Off the coast of Victoria lies a sanctuary bursting with family-friendly experiences, from wildlife encounters and sun-soaked beachcapades to cultural immersions and gourmet excursions.

Whether you’re sailing from the Bellarine Peninsula via Searoad Ferries or driving straight in from Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island is worth the journey.

So, pack up your bags and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable holiday getaway itinerary of the best things to do with kids on Phillip Island.

The Best Family-Friendly Destinations on Phillip Island

1

Penguin Parade

Watch Phillip Island’s famous little penguins waddle ashore at sunset and return to their burrows in one of Australia’s best-known wildlife experiences.

2

The Nobbies

Explore scenic coastal boardwalks with sweeping views of Bass Strait, dramatic rock formations and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

3

San Remo Foreshore

Watch the famous daily pelican feeding, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy scenic views across Western Port Bay.

4

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Step back in time at this working heritage farm, where families can meet farm animals, explore historic buildings and watch traditional farming demonstrations.

5

A Maze ‘N Things

Keep the whole family entertained with optical illusions, interactive puzzles, themed rooms and a giant timber maze.

6

Phillip Island Go Karts

Race around a 750-metre replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit while enjoying impressive coastal views.

7

Western Port Ferries

Take a scenic ferry trip from Phillip Island to peaceful French Island for wildlife spotting, cycling and guided island adventures.

8

Cowes Beach

Enjoy a relaxed family beach day with calm water, sandy shores, picnic areas and cafés within easy walking distance.

9

Smiths Beach

Spend the day surfing, exploring rock pools or simply enjoying the coastal setting at one of Phillip Island’s popular family beaches.

10

Koala Conservation Reserve

Wander through native bushland and treetop boardwalks for close-up views of koalas, wallabies, echidnas and native birds.

11

Wildlife Coast Cruises

Cruise around Phillip Island’s coastline to spot seals, seabirds, dolphins and, during migration season, whales in their natural environment.

12

Café Lugano

Stop for a relaxed family brunch in Cowes, with generous café favourites, sweet treats and plenty of kid-friendly options.

13

Pino’s Trattoria

Enjoy a family-friendly Italian meal in Cowes with pizzas, pasta, generous portions and a dedicated selection for younger diners.

14

Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island

Stay in a relaxed beachfront holiday park offering cabins, villas, camping sites and easy access to the beach.

15

Kaloha Holiday Resort

Base the family close to Cowes and major Phillip Island attractions while enjoying a pool, playground and beachfront accommodation.

Parks & Attractions

1

Watch the Largest Colony of Little Penguins at Penguin Parade

No visit to the island is complete without experiencing the top attraction on the island and one of nature’s cutest spectacles, the Penguin Parade. Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in the world, and the Penguin Parade allows you to see a bunch of these adorable creatures up close.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Sit back and relax as you wait for groups of penguins to waddle their way from the sea to their burrows. It’s like watching a cartoon, but only in real life!
  • If you want to be closer to the action, you can upgrade to Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing, which offers a more intimate view of these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Join a guided family wildlife tour for a unique, out-of-the-classroom learning experience on top of an intimate viewing of the penguins.

Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia

2

Soak Up Breathtaking Coastal Views at The Nobbies Boardwalks

The Nobbies is one of Phillip Island’s most spectacular coastal attractions, with scenic boardwalks overlooking Bass Strait, rugged rock formations and abundant wildlife. With spectacular clifftop views overlooking the Bass Strait, it’s the perfect place to witness the beauty of the island’s coastline.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Take a scenic, relaxing stroll along the 500-metre boardwalks that wind through the rocky terrain and enjoy the sounds and views of the crashing waves against rock formations.
  • Spot local wildlife such as fur seals, silver gulls and pelicans, or watch for short-tailed shearwaters returning to Phillip Island from waters near Alaska in late September.

Address: 1320 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia

3

Watch Daily Pelican Feeding at San Remo Foreshore

Make a stop at the San Remo Foreshore at 12 noon to see one of Phillip Island’s most-loved daily traditions. Hosted by the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op, the free Pelican Feeding is both an entertaining wildlife encounter and an educational talk, with trained feeders sharing insights into the pelicans, their lives in Westernport Bay, and the local marine environment.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Kids can watch these impressive birds gather at the water’s edge and see their enormous bills and distinctive pouches up close.
  • The feeding includes an educational talk about the pelicans and their life in Westernport Bay, turning a fun outing into an engaging learning experience.
  • After the feeding, families can stroll along San Remo Pier and look for stingrays gliding through the water beneath the jetties.

