The Ultimate Road Trip to Phillip Island

The Ultimate Road Trip to Phillip Island: Best Stops from Melbourne & Gippsland

Turn your Phillip Island summer getaway into a scenic adventure

Heading to Phillip Island this summer? Why rush when the journey can be just as memorable as the destination?

Whether you’re coming from Melbourne or exploring from Gippsland, we’ve rounded up the best road trip stops, foodie finds, and hidden nature trails to turn your travel time into holiday time.

Stretch your legs, meet native animals, sip local wine, and soak in coastal views - this is the ultimate road trip to Phillip Island, with something for families, couples and slow-travel explorers alike.

🚘 Coming from Melbourne? Here’s your summer stopover guide

Just two hours south of Melbourne, Phillip Island is an easy drive - but if you leave early and take your time, you’ll uncover some truly special places along the way.

🌿 Stop 1: Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Stretch your legs in the award-winning Australian Garden: Start your journey with a tranquil walk through native landscapes, red desert displays, and open lawns. It’s an inspiring, interactive space for all ages - and ideal for a mid-morning break or picnic.

🕒 Allow: 1–2 hours
🧒 Family-friendly: Yes
🎟 Entry: Free

🦘 Stop 2: Moonlit Sanctuary

Feel like a slight detour? Then stop at the award-winning Moonlit Sanctuary, just 50 minutes from Melbourne. Wander through bushland trails, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and meet iconic Australian animals up close!

🕒 Allow: 2 hours
📍 Just 50 minutes from Phillip Island

🍷 Stop 3: The Gurdies Winery

Coastal wines with a view: Overlooking Western Port Bay, The Gurdies Winery offers a relaxed cellar door experience with local wines, grazing platters, and panoramic views. The perfect pre-Island pit stop for a taste of Gippsland terroir.

🕒 Allow: 1 hour
🧀 Try: The Pinot Noir or Sparkling Shiraz
🚗 Just off the Bass Highway

🐨Stop 4: Maru Koala and Animal Park

Get up close with koalas, kangaroos and emus: This popular wildlife park is perfect for families or international visitors wanting to meet Aussie icons. Feed kangaroos by hand, book a koala encounter, or explore mini-golf or grab a bite to eat in the homestead bistro.

🕒 Allow: 1.5–2 hours
📍 Just 15 mins from Phillip Island
🎟 Book ahead during school holidays

🧀 Stop 5: Bassine Specialty Cheeses

Small-batch farmhouse cheese and dairy delights: Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Pop into this local dairy to try creamy camembert, tangy feta and rich milkshakes made on-site. Great for a snack stop or takeaway picnic supplies for the Island.

🕒 Allow: 30–45 mins
📦 Tip: Grab a cheese box for sunset snacks on the beach

🧭 Coming from Gippsland? Make it a multi-stop summer road trip

If you're travelling from Gippsland to Phillip Island, you're in for a coastal and nature-rich road trip. Add these highlights to your route:

🏞️ Start with a detour: Wilsons Promontory & Wanderer Adventures Tour

Australia’s southernmost tip is worth the detour. Join Wanderer Adventure Tours and explore the rugged coastline of Wilsons Prom by boat - spotting seals, seabirds, and untouched wilderness.

📍 Departs from Tidal River (Wilsons Promontory)
🛥️ Book in advance - limited summer departures
📅 Combine with an overnight at Wilsons Promontory or Fish Creek

🏖️ Inverloch Coastal Village

Laid-back beaches, cafés and views
Perfect for a seaside lunch or a beach walk before heading west, Inverloch is a family-friendly coastal town with rockpools, cafes and calm waters.

🥞Stop by for a brunch or lunch with a view at RACV Inverloch.

🌾 Wetlands Walk – Wonthaggi

Discover Gippsland’s hidden wetlands
A quick nature stop just outside Wonthaggi, the wetlands boardwalk is a peaceful way to break up the drive and spot native birds and frogs.

🕒 Allow: 30 mins

🌊 Kilcunda

A stunning final stretch before the bridge
As you near Phillip Island, pull over in Kilcunda to take in the sweeping ocean views, wooden trestle bridge and small village vibes. Ideal for a leg stretch or photo stop before crossing onto the Island.

📍 Just 20 minutes from San Remo

📷 Great spot for golden hour photography

🏠 Stay - Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Park