Making the most of Phillip Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships cannot berth here, so you will be brought ashore by tender.
Cowes Jetty stands in Cowes, Phillip Island's largest town. The town centre, with shops, cafés and other amenities, is very close to the jetty and only about a 5-10 minute walk away.
Take a printable map ashore.
Phillip Island, known as nature island, lies in Western Port and combines natural beauty, sandy beaches, peaceful wetlands and distinctive wildlife experiences.
The Penguin Parade is certain to be the highlight of your visit. As daylight fades, little Penguins waddle across the beach towards the shelter of their homes among the sand dunes. This magical procession is an unforgettable sight.
Walk along the Nobbies boardwalk for views of the majestic, rugged south coast and its blowhole. Observe the Southern Hemisphere's second largest fur seal colony. Wildlife Coast Cruises offers seal trips aboard the luxurious 15m catamaran "The Kasey Lee", or the NEW Extreme Seal Rocks Eco-Tour. The Nobbies centre is Australia's newest marine attraction. Interactive displays and cameras that zoom in and out on seals, sharks and dolphins reveal the secrets of the remarkable southern marine environment.
Towering gums in the Koala Conservation centre and the woodlands of Oswin Roberts Reserve create a secure habitat for the island's koalas. See them from the close viewing area and treetop boardwalk at the visitor centre, or enjoy a gentle walk through Oswin Roberts Reserve's woodland.
Money
The currency is the Australian Dollar.
Staying connected
Plenty of cafés offering customers free WiFi around
Opening Hours and
Shops and services usually open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many trade late on Thursday or Friday evening, generally until 9pm, and all day Saturday. Shopping centres are often open on Sundays as well.
Remote rural roadhouses offer all essential services to the traveller and generally operate 24 hours a day on major highways. Tourist offices in visitor destinations, even well away from the usual routes, often open every day or at least through the week and on weekend mornings; city information centres more commonly observe standard shopping hours.
Museums, galleries, attended historic monuments and similar visitor attractions are often open daily, though opening hours can be irregular in rural communities.