Wildlife Encounters - One Day Itinerary
Penguins, seals, koalas, whales, echidnas, swamp wallabies, cape barren geese, hooded plovers and more... Phillip Island is a haven for unique Australian wildlife. Encounter them in their natural habitats while enjoying these family-friendly experiences.
9am: Whale watching at Pyramid Rock (May-Oct)
Pyramid Rock is possibly one of the most picturesque spots on Phillip Island. It's also the best place to spot whales on their annual migration. Visit between the months of May and October for the best chance at seeing whales - and don't forget to pack binoculars and a camera. In the summer months, enjoy wandering the boardwalks and watch as birds of prey circle the sky above and echidnas and wallabies make their way through the lush native vegetation below.
11am: Geese gazing in the Summerland Peninsula
At the far, western tip of Phillip Island, you will find the Summerland Peninsula - a place of historic prominence and full of stories to share. The most important being the conservation success story of bringing back the Little Penguin colony that was on the brink of extinction in the late 80s (read it before your visit). Enjoy the tranquil bay views as you drive the winding roads from the Penguin Parade to the Nobbies Centre. Keep your eye out for Swamp Wallabies hopping through the marram grass, birds of prey soaring overhead and most importantly, the Cape Barren Geese wandering across the roads! They like to live their lives in the slow lane, so take caution while driving and soak in the serenity around you while waiting for them to cross.
12pm: Lunch with a view at the Nobbies
Once you reach the Nobbies Centre at the very tip of the Summerland Peninsula, it's time for lunch at the Nobbies Fish & Chippery. The menu has every appetite covered! Tuck into sustainably caught, MSC certified fish and chip classics, or opt for a juicy burger or yummy salad. For drinks, you can’t go past a milkshake, but there’s also coffee, tea and a selection of smoothies and juices.
1:30pm: Take an Antarctic Journey
After re-fuelling at the cafe, you’re set to embark on a new adventure – enter the Antarctic Journey, a joint project between us and WWF-Australia. The whole family will be immersed in the world of the deep Southern Ocean and its wildlife through multimedia displays, interactive games and augmented reality screens. It’s a hands-on way to explore and learn about what makes this remote continent so special, and what we can do to protect it together.
4pm: Bird watching at Swan Lake
Only a few minutes drive back from the Antarctic Journey is Swan Lake, a significant site for the Traditional Custodians of Millowl (Phillip Island), the Bunurong. It’s also a protected nature reserve with easy trails and boardwalks to explore through the lush landscape and around the spectacular freshwater lake. Be sure to bring the binoculars, because this is home to Black Swans, Swamp Harriers, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Cormorants, Purple Swamp Hens and many more. There are two bird watching shelters you can settle into for the optimum bird watching experience.
Sunset: Penguin spotting at the parade
End the day with a wild and wondrous family favourite. Head to the Penguin Parade an hour before sunset to witness the world’s largest Little Penguin colony waddle in from the waves and back to their burrows. You can also spot other native wildlife like the precious Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Swamp Wallabies, Purple Swamp Hens and Cape Barren Geese. Ask the nearby rangers all of your wildlife questions, they love talking penguin! Now that’s what we call a fun-filled family day.