Address: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia

Related: Things to do with kids in Geelong

4

Explore the Historical Grounds of Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Take the family back to the days of traditional farming at Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a historic working farm connected to Phillip Island by a bridge. Kids can explore the heritage buildings and gardens, meet Highland cattle and other farm animals, and watch daily demonstrations such as cow milking, sheep shearing, whip cracking and working dog displays.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Kids can get close to Highland cattle, horses, sheep and other animals while learning about life on a working heritage farm.
  • During school holidays, families can enjoy wagon rides through the island’s rolling paddocks, while the newer Highland Cattle Experience gives visitors the chance to hand-feed the famous shaggy cattle.
  • The island has easy walking trails, historic gardens and wetlands where children can spot birds and discover more about the area's Indigenous culture and natural environment.

Address: 246 Samuel Amess Dr, Churchill Island VIC 3925, Australia

Add a Scenic Detour to Your Phillip Island Adventure

If you’re looking to add a scenic twist to your Phillip Island trip, why not take a detour via Searoad Ferries between Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas? This 40-minute crossing over Port Phillip Bay offers a relaxing break from the long road trip, with open-air decks, comfortable lounge areas, and onboard food and drink that invite you to slow down and soak in the stunning coastal scenery. Along the way, you can spot seabirds or dolphins and watch the landscape change as you approach the ferry’s destination, making the journey itself a memorable part of your Phillip Island adventure.

Book Your Ferry Trip

Outdoor Adventure Activities for Families

5

Get Lost in the Wonders of A Maze ‘N Things

A Maze ‘N Things is an award-winning theme park that your kid will never want to leave once they enter its doors. Offering hours of kids' activities on Phillip Island,  the park is packed with optical illusions, mind-bending puzzles, and challenging mazes that will test the whole family’s perception and problem-solving skills.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Walk through rooms that trick the eye and mind, from the shrinking corridors to floating tap illusions.
  • Journey through time in the Time Machine, vanish into the Disappearing Room, and be amazed by the spellbinding holographic magic show in the Magic Manor.
  • Test your navigation skills and find each flag in Australia’s largest 3D timber maze.

Address: 1805 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Related: Things to do with kids in Geelong

6

Race Through the Coastal Circuit of Phillip Island Go Karts

Feel the speed along the fast-flowing corners of the 750-metre replica of the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Located along the stunning coastal cliffs of Phillip Island, Phillip Island Go Karts has the backdrop of the Bass Strait, making it one of the most scenic racetracks in the world.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • The Sodi 2Drive Tandem Go Karts have twin seats and dual steering for grown-ups and little ones, so everyone in the family can experience riding the go-kart at one of Victoria's most iconic racetracks.
  • Feel the wind on your skin as you zoom around the racetrack with the sweeping coastal views in the backdrop.
  • Explore Phillip Island’s rich racing history at the History of Motorsport Display, which traces local motorsport from Australia’s first car Grand Prix in 1928 through to modern racing and features an impressive collection of Grand Prix motorcycles.

Address: 381 Back Beach Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922, Australia

7

Sail Through Western Port Bay to French Island with Western Port Ferries

If you can’t get enough of wildlife and adventure, why not explore Phillip Island’s neighbouring island as well? Western Port Ferries takes you to the secluded natural haven of French Island, where you can experience a truly off-the-grid adventure and a glimpse of a slower-paced, eco-friendly way of living.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Spot dolphins and seabirds on board, as if it’s a mini wildlife safari on water.
  • Soak up the sun and the sea breeze as you make your way to the islands, taking in the stunning views and breathing in the salty air.
  • As you arrive on French Island, you can ride bikes or join a guided 4WD tour with Naturaliste Tours to explore the island’s rich wildlife.

From Phillip Island: 11-13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
From Stony Point: Stony Point Jetty, 1 Stony Point Rd, Crib Point VIC 3919, Australia
From French Island: Tankerton Rd, French Island VIC 3921, Australia

Family-Friendly Beaches

8

Bask in the Sun at Cowes Beach

Cowes Beach is the heart of family beach days on Phillip Island. With its wide sandy stretches, calm waters, and nearby picnic spots, playgrounds, and cafés, it offers endless things to do on Phillip Island with kids.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Spend the day swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, or simply strolling along the golden shores with the gorgeous views of Westernport Bay.
  • Pack up your picnic essentials and settle on the grassy reserve set under tall, shady pines.
  • Grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink at the cafés and eateries just a short stroll away from the beach.

