For couples seeking a peaceful getaway, Phillip Island offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and romance, just a two-hour drive from Melbourne.
Phillip Island offers a little something for every couple—whether it’s watching the sunset over the iconic Penguin Parade, savouring fresh local cuisine by the sea, or simply embracing the island’s laid-back charm. With breathtaking coastal views, peaceful beaches and a variety of dining experiences, from casual to intimate, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable romantic escape. Here’s how to make the most of your time on this magical island.
Why Phillip Island is Perfect for a Romantic Getaway
A true natural wonderland, Phillip Island boasts a mix of scenic beauty, intimate experiences, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re lounging on its sandy beaches, enjoying a quiet dinner with views of the ocean, or exploring its rugged coastline, there’s a certain serenity to the island that makes it the perfect setting for a romantic escape.
Along the coast, visitors can find pockets of tranquility amidst incredible wildlife, stunning vistas, and surfers catching some of the best waves in Australia. Recently, Phillip Island was named a National Surfing Reserve, thanks to its rich surfing heritage and stunning backdrop.
Phillip Island; photo: Emily Fitzgerald and Visions of Victoria
Must-See & Do Experiences for Couples on Phillip Island
Phillip Island’s World-Famous Penguin Parade
People Watching Penguin Parade Phillip Island
Every evening, visitors from all over the world flock to Phillip Island Nature Park to witness the famous Penguin Parade. As the sun sets, little penguins emerge from the ocean and race up Summerland Beach to their burrows. It’s a sight to behold, and visitors are advised to dress warmly as the beach can get chilly even in the warmer months. Head to the observation boardwalks or take a VIP guided tour for the best view.
Wildlife encounters, scenic walks and more
If you are a nature lover, you’ll be pleased to learn that Phillip Island offers much more than just gorgeous little penguins! It’s a naturalist’s paradise and you can explore Australian fur seals, koalas, whales, and short-tailed shearwaters. Take a walk through the island’s nature reserves to discover world-renowned wetlands and scenic boardwalks.
With plenty of beaches to choose from, you can either cool off in the summer or enjoy a beach walk in the winter. Summerland Beach, one of the island’s most beloved spots, offers sweeping views of the ocean and the dramatic Nobbies rock formations. It’s the ideal spot for a peaceful stroll at sunset or a refreshing dip if the weather permits. For couples who prefer a more secluded experience, the coastline offers hidden pockets of tranquility, where you can relax, take in the vistas, and enjoy the sounds of the waves.
If you are a stargazer, Phillip Island provides excellent vantage points to gaze into the night sky, from spotting the milky way to the occasional Southern Lights.
You can also explore several nature reserves and parks, such as the Phillip Island Nature Park and the George Bass Coastal Walk. These places offer scenic views of the island’s rugged coastline and native flora and fauna.
The Nobbies boardwalk, a beautiful headland on the south-western tip of Phillip Island.
The Koala Conservation Centre is also great for an up-close encounter with these cute and cuddly animals.
For couples who enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of scenic walks and hikes on Phillip Island. The George Bass Coastal Walk is popular, offering stunning views of the island’s rugged coastline and native flora and fauna. The Nobbies Boardwalk is another popular choice, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the nearby Nobbies rock formations.
For a more relaxing experience, couples can book a spa treatment or massage at one of the island’s many day spas. The Island Healing Day Spa, for example, offers a range of treatments, including hot stone massages and facials, in a peaceful and serene setting.
In addition to its wildlife encounters, scenic walks, and dining options, Phillip Island has plenty of other activities and attractions to offer – you can go fishing, surfing, or kayaking or visit one of the island’s museums or art galleries.
