Getting Here & Around

Getting Here & Around Phillip Island

Dreaming of an island escape that’s just a short drive from the city? Phillip Island is closer than you think – and the journey is half the adventure.

Connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo, the island is easily and best accessed by car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Set off on a scenic road trip from Melbourne or Gippsland and discover charming towns, coastal lookouts, attractions, boutique wineries, and local eateries along the way.

Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend away or a week-long holiday, the drive to Phillip Island is all part of the experience.

Please allow extra time during peak periods and holidays for your journey to Phillip Island, and remember to slow down and keep a lookout for wildlife.

From Melbourne by car:

Take the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Cranbourne exit, where you will turn into the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Follow this route to the Bass Highway (A420), through Grantville and Bass, then onto the Phillip Island Road (B420) to San Remo, over the bridge onto Phillip Island.

Public Transport Options

V/Line coach to & from Melbourne stops at Grantville, Corinella, Bass, San Remo, Newhaven and Cowes daily –
T: 1800 800 007
W: V/LINE

Local Bus Service - Cowes - Anderson - Wonthaggi with several stops along the way.
T: 03 5952 2500
W: Public Transport Victoria

Western Port Ferries - The Western Port Passenger Ferry Service runs between Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula, Tankerton on French Island and Cowes on Phillip Island.
Connect to the ferry via the V-Line train from Stony Point and catch the passenger ferry to Cowes, Phillip Island. Please check with the operator's website and call to confirm services
T: 03 5257 4565
W: westernportferries.com.au

Transport Operators

Taxis

T: South Coast Taxis 1300 687 222

T: Phillip Island Taxis 5952 2200

South Coast & Phillip Island Bus Service
T: 03 5952 2500
W: South Coast Bus Lines
Private Charter Available Wonthaggi to Cowes daily – no booking required

Car Hire

Get in touch with the friendly team at Phillip Island Car Hire.

Private Transport and Tours

Local Way Tours offers small group bus tours with convenient pickups from local accommodations on Phillip Island and in San Remo, as well as Melbourne, taking travellers to both iconic landmarks and the island’s best-kept secrets.

Chauffeur So Good provides private shuttle hire for work functions, special occasions, sightseeing, weddings, tours, events, airport transfers and more. Chauffer So Good

Ambling Along Tours offers a professional, friendly, premium transfer service based in Phillip Island and Mansfield. They offer private transfers, winery and brewery tours, airport transfers and any other type of transfer you may need, in our 10 seat Renault Master Bus. Ambling Along Tours

Tour Companies

Don’t have a car and caught the bus to Phillip Island? If you need to get around, call a taxi or join one of the local tour including Local Way Tours to discover the local attractions or for transport to the Penguin Parade. Click here for more tours.

Bike Hire

See the friendly team at Super Cruzer Bike Hire and explore the island at your own pace.

Electric Car Charging

There are several places at San Remo and Phillip Island with Charging Facilities including:

- Cowes Transit Centre - Church Street (behind Berninneit cultural centre)

- Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre - 895 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven

- Penguin Parade Visitor Centre car park - 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerland

For information check out:

Car Charging Map Australia

Tesla Charging

Download the Beach Safe App for the latest information on Phillip Island and Australia’s Beaches

Vic Emergency App

The Vic emergency app is a free source of emergency information for Victoria, from Emergency Management Victoria. View the website and access the SmartPhone Apps.

Sun smart
In Australia, 15 minutes in the sun is sometimes all it takes for your skin to burn.

Protect yourself from Australia’s strong sun in a few easy steps:
Slip on sun-protective clothing. Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours outdoors. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears. Seek shade. Slide on sunglasses. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and goggles or sunglasses to block UV light and sun reflected off the water.