Address: The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

9

Learn to Ride the Waves at Smiths Beach

For the young thrill-seekers and adventure junkies, Smiths Beach is Phillip Island’s go-to spot. Tucked away on the coast with its surrounding open pastures and headlands, it is a piece of paradise that offers its guests both a relaxing and thrilling beach experience.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Its consistent waves are ideal for surfers from all skill levels, from beginners who wish to catch their first wave to advanced surfers looking for some challenge.
  • Splash around the shallow rock pools or explore the underwater marine creatures at the larger pools.
  • Learn how to ride the waves from the pros or rent surfboards, paddle boards, or wetsuits at the local surf shops.

Address: Smith's Beach Road, Smiths Beach, Victoria, 3922

Wildlife Encounters

10

Get Up Close and Personal with Koalas at Koala Conservation Reserve

Koala Conservation Reserve is home to lush native bushland inhabited by various Australian wildlife creatures, including the star residents, the koalas. Spanning six hectares, kids and families can spend the entire day immersed in the reserve’s abundant wildlife.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Walk through the 800- and 600-metre treetop boardwalks and get up close and personal with koalas as they lounge in the trees or eat eucalyptus leaves.
  • Spot the wallabies, echidnas, and colourful native birds that call the reserve home.
  • Learn more about the wildlife and the conservation efforts to protect them from the interactive and informative displays.

Address: 1810 Phillip Island Rd, Rhyll VIC 3923, Australia

11

Sail into Seal Territory with Wildlife Coast Cruises

Wildlife Coast Cruises takes you around the stunning shores of Phillip Island, Seal Rocks, Westernport Bay, and Wilsons Promontory. Their tours offer different experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and coastline of Phillip Island.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Watch out for seals in their natural habitat and spot a variety of seabirds along the way in a 2-hour coastal wildlife cruise.
  • Take in the breathtaking views of Churchill, Reef, and Elizabeth Islands as you listen to the live music onboard in the Island Sunset Cruise.
  • Keep an eye out for humpback and southern right whales on the Dolphin & Whale Cruise.

Address: 11 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Dining and Café Options for Families

12

Savour a Hearty Brunch at Café Lugano

Café Lugano is a family favourite in Cowes, serving up generous plates of brunch classics. With a cosy atmosphere, it’s the ideal pitstop before or after your island adventures.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • The kids’ menu is packed with crowd-pleasers like pancakes with vanilla ice cream, egg and bacon toast, fries, and toasties.
  • Sweet tooths will go wild for the fluffy pancakes, hot chocolates, and refreshing milkshakes.
  • Try the café’s bestselling eggs benedict, smoked salmon, poached eggs, and chilli scrambled eggs.

Address: 71 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

13

Experience a True Italian Feast at Pino’s Trattoria

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that brings the whole family together, Pino’s Trattoria is the place to be. This restaurant has been serving locals and tourists alike with authentic Italian cuisine for more than 30 years, cementing its place as one of the iconic places on Phillip Island.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Portions are generous, meaning there’s plenty to share (or take home for late-night snacks).
  • Their pizza selection spans 16 different flavours for little pizza lovers to pick their favourite or try something new.
  • Kids can fill their tummies with rigatoni bolognese, gnocchi pomodoro, baby herb cotoletta with chips, or baby parmigiana.

Address: 29-31 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Best Family Accommodations

14

Enjoy a Camping Trip at Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island

Nestled in a natural bush setting at the beachfront, Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island is just a stone’s throw away from the local shops, cafés, and restaurants. The laidback vibe of the campsite and the complete amenities make it a great place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Choose from their diverse accommodation options, from bunk cabins to three-bedroom deluxe villas, where the whole family can feel at home.
  • Pitch a tent or bring your caravan to the campsite's powered or unpowered sites for a comfortable yet immersive camping experience.

  • The beach access makes it a perfect base for spontaneous swims and sunset strolls.

Address: 24 Old Bridge Dr, Newhaven VIC 3925, Australia

15

Stay in the Centre of the Action at Kaloha Holiday Resort

Kaloha Holiday Resort is surrounded by Phillip Island's most popular attractions, including Penguin Parade, Amaze ‘N Things, Cowes Beach, and the Grand Prix Circuit. It’s the ideal base for your getaway as everything is within easy reach, especially if you have plenty of to do on Phillip Island with kids. 

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Even without stepping out of the resort, families can enjoy the large saltwater swimming pool, spa, and playground.
  • Indulge in tapas plates, fresh seafood, and light snacks in their on-site restaurant, The Palms, amidst beautiful, lush tropical gardens.
  • Wake up to the view and sounds of the beach from their beachfront villas.

