Protecting What Makes This Place Special
Here on the Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island), our landscape speaks for itself. From dramatic cliffs and sheltered wetlands to rolling farmlands, iconic surf breaks and thriving wildlife, it's a place cherished by those who call it home and enjoyed by visitors throughout the year.
Spend your days cruising alongside seals, wandering between galleries, watching penguins waddle ashore at dusk, or enjoying a long lunch overlooking wide-open paddocks. No matter the season, this special part of Bunurong Country is best experienced slowly.
By taking things at a gentler pace and skipping the jam-packed itineraries, you'll notice more and enjoy a truly memorable stay. And when you tread lightly, support local makers and producers, and choose experiences that care for Country, you help protect the people, places and wildlife that make this region so special.
Why It Matters
The Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island) are shaped by an extraordinary natural environment.
Home to the Ramsar-listed wetlands of Western Port and part of the UNESCO-designated Western Port Biosphere, the region supports internationally significant ecosystems, diverse habitats and some of Australia's most iconic wildlife, including Little Penguins, Australian Fur Seals, migratory whales, Short-tailed Shearwaters, Hooded Plovers and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, a species that has been successfully reintroduced to Phillip Island through decades of dedicated conservation effort.
These places also hold deep cultural significance for the Bunurong People, the Traditional Custodians of this Country.
By travelling responsibly and making thoughtful choices, visitors and locals alike can help protect these special places for future generations.
Conservation in Action
Did you know that the Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island) are home to experiences that actively support conservation outcomes?
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Every ticket purchase at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island contributes to wildlife research, habitat restoration and threatened species recovery programs, helping protect some of Australia's most iconic wildlife.
Phillip Island Nature Parks – Conservation Efforts
Green Travel Guide: Phillip Island Nature Parks
Wildlife Coast Cruises
Operators such as Wildlife Coast Cruises help connect visitors with the marine environment through responsible wildlife experiences, conservation initiatives and environmental education.
Wildlife Coast Cruises – Sustainability Initiatives
Green Travel Guide: Wildlife Coast Cruises
RACV Inverloch Resort
Set on a stunning 32-hectare coastal property between Anderson Inlet and Bass Strait, RACV Inverloch Resort offers a range of accommodation options, from caravan and camping sites to resort rooms, ocean view rooms and spacious three-bedroom villas. Recognised through Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification, the resort combines premium coastal accommodation with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, featuring extensive indigenous landscaping, wetland habitats and resource efficiency initiatives that help protect the natural beauty of the Bass Coast.
RACV Inverloch - Sustainability | RACV Inverloch Resort
Green Travel Guide: RACV Inverloch Resort | Green Travel Guide
Our Eco Tourism certified operators are leaders in demonstrating that tourism can be a force for good, helping protect wildlife and natural places for future generations to enjoy.
Fallen in love with one of our iconic creatures?
You can symbolically adopt a wild animal on Phillip Island through the Penguin Foundation and become its official guardian. Every donation, whether one-off, monthly or yearly, helps support vital conservation, research and habitat protection programs that safeguard these species and their habitats into the future. Penguin Foundation - Adopt an Animal Adopt | Little penguin
Our Sustainable Travel Tips
When visiting the Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island), we encourage you to:
- Slow down and stay a while. Take time to connect with the landscape, local communities and wildlife.
- Respect Bunurong Country and cultural heritage. Learn about the Traditional Owners of this Country and help protect places of cultural significance. Learn more on Respecting Culture on the Bass Coast
- Stay on marked tracks and boardwalks to help protect vegetation, wildlife habitat and fragile coastal environments.
- Give wildlife space. Never feed, touch or approach wildlife, and observe animals from a respectful distance. And remember to take care when driving at dawn and dusk. This is when our wildlife is most active.
- Leave natural and cultural treasures where you find them. Shells, flowers, rocks, artefacts and other objects should remain where they are for others to enjoy.
- Take your rubbish with you and reduce waste. Help keep our beaches, parks and public spaces clean and healthy.
- Bring reusables and refill where you can. Choose reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags whenever possible. Our visitor centres have water refill stations.
- Walk, cycle or share transport when practical. Consider lower-impact ways to explore and discover the region beyond peak holiday periods.
- Support local businesses, producers and makers. Eat local, shop local and help keep tourism benefits within the community.
- Choose experiences that care for nature. Support operators and experiences that contribute to conservation, environmental education and sustainable tourism.
- Walk your dog only in designated areas to protect nesting birds and other wildlife. Where can I walk my dog? | Bass Coast Shire
Our Commitment
The Bass Coast Shire Council is working towards ECO Destination Certification with Eco Tourism Australia and is committed to growing tourism in a way that supports nature, culture, community and local livelihoods.
Together, we can help keep the Bass Coast a place people love to visit and locals are proud to call home.
Slow down. Respect Country. Care for wildlife.