Anya & Christian's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Things to see or do on the island.
Rug up when going to see the penguins- it gets cold! Make sure you get there early to get a good position to see the penguins.
319 locals recommend
Penguin Parade
1019 Ventnor RdRug up when going to see the penguins- it gets cold! Make sure you get there early to get a good position to see the penguins.
Rug up - it’s cold and windy,also wear comfy shoes so you can wander along the paths. See if you can spot any kangaroos!
117 locals recommend
Nobbies Centre
1320 Ventnor RdRug up - it’s cold and windy,also wear comfy shoes so you can wander along the paths. See if you can spot any kangaroos!
Take a step back in time and explore Churchill Island's heritage and natural beauty.
Experience a piece of Victoria’s heritage on this historic island, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the fragrant cottage gardens and lawns. Churchill Island is a working farm that boasts significant natural and cultural values with world-class wetlands, ancient Moonah trees, heritage gardens and historic buildings. Visit the old homestead or experience the daily farming activities including cow milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking, working dogs and wagon rides (school and public holidays only).
Farmers Market- some Saturday mornings
Working Heritage Farm
Farm Animals
Old Fashioned Farming Demonstrations
Licensed Café
Visitor Centre & Gift Shop
Cafe open for Breakfast & Lunch
History of Churchill Island Exhibition
School Holiday Activities
Weddings & Private Functions
Wheelchair & Pram Friendly
Disabled Facilities & Parking
Walking Trails
Location Churchill Island can be accessed via bridge from Phillip Island.
Bookings: Call +61 3 5956 7447 or 1300 366 422 for details.
198 locals recommend
Churchill Island
Take a step back in time and explore Churchill Island's heritage and natural beauty.
Experience a piece of Victoria’s heritage on this historic island, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the fragrant cottage gardens and lawns. Churchill Island is a working farm that boasts significant natural and cultural values with world-class wetlands, ancient Moonah trees, heritage gardens and historic buildings. Visit the old homestead or experience the daily farming activities including cow milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking, working dogs and wagon rides (school and public holidays only).
Farmers Market- some Saturday mornings
Working Heritage Farm
Farm Animals
Old Fashioned Farming Demonstrations
Licensed Café
Visitor Centre & Gift Shop
Cafe open for Breakfast & Lunch
History of Churchill Island Exhibition
School Holiday Activities
Weddings & Private Functions
Wheelchair & Pram Friendly
Disabled Facilities & Parking
Walking Trails
Location Churchill Island can be accessed via bridge from Phillip Island.
Bookings: Call +61 3 5956 7447 or 1300 366 422 for details.
A Maze 'N Things is an award winning attraction with its magical world of illusions, puzzles, mazes and magic - entertaining for adults and children alike. Puzzle Island, Illusion Rooms, Maze and Magic Manor.
232 locals recommend
A Maze N Things Theme Park
1805 Phillip Island RdA Maze 'N Things is an award winning attraction with its magical world of illusions, puzzles, mazes and magic - entertaining for adults and children alike. Puzzle Island, Illusion Rooms, Maze and Magic Manor.
Bringing the outdoors inside with the newest concept in indoor climbing. Get active, get healthy in a safe, fun and family friendly environment. Experience climbing on our colourful and unique wall challenges.
29 locals recommend
Clip 'n Climb Phillip Island
8 Industrial WayBringing the outdoors inside with the newest concept in indoor climbing. Get active, get healthy in a safe, fun and family friendly environment. Experience climbing on our colourful and unique wall challenges.
Get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife. See koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, a crocodile, native birds and more in the animal park.
21 locals recommend
Maru Koala and Animal Park
1650 Bass HwyGet up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife. See koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, a crocodile, native birds and more in the animal park.
Cruising is the best way to see Phillip Island's remote sea-faring wildlife, with amazing views from the bay or Bass Strait.
Experience Phillip Island from the water with Wildlife Coast Cruises. Offering several spectacular cruises around Phillip Island, discovering Wildlife such as; Seals, Dolphins, Whales and a range of birdlife. Whilst viewing wildlife in their natural environment, take in the fascinating scenic coastline of Phillip Island.
https://www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au/
Seal Watching Cruises: Sensational two-hour cruise witnessing one of Australia’s largest wild Fur Seal colonies at Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. The boat drifts within metres of thousands of seals regularly approaching the boat for a closer look at you!
Twilight Cruise: A relaxing one and a half sunset cruise on the beautiful Westernport bay. You’ll cruise along the shores of Phillip Island, historic French Island and past the Port of Hastings, whilst enjoying tasty nibbles, refreshments, licenced bar on-board and fantastic atmosphere.
Cape Woolamai Cruise: One-hour scenic coastal cruise departing San Remo Jetty to witness the magnificent granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai. Includes: tea and coffee, local commentary, cruise under the Phillip Island bridge, regular dolphin and seal sightings.
Market Cruise: Boarding from Cowes Jetty in the morning and returning in the afternoon, enjoy delicious cake, tea and coffee. While you cruise to meet your coach which will take you to one of Victoria’s best markets on Mornington Peninsula.
Winter Whale Cruise: June-August. Your opportunity to see the majestic Southern Whales, during their annual migration along the coastline. Circumnavigate Phillip Island with a freshly prepared lunch on board, enjoy sights of thousands of seals at Seal Rocks, see shy albatrosses along the southern coast, regular dolphin and the very special whale sightings once we find them!
Captain’s Lunch Cruise: Scenic three-hour cruise from Rhyll to Cape Woolamai with regular dolphin and seal sightings, morning tea, cruise under Phillip Island bridge, stopover at San Remo to watch pelican feeding, followed by fish ‘n chips lunch on board.
