Phillip Island Family Long Weekend Guide |
How to spend a couple of days uncovering the best of Phillip Island and surrounds with your family.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a fantastic family destination. No long car rides to deal with and when you arrive, you'll be greeted with turquoise water views, beautiful sandy beaches, amazing wildlife encounters and fun-filled family attractions.
Day 1
Depart Melbourne via the M1 and South Gippsland Highway
Pass through the village of Grantville you'll see Maru | Koala & Animal Park. Maru is a great stop enroute to the Island and the kids will love it. This award-winning family run park has a range of native animals, an awesome mini-golf course and caf©.
Just 15 minutes further on and you'll reach the gorgeous seaside town of San Remo. If you are visiting on a Thursday, Friday or a Sunday hop aboard Wildlife Coast Cruises for a one-hour Cape Woolamai Cruise, which departs the San Remo Jetty at 10.45 am.
Marvel at Cape Woolamai's spectacular 110-metre-high ancient granite cliffs and cruise the aqua blue water in search of the abundance of marine life, such as dolphins, seals and seabirds, regularly seen on this cruise.
If you arrive at midday you can witness the daily Pelican Feeding at the San Remo Jetty. Witness the antics of these large birds as they compete for seafood off cuts from the local fisherman's co-operative.
By this time, the kids will be ready for a bite to eat, so discover the freshest fish and chips at the San Remo Fishermans Co-Operative, or enjoy a pub lunch from the family friendly venues.
Travel across the famous bridge that marks your arrival onto Phillip Island and arrive at Amaze'N Things. (15 minutes from the Bridge)
Amaze'N Things has a 'Special Magical Family Experience' offer available on Wednesday and Saturdays until June 30, where for $150, two adults and two kids can experience Puzzle Island, Magic Manor and the Maze, then take part in a magic show and magic workshop with the in-house magician - The Yagman. Plus, the kids will take home a show bag of magic tricks.
Everyone will surely be exhausted by now and ready to relax! Only a few minutes away is the Island's main town of Cowes.
It's time to grab an early dinner before going out to watch the famous evening Penguin Parade.
After dinner, drive to the world-famous Penguin Parade ahead of sunset.
A 4 Parks Pass includes an evening at the Penguin Parade where you can witness the magical phenomenon of the world's smallest penguins waddling home to their sand dune burrows.
Also included in the pass is:
A visit to the Koala Conservation Centre
Churchill Island Heritage Farm entry
Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre
After an evening watching the penguins make their way home, it's time to return to Anchor Belle for a night of rest before another busy day exploring The Island.
Day 2
No doubt the kids will be eager to explore more of Phillip Island, so it's time to put the 4 Parks Pass to good use!
10 am
First up is a visit to the Koala Conservation Centre. Stroll through the eucalypt woodland and come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat. The unique tree top boardwalks and close viewing areas offer the kids (and adults) exceptional koala viewing opportunities.
Midday
Next up is the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre. Here you can take a virtual journey into the wonderful world of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. There are heaps of interactive experiences for the kids to enjoy and a fun Antarctic chill zone area. While here, take part in the 1 pm guided tour.
Grab a bite to eat before departing this cool multimedia experience.
1.30 pm
Last on the 4 Parks Pass is a visit to Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Enter via a winding gravel drive past beautiful Cape Baron Geese and internationally recognised wetlands. Churchill Island offers a range of great daily farming activities that the kids will just love!
The program includes:
- wagon rides, cow milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking, working dogs
4 pm
Back to Anchor Belle for a few hours of relaxing or the kids can enjoy the playground, including the giant jumping cushion
6 pm
Dinner out at Phillip Island RSL where you will enjoy family dining, affordable quality meals 7 days a week. The RSL is a fantastic venue that features modern comfortable surrounds with a great range of food and beverage options.
Day 3
10 am
There's no need to worry about wrangling suitcases and the kids early this morning because you don't have to check out until 2:30 pm. Take advantage of this time for sleep in or take a dip in the heated indoor pool with the kids before enjoying a final stroll on the beach.
12 pm
On your way home, take this kids to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and have lunch at their onsite caf©. See Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate where the kids can make their own chocolate bar creation.
Don't forget to check-in to all these pages on Facebook and share your holiday snaps on Instagram.
Use the #phillipisland hashtag. We'd love to see what you got up to during your Island adventure.
Source: Family fun escapes | visitphillipisland.com
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Phillip Island Family Long Weekend Guide
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ Pass: Phillip Island x 4 Parks
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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