2 Best Sights in Phillip Island, Victoria

Phillip Island's main draw is the nightly parade of little penguins, also called fairy penguins, waddling from the sea to their burrows in nearby dunes. The parade of miniature penguins—the largest colony in the world—attracts onlookers year-round and crowds on summer weekends and holidays. There are several ways to view the Penguin Parade: general admission, with viewing from concrete bleachers; the Penguin Plus or Penguin Premium experiences, which put you on smaller viewing platforms closer to the action, and there's even a small underground section to watch the penguins as they go to their nests; each charges a different fee. The Guided Ranger tour puts you on an intimate beachfront viewing stand with a ranger, while the VIP Tour gets you into a private, elevated "Skybox" overlooking the beach. The Ultimate Adventure Tour, for private groups, includes headphones and night-vision equipment and a secluded spot on a separate beach. The spectacle begins at around sunset each night; booking ahead is essential in summer and during public holidays. Wear closed shoes and warm clothing—even in summer—and bring rain protection gear. Make sure to arrive an hour before the tour begins.

This gloriously wide, long sandy beach is patrolled during the summer months—swim between the red-and-yellow patrol flags—and its gentle waves make it popular for families and beginner surfers. Low tide reveals rock pools ideal for slow, contemplative walks and exploration. The nearby Smiths Beach Bar & Beach Food is open at 7 am for coffee, pastries, wraps and sandwiches, ideal for beach picnics, and you can hire surfboards, wet suits, bodyboards, fins, and masks from the surf shop next door. The beach is accessed by stairs or wheelchair-friendly ramps. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.