Phillip Island might be famous for penguins and motorsport, but there’s a quieter side to the island that takes flight — quite literally. If you slow down and look up (or out over the wetlands), you’ll discover a world of birdlife that’s just as captivating as a Grand Prix finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher with a logbook in hand, or someone who just enjoys the thrill of spotting a feathered friend mid-walk, there’s something special waiting for you here. From local legends to globe-trotting migrants, here’s our guide to the best birdwatching spots on the Island — written like a true local.
Rhyll Inlet & Wetlands – Our Feathered Airport
If Phillip Island had a passport control for birds, it would be here. Rhyll Inlet is an internationally recognised wetland that plays host to thousands of migratory birds who’ve flown in from as far as Alaska, Siberia, and Japan. Yes, they’ve earned a rest.
Wander the boardwalks through mangroves and saltmarsh, and you might spot:
- Royal Spoonbills (with their ladle-shaped bills)
- White-faced Herons
- Black Swans
- Pied Oystercatchers
- Eastern Curlews – the long-billed VIPs from Russia who need a protected place like Rhyll to feed before heading home
Best time to visit? Summer is peak season for our international visitors, but early mornings year-round offer the most action.
Oswin Roberts Reserve – Woodland Whispers
Tucked inland and often overlooked, Oswin Roberts is the last patch of original forest left on the Island. It’s full of twisting tracks and tall eucalypts — a peaceful retreat for birds (and walkers!).
Keep your eyes and ears alert for:
- Eastern Yellow Robins perched low, watching you curiously
- Golden Whistlers belting out surprisingly loud tunes
- Grey Fantails doing acrobatics mid-air
- Superb Fairy-wrens bouncing like blue gems through the undergrowth
Bonus sighting: You might spot a koala or wallaby on your way around.
Churchill Island – Big Geese & Coastal Breezes
This historic farming island is more than just pretty paddocks — it’s home to a fascinating mix of farmland birds and coastal flyers. It’s also one of the best places to see the giant (and slightly goofy-looking) Cape Barren Geese, who strut the fields like they own the place.
You might also meet:
- Masked Lapwings (loud and proud!)
- Willie Wagtails flitting around the fences
- Crested Terns diving offshore
Walk the loop trail and bring the binoculars — there are even bird hides for the keen-eyed.
Cape Woolamai – Cliffs, Currents, and Shearwaters
This is where things get dramatic. Cape Woolamai’s towering cliffs and crashing waves are home to serious seabirds and birds of prey.
- Pacific Gulls with wingspans you can’t miss
- Sooty Oystercatchers with striking red beaks
- Australasian Gannets dive-bombing fish at sea
- White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring like royalty
In spring and summer, over one million Short-tailed Shearwaters return from Alaska to nest here. Head out around dusk and you’ll see them arriving in waves — it’s like rush hour in the sky.
Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve – The Underrated Gem
This one’s a local favourite. It’s quiet, wild, and full of surprises. Take the gentle walk out toward the bay, and you’re likely to spot:
- Welcome Swallows dipping and diving
- Australian Magpies singing their warbles
- Red-browed Finches fluttering low through the grasses
- New Holland Honeyeaters buzzing around the coastal shrubs
Bring a camera, and maybe a thermos — it’s a great spot to slow down and take it all in.
Why Migratory Birds Matter
Phillip Island is a critical pit stop on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, a migration super-highway used by over 50 million birds each year. Our wetlands are like bird airports — they refuel, rest, and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Without places like Rhyll and Swan Lake, many species simply wouldn’t survive the round trip.
By preserving and respecting these habitats, we’re playing a part in a much bigger story — one that stretches from our little island to the far corners of the planet.
Birdwatching Tips from Locals:
- Go early — birds are most active at dawn.
- Stay quiet — it’s amazing what you’ll see when you stop to listen.
- Bring binoculars and a field guide — or just your phone camera and curiosity.
- Respect the land — stick to paths, don’t disturb nesting sites, and leave no trace.
Ready to Fly into Nature?
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a whole school holiday, Phillip Island’s birdlife adds something truly special to your stay. From delicate finches to long-distance flyers, these birds bring energy, song, and beauty to every corner of the island.
Anchor Belle Holiday Park is just a short drive from all these top birdwatching spots. Why not base yourself here and make a day (or five) of it?