Phillip Island's Best Kid-Friendly Cafes & Eateries
With a reputation as Australia’s family holiday playground, Phillip Island’s cafes and restaurants are set up for success when it comes to eating out with little people. From plenty of pram space, heaps of highchairs, kid-friendly food, staff that smile understandably at a spilt babycino, and even a beachfront pub with ENORMOUS jumping castles, we’ve put together an Island-wide list of places that will please the kids, while also providing an awesome outing for parents.
PHILLIP ISLAND WINERY
Set amongst peaceful farmland on the south coast of the Island, Phillip Island Winery offers lunches and afternoon grazing options featuring quality local produce, including delectable cheese boards, share plates, daily specials and kids menu. The relaxed atmosphere in the new outdoor atrium space is warm and welcoming, and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained with giant lawn games, a huge paddock to play in, live music to boogie to and delicious organic icy poles. With a boutique cellar door offering wine tastings, retail sales, gift shop, flowers, and glimpses of the glittering turquoise water of Bass Strait, this is one of the best places on the Island to while away a lazy afternoon.
SAN REMO FISHERMAN’S CO-OP
Fantastic seaside fish n chips with a side of breathtaking views! Since 1948, the San Remo Fisherman's Co-operative has been an icon of the town. The architecturally designed Fish 'n' Chippery is an idyllic location to sit and take in the ever-changing views. Learn about the rich history of the Co-op and commercial fishing in the region, watch the daily pelican feeding, then take a moment to stroll on the pier to view the boats and perhaps see them unload their catch. Kids will get a thrill seeing the large stingrays passing under the pier. Fresh seafood to take away or dine in.
NORTH PIER HOTEL
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, North Pier Hotel on the Cowes waterfront is a firm favourite with local kids for its enormous inflatable jumping castles! Head up the stairs from the main dining area to discover an entire floor dedicated to fun – two large inflatable obstacle courses, foosball table, air hockey and even a kids movie room. With the kids completely worn out and having worked up an appetite, head out onto the north-facing deck to enjoy a local beer and a relaxed bite from the extensive menu of pub classics and coastal favourites.
PINOS TRATTORIA
Located in the heart of Cowes, Pinos Trattoria serves up simple and honest Italian food and is known for some of the best pizza and pasta in town. With Italian hospitality at heart, your family and friends can enjoy the excellent service and atmosphere of Pino’s Trattoria, open for lunch and late-night dinners. Pino's has an indoor and a beautiful piazza outdoor area.
CHURCHILL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Churchill Island Farmers Market is a great Saturday morning out for the family. Showcasing some of the best local produce grown and made in Phillip Island and the Gippsland region, colourful stalls and friendly locals offer up organic fruit & veg, cheeses, free-range eggs, ready-made meals, olive oil, honey, artisan breads, meats and other goodies. With a picturesque position overlooking Westernport, families can fill their shopping baskets, wander along the easy walking trails and head into the heritage farm to meet the animals. *Please note the market is only on the 1st Saturday of each month.
ISOLA DI CAPRI
With prime real estate on the Cowes Esplanade, Isola di Capri is a lively and welcoming Italian restaurant and gelateria serving up ocean views and classic Italian cuisine. There's no better way to end a hot Island day than an early dinner of delicious wood-fired pizza, followed by a house-made gelato and wandering out along the pier to watch the sunset.
THE WESTERNPORT HOTEL
Ideally located in central San Remo, right across from the town’s awesome, waterfront playground, The Westernport offers a wholesome country pub experience that the whole family will enjoy! The bistro is large and bright with a kids games area and pool tables. The bar and outdoor beer garden offers a wide range of beers and wine, with an emphasis on local offerings, and there’s always something happening at The Westernport on weekends with live music from local and touring artists.
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