Frequently Asked Questions
Book your Phillip Island and Bass Coast experience with us
Book your Phillip Island and Bass Coast experience with us
How big is Phillip Island - 26km x 9km and takes roughly 25 minutes to drive from one end to the other.
Can you see everything on Phillip Island in one day? - As there are so many things to see and do on Phillip Island, you won't be able to view everything in one day and enjoy the experience.
How far is Inverloch from Wonthaggi - Approximately a 10 minute drive.
How long is the drive from Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory? - The drive from Phillip Island is picturesque as you drive the coastal route, through Kilcunda and Inverloch. The road then takes you inland through the green hinterland and around to Wilson's Prom, taking approximately 2 hours.
Is there a ferry from Phillip Island to Mornington Peninsula? - Inter Island Passenger ferry departs from Stony Point Jetty on the Mornington Peninsula, Tankerton Jetty- French Island and Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island. Tickets are available on board the boat or online.
Is there a train to Melbourne? - The bus service from Inverloch and Cowes, connects you through to the train service at Dandenong. Bus tickets are available from the driver, or use a valid MYKI card on the train network.
Is there public transport to the attractions in the Bass Coast Shire? - There is limited public transport to the attractions located within the Bass Coast Shire. There are no bus stops out the front of any Phillip Island attractions, with an approximate 20 minute walk from the bus stops to various attractions. Major Phillip Island bus stops are; Cowes, Surf Beach, Cape Woolamai, Newhaven, San Remo. Centre.
Is there free camping in the Bass Coast area? - There are no free campong opportunities in Bass Coast Shire. Bear Gully (near Walkerville) and French Island are both no longer free camping areas and require booking via Parks Victoria online or phone 13 19 63.
Is there mobile phone coverage in the Bass Coast area? - Yes, there is mobile phone coverage in the Bass Coast Shire.
Are there wild kangaroos and koalas on Phillip Island? - There are no wild kangaroos on Phillip Island. We do however have wild wallabies which belong to the same family as kangaroos. We only have 30-50 wild koalas left on Phillip Island.
Can I pat or hold a koala on Phillip Island? - You can not pat or hold a koala on Phillip Island. However at Maru Koala & Animal Park you can get up close, pat a koala and have photos taken.
Can you view the penguins for free? - You can not view the penguins for free on Phillip Island or within the Bass Coast Shire.
Do the penguins still come out if it’s raining -Yes, the penguins still come out of the ocean when it’s raining. They’re already wet!
Why can I not take photos of the penguins? - Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate the penguins. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you do not use your cameras, camcorders or camera phones at the Penguin Parade.
Do I need to pre book my tickets to the Penguin Parade? - It is highly recommended in Summer (Nov-Feb) and Easter that you pre book your tickets to the Penguin Parade as they often sell out. To avoid disappointment, to book in advance visit our Visitor Information Centres or book online.
Do the seals live out at seal rocks permanently? - The seals live permanently on Seal Rocks all year round. Seal Rocks is located 2-3 kilometres out to sea from the Nobbies. The seals can be viewed from land at the Nobbies Centre through the binoculars, via a webcam located inside the centre, or see them up close on a Seal Cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises or Wild Ocean Ecoboat.
Do you have to pay to cross the bridge onto Phillip Island -There is no fee for crossing the bridge onto Phillip Island, or one to get off!
What is the blue line on the road for? - The blue line on the road is only used when a major event is in operation in order to aid the flow of traffic off Phillip Island.
Does the bridge close on New Years Eve? - The bridge does not close on New Years Eve or any other time.
Is there a public swimming pool in Inverloch? - There is a heated pool at the Bass Coast Leisure and Aquatic Centre in Wonthaggi. You may visit the Broadbeach Resort in Inverloch and swim at their indoor pool, however children must be supervised by an adult at all times, as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Where is the cinema? - Wonthaggi and Leongatha.
Was your question answered? - If not, ask a local expert at our Visitor Information Centres.