Perfect for cooler weather, rainy days and cosy family adventures
Winter on Phillip Island is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy incredible wildlife, discover fun indoor attractions, and indulge in great local food. Whether you’re escaping for a weekend or a midweek break, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained—rain, hail or shine!
Day 1 – Wildlife, Scenic Views & Cosy Dining
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at one of Cowes’ popular cafés.
Breakfast Suggestions:
- Cafe Lugano
- Mon Dieu.
- Mr Isla’s
After breakfast, head to Phillip Island Wildlife Park, where you can:
- Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies
- Meet koalas, wombats, dingoes and emus
- Wander through spacious parklands at your own pace
- Enjoy a fantastic family-friendly wildlife experience
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in Cowes at:
- The Waterboy Café
- MadCowes Café
Afternoon
Take in Phillip Island’s spectacular coastline with a scenic drive and one of these beautiful nature stops:
- The Nobbies Boardwalk
- Pyramid Rock Lookout
- Cape Woolamai lookout
- Rhyll Inlet walking trails
Winter offers dramatic ocean views, fresh sea air and fewer crowds, making it a wonderful time to explore.
Dinner
Finish the day with a warm meal at:
- Pino’s Trattoria or Isola di Capri (Italian favourites)
- Chapel Lane, Restaunt & Bar
Day 2 – Indoor Family Fun
Morning
Spend the morning at Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling & Entertainment Centre.
Perfect for cooler or wet weather, you’ll find:
- Ten Pin Bowling
- Laser Tag
- Huge Arcade
- Indoor Golf Simulators
- Pool Tables
- Café and refreshments
There’s plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained for hours.
Lunch
Grab lunch at:
- Penny Lane Café
- Mug. Café
Afternoon
Continue the fun at Phillip Island Clip ‘n Climb.
Featuring:
- Colourful climbing walls
- Challenges for all confidence levels
- Vertical Drop experience
- Great indoor adventure for families and older kids
If you’d prefer a slower pace, spend the afternoon browsing Cowes’ boutique shops, bookstores and local gift stores.
Dinner
Warm up with dinner at:
- Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant & Bar
- Masala Bay (Indian cuisine)
- Ocean Reach Brewing (great casual family dining)
Day 3 – Nature, History & Local Flavours
Morning
Begin with breakfast before heading to Churchill Island Heritage Farm.
Enjoy:
- Historic farm buildings
- Beautiful coastal walking tracks
- Daily farming demonstrations
- Highland cattle, sheep and other friendly farm animals
Alternatively, if the weather is fine, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Cowes Foreshore or Ventnor Beach.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch overlooking the water at:
- Saltwater Phillip Island
- San Remo Hotel (great waterfront dining before heading home)
Afternoon
Before heading home, make a stop at Caldermeade Farm & Café.
A great family stop where you can:
- Meet baby calves, goats, alpacas, rabbits and other friendly farm animals in the Animal Nursery
- Enjoy homemade cakes, ice cream or coffee
- Pick up local dairy products and gourmet treats to take home
Bonus Winter Activities
If you have extra time or the weather changes, consider adding:
- Visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
- Explore local galleries and boutique shops
- Go whale spotting from The Nobbies or Pyramid Rock during the annual whale migration
- Enjoy a scenic drive around Ventnor and Summerlands
- Relax back at Anchor Belle Holiday Park with a hot chocolate and enjoy the peaceful winter atmosphere
Winter Travel Tips
- Pack warm clothing and waterproof jackets.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for nature walks.
- Keep your camera handy—you may spot whales, seals, wallabies or spectacular winter sunsets.
- Winter is one of the best times to enjoy Phillip Island’s cafés, restaurants and attractions without the summer crowds.