Bookings are required for all cruises.
Phone-
(03) 5952 3501
135 locals recommend
Wildlife Coast Cruises
11 The EsplanadeCruising is the best way to see Phillip Island's remote sea-faring wildlife, with amazing views from the bay or Bass Strait.
Experience Phillip Island from the water with Wildlife Coast Cruises. Offering several spectacular cruises around Phillip Island, discovering Wildlife such as; Seals, Dolphins, Whales and a range of birdlife. Whilst viewing wildlife in their natural environment, take in the fascinating scenic coastline of Phillip Island.
https://www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au/
Seal Watching Cruises: Sensational two-hour cruise witnessing one of Australia’s largest wild Fur Seal colonies at Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. The boat drifts within metres of thousands of seals regularly approaching the boat for a closer look at you!
Twilight Cruise: A relaxing one and a half sunset cruise on the beautiful Westernport bay. You’ll cruise along the shores of Phillip Island, historic French Island and past the Port of Hastings, whilst enjoying tasty nibbles, refreshments, licenced bar on-board and fantastic atmosphere.
Cape Woolamai Cruise: One-hour scenic coastal cruise departing San Remo Jetty to witness the magnificent granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai. Includes: tea and coffee, local commentary, cruise under the Phillip Island bridge, regular dolphin and seal sightings.
Market Cruise: Boarding from Cowes Jetty in the morning and returning in the afternoon, enjoy delicious cake, tea and coffee. While you cruise to meet your coach which will take you to one of Victoria’s best markets on Mornington Peninsula.
Winter Whale Cruise: June-August. Your opportunity to see the majestic Southern Whales, during their annual migration along the coastline. Circumnavigate Phillip Island with a freshly prepared lunch on board, enjoy sights of thousands of seals at Seal Rocks, see shy albatrosses along the southern coast, regular dolphin and the very special whale sightings once we find them!
Captain’s Lunch Cruise: Scenic three-hour cruise from Rhyll to Cape Woolamai with regular dolphin and seal sightings, morning tea, cruise under Phillip Island bridge, stopover at San Remo to watch pelican feeding, followed by fish ‘n chips lunch on board.
Bookings are required for all cruises.
Phone-
(03) 5952 3501
Food scene
Pino's Trattoria
29-31 Thompson AveLovely variety of Italian dishes - pizza, pasta.
Best fish & chips ever- note on the expensive side. Closest to us so you don’t have to go to Cowes. Eat in or take away- note hours - we have found sometimes deviates from those advertised.
Closed Monday.
Tuesday to Sunday
12–3:30pm
4:30–8pm
Can be busy.
37 locals recommend
Tides of Rhyll
11 Beach RdBest fish & chips ever- note on the expensive side. Closest to us so you don’t have to go to Cowes. Eat in or take away- note hours - we have found sometimes deviates from those advertised.
Closed Monday.
Tuesday to Sunday
12–3:30pm
4:30–8pm
Can be busy.
Favourite pizza here (pasta hasn’t been to our liking)- reasonably priced always our first go to for cheap meal. Eat in or take away - while waiting for food to be made you can view all their interesting items for sale.
Cafe Bazarre
158 Thompson AveFavourite pizza here (pasta hasn’t been to our liking)- reasonably priced always our first go to for cheap meal. Eat in or take away - while waiting for food to be made you can view all their interesting items for sale.
An amazing, entertaining, interactive and educational chocolate exhibition where you can see chocolate used and presented like nowhere else in the world. This is without doubt the sweetest attraction on Phillip Island. Curries are their specialty if you wish to have a meal.
208 locals recommend
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
930 Phillip Island RdAn amazing, entertaining, interactive and educational chocolate exhibition where you can see chocolate used and presented like nowhere else in the world. This is without doubt the sweetest attraction on Phillip Island. Curries are their specialty if you wish to have a meal.
Beautiful scenery whilst you eat - lots a variety food wise, great atmosphere.
60 locals recommend
Saltwater Phillip Island
2 Beach CresBeautiful scenery whilst you eat - lots a variety food wise, great atmosphere.
The Cape Kitchen
1215 Phillip Island RdMore expensive restaurant- great views and food.
City advice
What to pack
Don’t forget to pack .....
Comfy shoes to walk in, warm clothes (parka/ scarf/ beanie), of course swimmers if it’s hot and you are planning on going to the beach.
Getting around
Car needed
Travelling to, from and around Phillip Island a car is a must. Allows you to see and do so many things.
Don't miss
Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre
Great place to stop at on your way (left hand side) - plenty of brochures and ideas for your trip.
Where is it?
895 Phillip Island Tourist Road,
Newhaven VIC 3925
Phone- 1300 366 422
Don't miss
Supermarkets in Cowes
There are 3 supermarkets to choose from- Aldi, Woolworths or Coles. Fully stocked with anything you can think of. There is sure to be one open if you need it.
Don't miss
Need a chemist? Terry White Pharmacy in Cowes
Shop 2/164-166 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922
Phone: 03 5952 2299
TRADING HOURS
Monday 8:30am–6pm
Tuesday 8:30am–6pm
Wednesday 8:30am–6pm
Thursday 8:30am–6pm
Friday 8:30am–6pm
Saturday 8:30am–1pm
Sunday 9am–1pm
Don't miss
Need to see a doctor?
Cowes Medical Centre - (03) 5951 1800 Sunday Closed
Monday 8:30am–7pm
Tuesday 8am–8pm
Wednesday 8am–8pm
Thursday 8am–8pm
Friday 8:30am–5pm
Saturday 9am–1pm