Top School Holiday Adventures for Families

on Phillip Island

Calling all adventure-loving families! Phillip Island is bursting with excitement this school holiday season. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, nature explorer, sweet treat lover or thrill-seeker, there’s something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the top activities into your ultimate family holiday guide!

1. Wildlife & Nature

Penguin Parade: Experience the world-famous nightly Penguin Parade, where the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore to their burrows. It's a magical spectacle that will warm your hearts.
Koala Conservation Centre: Walk among the treetops and spot adorable koalas in their natural habitat. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get close to these cuddly creatures.
Maru Koala and Animal Park: Feed kangaroos, pat koalas, and enjoy interactive animal experiences at this delightful animal park. It’s an educational and fun day out for the whole family.
Walks: Discover Phillip Island's top Nature Walks for Families with prams and little legs!

2. Thrilling Adventures

Phillip Island Go-Karts: Feel the need for speed at the Phillip Island Go-Karts. Race your family around the track and see who claims the title of the fastest driver!
Clip ‘n Climb Phillip Island: Challenge yourselves on this fun climbing adventure. With various walls and obstacles, it’s an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike.
Super Cruze E-Bikes: Explore Phillip Island on a high-tech e-bike. It’s a fantastic way to see the sights, with the added thrill of electric-powered speed.
Ocean Adventures: Jump on board the Thundercat for an adrenaline-packed ride around the spectacular coast of Phillip Island.

3. Water Fun

Cowes Beach: Relax and play at Cowes Beach, where you can take a beach walk, build sandcastles, play beach games and enjoy a sun-soaked day by the water.
Wildlife Coast Cruises: Hop aboard one of Wildlife Coast Cruises' tours and discover the local Australian fur seal colony and stunning coastal landscapes of Phillip Island. Look out for dolphins, seals, and other marine life as you enjoy a scenic boat ride.
Island Surfboards: Learn to catch your first wave or improve your skills at Phillip Island’s top surf beach with Island Surfboards!

4. Family Fun and Entertainment

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Indulge in delicious treats, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy the chocolatey delights.
Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling: Enjoy a classic family night out at Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling. It’s a fun and friendly competition that’s perfect for all ages.
Amaze 'N' Things: Get ready for a day of mind-bending fun with mazes, illusions, and interactive exhibits. It’s a fantastic way to engage and entertain the entire family. Plus, meet Paw Patrol on selected weekends during the school holidays!
Churchill Island Heritage Farm: Step back in time and experience traditional farming activities at Churchill Island. It’s an educational and charming day out, showcasing life on a working farm.
Grumpy’s Crazy Golf: With its quirky obstacles, vibrant decor, and friendly staff, it’s the perfect spot to unleash your child's inner putt-putt champion.
National Vietnam Veterans Museum: This Museum offers a powerful and educational experience for families during these school holidays. With interactive exhibits, restored vehicles, and personal stories, it’s a meaningful way for kids and adults alike to explore Australia’s history and honour those who served.
The Great Witch Hunt - Fire up your broom and prepare to join 'The Great Witch Hunt' occurring across the Bass Coast Shire right throughout this October. Purchase your 'ticket to hunt' to get a map that outlines where you will find up to 80x witches at businesses throughout Bass Coast. Locate and note down the unique identification number of at least 15 witches across at least three different Bass Coast towns to enter the draw to win great prizes, including the major prize of a $500 accommodation voucher for Ingenia Holidays and more great prizes of family vouchers to various great attractions found in Bass Coast.
Craft Activities at the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre - Sessions run from 11am-1pm. Drop in at any time - $5 per family, per session. Dates include Sep 20, Sep 28, Oct 4 and Oct 5.

5. Events & Shows:

TIDAL Seafood Festival – September 19 -21 on the San Remo Foreshore. Gather the family for a fun-filled Sunday at this year’s festival - there’s a whole lineup of exciting entertainment just for the kids!
Rip Curl Grom Search - support and watch riders and surfers from around the country compete for titles at Phillip Island Sep 30 - Oct 4.
Berninneit, Cowes – live shows and cinema are back on Phillip Island! With screenings at Berninneit, spend some quality downtime watching the latest releases, international and films.

6. Foodie Delights

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. Discover Here!

7. Off-Island Experiences

Cranbourne Botanic Gardens - Just a 45 minute drive from Melbourne's city centre and an ideal halfway spot to Phillip Island, Cranbourne Botanic Gardens is alive with native flora and birdlife, 10km of scenic walking trails and 6km of easy bike paths - perfect for families and little adventurers. Most paths are stroller-friendly, making it an ideal day out with young kids. Don’t miss the Nature Play sessions running during the Victorian school holidays, offering hands-on outdoor fun for curious minds.
If you are looking to break up your trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island, stop by Moonlit Sanctuary for your chance to meet endangered Australian native animals.
Wanderer Adventures – Experience an extraordinary journey with a Wilsons Promontory boat tour. Their amphibious boats are designed for environmental friendliness and take you from the beach into the marine national park. View the stunning Skull Rock, Norman Beach, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Play at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens

From wildlife encounters and thrilling activities to beach days and sweet treats, the island offers endless fun for the whole family. Pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and create lasting memories on beautiful Phillip Island!