Located on the waterfront with stunning views of the Phillip Island Bridge and Westernport Bay, Saltwater Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Their menu features locally sourced produce and fresh seafood, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. From tapas to wood-fired pizza, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Island Whole Foods is a must-visit for vegans, vegetarians, and health enthusiasts. This plant-based cafe is not only known for its gluten-free buckwheat pancakes, which are topped with pure maple syrup, coconut ice cream, and either bananas or berries, but also for being 100% plastic-free. Even those sceptical about vegan food will find something to enjoy on the breakfast and lunch menus. The cafe also offers a variety of superfood smoothies and smoothie bowls, as well as house-made raw treats like peanut butter slices.
As the home of Phillip Island Brewing Company, Rusty Water offers a great selection of their own hand-crafted ales and a variety of beers from other like-minded craft breweries. The menu changes with the seasons and features a range of dishes made with locally sourced products and ingredients. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available. Whether you choose to relax on the outside decking or cozy up by the wood fires, the team at Rusty Water will make you feel right at home. With a team of internationally trained chefs, the restaurant offers a world-class dining experience on Phillip Island. And of course, no visit to Rusty Water is complete without sampling their delicious hand-crafted ales and beers.
For the best fish and chips on Phillip Island, locals will tell you to head over to San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op. Although it’s not technically on the island, this tiny town just over the bridge is only a short drive away and serves up some of the freshest fish you’ll find. Established in 1948, the co-op has its own fleet of fishing and lobster vessels, ensuring that the seafood is always top-notch. Their specialty is thick, juicy battered flake, but they also offer crumbed calamari, potato cakes, dim sim, and battered scallops. Dine inside or outside on the lawn and enjoy the beautiful views of the San Remo Jetty.
Phillip Island Winery
Phillip Island Winery, located on the island’s picturesque south coast, is a hidden gem set within 14 acres of lush countryside, including three acres of vines, expansive lawns, rolling rural vistas and glimpses of the sparkling turquoise waters of Bass Strait. The winery’s cellar door is a warm and inviting place to sample wines made from locally sourced fruit, including Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato, and a Sparkling Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience, with options such as grazing boards, share plates, hand-stretched pizzas, and daily specials made from high-quality local produce. With plans to expand the vineyard, this winery promises to be even more exceptional in the coming years.
Accommodation options on Phillip Island
Glen Isla House
When it comes to accommodation, Phillip Island has a range of options to suit every budget and preference. For couples looking for a luxurious and intimate experience, several high-end resorts and boutique hotels are on the island. Glen Isla House, for example, offers a luxurious B&B-style retreat in a stunning beachside location.
This historic property, fully restored, features six uniquely decorated guest rooms with deck verandas and garden views. Guests can relax by the crackling log fire in the main lounge, and breakfast, made with fresh produce and herbs from the kitchen garden, is a highlight. The house sits beside a pristine north-facing beach and is just a short distance from the Phillip Island Nature Park, where nightly penguin parades, koalas and fur seals can be spotted.
For couples planning a romantic getaway on a budget, Phillip Island also offers a variety of affordable options, including holiday parks, motels, and self-contained apartments. The Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat, for example, boasts stunning views of Bass Strait and direct beach access, with options ranging from the charming Oceanview Cottage to villas, cabins, powered caravan sites, and camping grounds.
How to get to Phillip Island
Phillip Island can be easily accessed by car via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. If you’re coming from Melbourne or Gippsland, a road trip is the best way to get there and enjoy the scenic spots, attractions, wineries, and eateries along the way. The island is approximately 140 km southeast of Melbourne, and driving is the easiest way to get there. However, if you prefer not to drive, there are several tour operators that offer guided tours of the island. To get to Phillip Island from Melbourne by car, take the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Cranbourne exit, then turn into the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Follow this route to the Bass Highway (A420), through Grantville and Bass, then onto the Phillip Island Road (B420) to San Remo, over the bridge onto Phillip Island.
Phillip Island offers the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. With its stunning natural beauty, wildlife encounters, scenic walks, and dining options, there’s something for every type of couple on the island.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed weekend, Phillip Island has something to offer. So why not plan your next romantic getaway on this charming island off the coast of Australia?
