We think the best coffee on the island can be found just a short walk away at G’DAY TIGER where you’ll also find incredibly friendly staff and some delicious sandwich options. It’s not always on the menu, but if the Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich is then run, don’t walk. Just across the road from the park you’ll find the Cowes General Store and Fish & Chip Shop which is absolutely perfect when you’re feeling like a takeaway night. If you’re after a more classic cafe style breakfast meal, then head to Mon Dieu and go for the Eggs Benedict. In the evenings, Grenache Wine Bar & Restaurant is our pick thanks to its fantastic list of wines, cocktails and sharing style food. Cooking on site is easy thanks to a well stocked and maintained kitchen and BBQ area that also has a wood-fire pizza oven.

Located directly out the front of the park you’ll find Cowes Beach, a beautiful protected spot for a swim and one of Victoria’s only north facing beaches. A bit further to the west you’ll find Red Rocks beach where kids will love exploring the rock pools set amongst this impressive set of red rocks. If you’re wanting to surf you’re in the right place, with Cape Woolamai a 15 minute drive away, considered by many to be one of the best surf spots in Victoria. If you want to learn to surf we highly recommend champion surfer Jess Laing and the team at Girls On Board who run daily public lessons. Of course a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without visiting the world famous Penguin Parade - home to the largest colony of Little Penguins in the world. The penguins arrive at sunset each night and there’s a great set up of seating with several fantastic vantage points to see these gorgeous little creatures. One of the rangers will be talking the crowd through a few key points during the penguin parade, however if you’re keen to learn a little extra we highly recommend joining one of the guided ranger tours.

If you’re sensitive to noise then we’d avoid the Ibis Cabins, located right next to the boom gate at the entry of the park so subject to all the expected noise of travellers coming and going. Instead we’d recommend the Studio Cabins.