Cidade Turismo
Australia

Before you go

Your trip to Cowes.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Cowes – Victoria Destination Melbourne about 140 km from Melbourne

How to get there

  • Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL) Tullamarine · 160 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

By car from Melbourne, about two hours via the San Remo bridge. By bus, V/Line runs from Southern Cross station to Cowes. Day tours go to the Penguin Parade and return to Melbourne at night.

How many days

One day, returning at night after the Penguin Parade. With two days you can include the beaches, Churchill Island and the race circuit, and stay on the island to avoid driving at night.

When to go

The penguins return to the beach year-round. Summer, from December to February, has long days and more activity; winter is cold and windy but less crowded. The motorcycle Grand Prix takes place at the island circuit, usually in October, and fills the area.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Note: the bus reaches Cowes but does not go to the Penguin Parade or the Nobbies. Without a car, the option is a tour or taxi. Drive slowly at dusk and at night when animals cross the island roads.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Cowes
  1. Morning
    Koalas

    Start at the Koala Conservation Reserve and walk the boardwalks among the eucalyptus treetops.

  2. Afternoon
    Nobbies Centre

    Head to the island’s western tip at the Nobbies Centre for the boardwalks over the cliffs and views of Seal Rocks.

  3. Late afternoon
    Penguin Parade

    Arrive at the Penguin Parade before sunset to secure a spot and see the penguins coming ashore.

  4. Evening
    Cowes

    Dine in Cowes, near the pier, and stay on the island to avoid the night drive.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

By car, in about two hours, or by V/Line bus to Cowes. Day tours include the Penguin Parade and the return at night.

Is it worth staying overnight in Cowes?

Yes — to see the Penguin Parade without tackling the night drive back and to enjoy the island’s other activities at a relaxed pace.

What to do on Phillip Island besides the penguins?

See koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve, the seals and the blowhole at the Nobbies, the surf beaches on the south coast, and the historic farm at Churchill Island.

Do I need to book the Penguin Parade?

It is recommended, especially in summer, during holidays and weekends. Buy tickets on the official website.

Back to Cowes