Can anyone recommend somewhere to stay on Phillip Island after the Penguin parade? We will be traveling with two kids and would rather not have to make such a long ride back. We will probably head to the Great Ocean road the next day if that makes any difference. Thanks.

There are lots of accom on Phillip Island expecially at Cowes,(the largest town on the Island.) from 5 star to 2. star.<BR>Not that many are looking over the water however the Penguin parade is at dusk so it will be dark when you get there. If you have time during the day there are lots of things to do on Phillip Island plus there are a couple of places (tourist) along the Bass Hwy. (Native animals ect.)Allow 1. 1/2. hrs from the city. Easy driving time. A few nice cafe's... great Flake, chips & salad for $5.50.(eat in or takeway) at the Wharf Seafoods on the Esplanade.<BR>Churchill Island is also a nice stop off.<BR>The next day a great way to get to the Great Ocean road is to turn off the South Gippsland Hwy just after Tooradin & head to the vehicle ferry at Sorrento, this will take you over to Queenscliff then on to the Great Ocean Rd.... it will be a lovely experiance (price per vehicle not person.) & will save a lot of hassles driving from one side of Melbourne to the other the sitting on 80klms. on a freeway all the way to Geelong.<BR>Have a lovely time.

Thanks Aussie. That definitely sounds like the way to go. Any idea how long it will take to get to Sorrento from Cowes? Any particular hotel recommendations? We won't need anything too fancy, as we will not be there too long, but I want it to be clean and comfortable. Something under $200AU (hopefully more like $100 - 150).

It should take around 1.1/4. to 1. 3/4. hours to get to Sorrento.. <BR>If you have time drop into the Tourist Information centre on Phillip Island (about 3 klm. after you come off the San Remo / Phillip Island bridge, they should be able to give you travel times back to Sorrento.<BR>Accom.... what month will you be coming in ?<BR>If you are here in late Dec & January or Easter you will need to book . Also Phillip Island does have a couple of International Motor Bike races through out the year which will make accom. then difficult. The rest of the time you would have your pick of most places. I will have a look on the net & see if I can find a suitable site for you.

We will be coming in late october, early November. It may be the weekend before the Melbourne Cup. Does that affect Phillip Island? So far I have found The Anchor at Cowes, The Continental and Banfields. Are you ffamiliar with any of those places?

it will be very busy everywhere the weekend before ( 2nd & 3rd Nov) Melbourne Cup . You need to book now if you want accomodation. If you have an option it would be best to try another weekend or weekday. Either the Continental or Banfields are okay. The standard of accomodation on Phillip Island for family groups is not fantastic.