Winter Family Escape to Phillip Island
2-Night Itinerary from Melbourne to Anchor Belle Holiday Park
Winter is one of Phillip Island’s best-kept secrets. With dramatic coastal scenery, incredible wildlife encounters, cosy cafés, and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time for a family getaway. Pack your warm jackets, beanies, and comfortable walking shoes for a memorable winter adventure.
Day 1 – Scenic Drive & Local Flavours
Morning
Stop 1: Caldermeade Farm & Café
Located on the South Gippsland Highway, Caldermeade Farm is the perfect first stop on your journey.
Enjoy:
- Fresh barista-made coffee
- Delicious breakfast options
- Farm-fresh dairy products
- Beautiful countryside views
🐐 Animal Nursery
A favourite with families, Caldermeade Farm’s Animal Nursery offers plenty of opportunities for children to get up close with friendly farm animals.
Meet and feed:
- Baby calves
- Cheeky goats
- Ducks and geese
- Alpacas
- Chickens
- Rabbits
- Deer
The kids will love interacting with the animals and burning off some energy before continuing the drive to Phillip Island.
Stop 2: Macca’s Farm – Glen Forbes
A wonderful winter stop showcasing some of South Gippsland’s finest produce.
Macca’s Farm offers:
- South Gippsland free-range pork and beef
- Fresh hydroponic vegetables
- Local honey, jams, cheeses, biscuits and fruit
- Seasonal café menu made almost entirely from produce grown or prepared on-site
The café is a fantastic spot for lunch, with house-made bread, cakes, sauces and condiments.
Tip: Café hours can vary seasonally. Phone ahead on 0484 648 413 to confirm opening hours.
The Pick-Your-Own Strawberry experience generally operates between September and April, so may not be available during winter.
Afternoon
Arrive at Anchor Belle Holiday Park
Check in, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Cowes Foreshore Walk
Take a gentle stroll along the waterfront.
Highlights:
- Stunning winter ocean views
- Local birdlife
- Family-friendly walking paths
- Great opportunities for photos
Evening
Dinner in Cowes
For those planning a BBQ or home-cooked meal during their stay, be sure to visit:
🥩 P&M Butchery
📍 Woolworths Complex, 119 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
A favourite local butcher known for quality meats and friendly service.
Tell Mark & Patty that the crew from Anchor Belle Holiday Park sent you!
Day 2 – Coastal Wildlife & Winter Wonders
Morning
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Step back in time and experience one of Phillip Island’s most charming attractions.
Highlights:
- Daily farm demonstrations
- Working heritage farm
- Friendly farm animals
- Historic homestead and gardens
- Stunning bay views
Children can meet farm animals while parents enjoy the peaceful walking trails and beautiful scenery around the island.
Be sure to take a walk along the shoreline and enjoy the tranquil winter atmosphere.
Lunch
Café Stop at Churchill Island or Newhaven
Warm up with:
- Fresh coffee and hot chocolate
- Homemade cakes and slices
- Light lunches and family-friendly options
Afternoon
Wildlife Coast Cruises
A true winter highlight!
Seal Watching Cruise
Visit Australia’s largest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks.
OR
Whale Watching Cruise (Seasonal)
Winter is whale migration season, making this an unforgettable family experience.
Possible sightings include:
- Humpback Whales
- Southern Right Whales
- Dolphins
- Seabirds
- Australian Fur Seals
Advance bookings are highly recommended during whale season.
Late Afternoon
The Nobbies Boardwalk & Blowhole
A must-see Phillip Island attraction.
Enjoy:
- Spectacular ocean views
- Dramatic coastal landscapes
- Blowholes and rugged cliffs
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
Winter often provides some of the most impressive ocean conditions and photo opportunities.
Evening
Penguin Parade
No visit to Phillip Island is complete without experiencing the world-famous Penguin Parade.
Winter often offers:
- Earlier viewing times
- Active penguins
- Fewer crowds
Remember to dress warmly as it can be quite chilly by the beach.
Day 3 – Nature, Pelicans & Homeward Bound
Morning
Rhyll Inlet Nature Walk
A peaceful and family-friendly boardwalk experience.
Highlights:
- Wetland birdlife
- Mangrove habitats
- Scenic viewing platforms
- Easy walking tracks suitable for all ages
Perfect for a relaxed final morning before check-out.
Late Morning
Check Out & Travel Towards San Remo
Take a scenic drive off the island and head to San Remo.
Browse the local shops or grab a coffee while waiting for the pelican feeding.
12:00 Noon
FREE Pelican Feeding at San Remo
📍 San Remo Foreshore
Watch dozens of pelicans gather for their daily feeding right beside the bridge connecting Phillip Island to the mainland.
This much-loved local tradition is both entertaining and educational, making it a wonderful final stop before heading home.
Lunch
San Remo Waterfront
Enjoy lunch overlooking the water before beginning the journey back to Melbourne.
Popular winter choices include:
- Fresh seafood
- Homemade soups
- Fish and chips
- Café favourites
Afternoon
Scenic Drive Home to Melbourne
Arrive home with wonderful memories of Phillip Island’s wildlife, spectacular winter scenery, local produce and family adventures.
Winter Packing Checklist
✔ Warm jackets
✔ Beanies and scarves
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Raincoat or umbrella
✔ Camera or phone for wildlife photos
✔ Reusable water bottles
✔ Binoculars for whale and wildlife spotting
Why Visit Phillip Island in Winter?
❄️ Whale Watching Season
🐋 Spectacular Coastal Scenery
🐧 Penguin Parade
🦭 Seal Watching Cruises
🚶 Beautiful Nature Walks
☕ Cosy Cafés & Local Produce
🌊 Dramatic Ocean Views
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, explore nature, support local businesses, and create lasting family memories at Anchor Belle Holiday Park. We look forward to welcoming you to Phillip Island! 🌊🐧🦭❄️