. We recommend taking the coastal drive to pass through scenic views! You can even stop by Brighton Beach or St. Kilda’s for a quick photoshoot.

If you’re not one to drive, public transport options to Phillip Island are also available! Just check out the V/Line coach services and Western Port Ferries passenger ferries for schedules.

Phillip Island’s weather is partly cloudy most of the time. If you’re looking for the optimal time to visit Phillip Island, tourism peaks from December to February and then from June to August. Summers are short, and winters may get windy at times, so make sure you bring your jackets if you visit during the cold season.

As for the Phillip Island penguins, they usually hang out all year round - just make sure to note that they arrive at different times throughout the year. They can arrive as early as 5:15 pm or as late as 8:45 pm! For more information about their arrival times, you can check here.

The adorable Phillip Island penguins start their parade around sunset, giving you ample time for other things to do in Phillip Island during the day! 

Here’s our recommended day trip itinerary to maximise your time on this magnificent wildlife island:

Not only do you get a great discount compared to individually buying tickets to each attraction, this 4 Parks Pass is also valid for six months from the date of purchase. So in case a day isn’t enough for all the best things to do in Phillip Island, you can visit them any time in the next six months!

Start your day by exploring the bushland and meeting animals other than the Phillip Island penguins at the Koala Conservation Reserve! Conquer two treetop boardwalks to get up close with the reserve’s friendly resident koalas: Lisa, Cassie, Lindsay, and Bunji! Haven’t really gotten off the couch since lockdown? No worries, the treetop boardwalks are relatively easy and are each only 20 minutes long! Then, you can learn more about these cuddly creatures when you check out the interactive displays by the visitor centre. 

Aside from koalas, keep your eyes peeled for other Australian wildlife such as gentle wallabies, echidnas, and colourful native birds as you trail along 6 hectares of majestic Australian bushland. Kids can even create their wildlife adventure at the free-to-access Nature Play area!

If you want to bring home a keepsake, Koala Conservation Reserve lets you collect and plant a seed at their Native Seed Station. 

Experience farm-themed things to do near Phillip Island and tranquil walking trails when you visit the historic Churchill Island! You can bask in the splendid views across Western Point, look out for jet-setting birds on the island’s range of walking trails, or enjoy a warm cup of joe by the cafe! 

The North Point loop is the shortest walking trail and takes only an hour to finish, while the Island loop tours you around for 2 hours. You can also embark on the third option, Wadjil’garook Wetland, where you can spot wetland birds and discover more about aboriginal culture.

After a fun stroll, head to Churchill Island’s farm grounds to try your hand in blacksmithing, cow milking, sheep shearing, and whip cracking! You can also spend your time marvelling at restored 1850s cottages and heritage gardens. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, drop by the cafe and try out their menu of all-day breakfasts, cakes, and coffee.

Looking for unique things to do in Phillip Island? Before the iconic Phillip Island penguins arrive, stop by Antarctic Journey in The Nobbies Centre and venture into a virtual voyage to Antarctica. Here you can learn about climate resilience, conservation efforts, and more with immersive and interactive experiences!

Things to do in this amazing Phillip Island landmark include thermal image checking and “feeling the freeze” at The Lab. With the Antarctic landscape as your backdrop, you can also listen to Antarctic wildlife sights and sounds and learn about animal calls at The Sound Lab and Research Station. 

Aside from the Phillip Island penguins, you’ll get to see virtual penguins here as well as seals and whales, thanks to their cutting edge technology - we can bet that the kids will love this!

If you’re feeling a little peckish after , head to Nobbies Centre Cafe to enjoy MSC certified seafood, burgers, or ice cream!

After a fun day touring around parks and attractions, it’s time for the main event - the Phillip Island penguin parade! Head to the parade site at Ventnor Road an hour ahead and choose from three viewing decks.

General viewing lets you watch the parade via tiered seating that overlooks the pristine Summerlands Beach! Get up close and personal with Little Penguins from a special grandstand when you try out the Penguins Plus experience. For the closest encounter with the Phillip Island penguins, view them underground and observe Little Penguins waddle past the window!

While the parade doesn’t start before the sun sets, we recommend you arrive 1 hour before the scheduled penguin arrival time to check out the award-winning interactive and educational displays!

Not only do you get a great discount compared to individually buying tickets to each attraction, this 4 Parks Pass is also valid for six months from the date of purchase. So in case a day isn’t enough for all the best things to do in Phillip Island, you can visit them any time in the next six months!

If you want to visit more attractions during your trip to Phillip Island, you can also check out Phillip Island chocolate factory!

See how your favourite sweet treat is made inside this famous Phillip Island landmark and get a chance to participate in the chocolate-making process. Of course, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory tour isn’t complete without getting a taste of this well-loved dessert. 

If you want to see more wildlife other than the Phillip Island penguins, embark on this seal-watching cruise that lets you visit the home of Australia’s largest fur seal colony!

Voyage through pristine waters on this 2-hour wildlife cruise that takes you to Seal Rocks, home to around 5,000 fur seals. This cruise will also bring you to the picturesque Nobbies Cave, where you can see how waves crash into these rock formations.

Continue your wildlife adventure at Phillip Island aboard this 3-hour cruise that gives you an 80% guarantee of a whale sighting! Hop on a luxury vessel to see friendly humpbacks and Southern Right whales on their way to annual migration. 

Other playful creatures you can see along the way are seals and migratory birds, so keep an eye out for them! In case the Phillip Island weather gets a bit chilly, complimentary tea is provided on board to keep you warm.