Address: Cnr Steele and Chapel St, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Seasonal Events and Festivals

16

Watch the Giants of the Sea in their Annual Arrival at the Island Whale Festival

Every year, from May to September, Phillip Island plays host to humpback and southern right whales as they migrate along the coastline, and the Island Whale Festival serves as a celebration of these ocean giants. With whale-spotting cruises, interactive kids' activities, and talks by marine experts, it’s an exciting mix of fun and education for the whole family.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Hop aboard special whale-watching cruises where kids can spot whales swimming and tail-slapping right before their eyes.
  • Take part in hands-on craft workshops and marine-themed activities designed especially for young ocean lovers.
  • Meet real marine scientists and learn cool facts about whales, dolphins, and seals.

When: Held annually in winter; check the official Island Whale Festival website for the latest dates.

Address: Various locations across Phillip Island, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Victoria, 3922

17

Savour the Flavours of the Sea at Tidal Seafood Festival

Just a little under a 30-minute drive from Phillip Island, the Tidal Seafood Festival celebrates the local fishing industry and the rich history of the region as a seafood haven. Even if you’re not a fan of seafood, there will surely be plenty of things for you and the whole family to enjoy.

Why Kids Will Love It:

  • Jam along to live music and entertainment that fills the place with energy and festival vibes.
  • Enjoy kid-friendly food stalls serving up classics like hot chips, burgers, sweet treats, and other culinary delights.
  • Take part in hands-on craft activities, face painting, and fun games designed just for little festival-goers.

When: 19 to 21 September 2025

Address: San Remo Foreshore Park VIC 3925, Australia

Tips for Visiting Phillip Island with Kids

1

Time Your Visit Right

The best time to visit Phillip Island is generally during the warmer months, from November to March. The pleasant, mild weather makes it ideal for beach escapades. It’s also a popular time to visit the Penguin Parade, although penguin numbers and arrival patterns naturally vary throughout the year. If whale watching is your priority, schedule your visit from late May to September, with peak season in June and July.

2

Pack Smart for All Seasons

Bring sunscreen, hats, and swimmers for sunny days, but don’t forget warm jackets and blankets. Phillip Island evenings can get cold even in summer due to the cool breeze off Bass Strait, so a jacket might be advisable for those attending the nightly Penguin Parade.

3

Book Accommodations and Attractions in Advance

Secure your family-friendly stays early, especially during weekends, school holidays, and festival periods when Phillip Island gets crowded. Popular attractions and wildlife parks often have limited session times, so booking ahead guarantees your preferred slots and helps avoid disappointed little faces!

Wrap Up Your Phillip Island Escape with a Scenic Searoad Ferries Ride!

With plenty of things to do in Phillip Island with kids, your family adventure doesn’t have to end when you leave the island. For families continuing their journey from Phillip Island through the Mornington Peninsula and across to the Bellarine Peninsula, Searoad Ferries can turn the Sorrento–Queenscliff crossing into another memorable part of the trip. Kids will love spotting dolphins from the deck, enjoying the fresh sea breeze, and grabbing a refreshing treat at the onboard café. 

Then, as you arrive in Queenscliff, you can keep the fun rolling with a quick detour into Geelong, just about a 30-minute drive from the Searoad Ferries terminal. You’ll discover plenty of things to do with kids in Geelong, from relaxed family outings to educational and cultural experiences.  So, make the most of your return journey by turning it into another memorable family experience with Searoad Ferries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Searoad Ferries Team

The Searoad Ferries Team is a collection of local travel experts who believe every journey deserves a deeper story. Through extensive research and firsthand insights, we craft compelling narratives that spotlight culture, community, and lesser-known experiences, guiding readers toward travel that feels more personal, informed, and genuinely memorable.

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to do for free in Phillip Island?

The Nobbies is a standout free attraction, with scenic boardwalks offering spectacular coastal views and opportunities to spot wildlife, while Cowes Beach is ideal for swimming, relaxing, picnicking and enjoying the foreshore. You can also explore the island’s scenic coastline and nature reserves, making it easy to put together a budget-friendly day out.

2. What time do penguins come out on Phillip Island?

The little penguins at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade come ashore around sunset each evening. However, there isn’t a fixed arrival time as it changes throughout the year depending on sunset and the penguins’ natural behaviour, so it’s best to check the Penguin Arrival Calendar and arrive at least an hour before sunset.

3. What to do in Cowes with kids?

Kids can swim and play at Cowes Beach, challenge themselves at A Maze’N Things, get up close to Australian wildlife at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, or enjoy a family-friendly meal at one of the cafés and restaurants along the Esplanade.