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Viewpoint · Cowes, Victoria
The Nobbies
Visitor centre on Phillip Island’s western tip, with boardwalks over the cliffs, the blowhole and views toward Seal Rocks, Australia’s largest seal colony.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About The Nobbies
The Nobbies Centre is at Point Grant, on the west tip of Phillip Island, facing the Bass Strait. From here you can see the Nobbies, rock formations on the shore, and, further out, Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals, numbering in the thousands.
A network of wooden boardwalks with ramps winds around the cliffs and leads to sea-facing viewpoints. When the sea is rough, the blowhole—a fissure in the rock—shoots water spray into the air. Colonies of seabirds and some penguins live on the slopes, nesting in burrows among the vegetation.
The centre has a café, a shop and binoculars for seal viewing. The Antarctic Journey exhibition, paid separately, covers life in the Southern Ocean and the island’s connection to the southern hemisphere.
There is no entry fee for the boardwalks. From June to October whales sometimes pass offshore.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1½ hours.
Best time
When the sea is rough to see the blowhole in action. Late afternoon pairs well with the Penguin Parade, which is on the same route.
How to get there
By car, to the end of Ventnor Road at the western end of the island, about 15 km from Cowes. There is no regular bus service there.
Tip
Bring warm clothing: the wind is strong on the cliffs. Use the centre’s binoculars to view the seals at Seal Rocks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Nobbies
Can you see the seals from the Nobbies?
Yes, from a distance at Seal Rocks using binoculars. To see them up close there are boat tours that depart from Cowes.
Is there a fee to enter the Nobbies?
There is no charge for the boardwalks, café or shop. The Antarctic Journey exhibition is paid separately.
What is the blowhole?
It is a fissure in the rock through which rough seas force water up, expelling jets of spray into the air.