Discovering Phillip Island on a Budget- My Exclusive 7-Day Trip

I have recently taken one of the most thrilling trips of my life to Phillip Island on a budget to have the time of my life in this place while not having to spend too much money. Do you know what is Phillip island famous for? 

Phillip Island is found off the southeastern coast of Melbourne, Australia, and is famous for its natural beauty and fauna. It is more known for the Penguin Parade, during which, for a fee, viewers can watch little penguins come home at dusk. The island also has the Koala Conservation Reserve for tours that allow visitors to see and touch koalas and the Phillip Island Circuit, which is used to host motor racing events. 

The latest data shows that Phillip Island has a population of around 10,000 people that inhabit the island. The census population can increase during the high season and increase even more during the summer and events such as the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix due to the island tourist attraction. The permanent residents have a good community as they are in touch with the locals as well as people who shifted here due to the natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational activities on the island.

Also, Phillip Island has excellent surfing sites, beautiful sandy beaches, and lovely nature walks along the coast that attract both natural and sporting enthusiasts. Here is how I could maximize the Philip Island on a budget.

Philip Island Booking and Travel Deals

Estimated Cost of Flights to Melbourne: AU$37 (around US$25) and go up to AU$999 (around US$680)

I began with the selection of options which allowed me to choose the date of the flight more freely, which in turn allowed me to find the lowest prices. When I decided to shift my departure and return dates, I was able to avail myself of a better deal on different online platforms. The bundled deals not only proved to be cheaper than if I were to arrange each one individually but also having everything arranged at once was convenient for me.

Philip Island Attractions

I really enjoyed exploring this beautiful island along with its exceptional Attractions. Below, you will see my recommendation about things to do in Philip Island. 

Philip Island Penguin Parade

Rates: AU$39 (US$27) for general viewers

I really enjoyed the Penguin Parade as part of my trip. The little penguins returning to their burrows in the evening was a delightful sight to behold. Of course, I stayed in the general viewing area which was relatively cheap and offered a great view of this natural phenomenon.

Koala Conservation Reserve

Rates: AU$29 (US$20) for adults

Another unforgettable part of the trip was to visit the Koala Conservation Reserve. It was a unique experience to be able to walk on high wooden platforms and see koalas in their environment and I thought the price charged was fairly low.

Beaches and Surfing

Cape Woolamai and Smiths Beach are the best places to hang around and do nothing or surf on the shores of Phillip Island. The best part? These beautiful beaches were also easily accessible and, most importantly, there were no entrance fees to pay.

The Nobbies Centre and Seal Rocks

We visited Nobbies Centre which provided information about the sea life through touch tanks and other forms of exhibits and the scenic views of the cliffs. The boardwalks offered great vantage points for the animals, especially the fur seals at Seal Rocks. I did not pay much for the boardwalks, although there are fees for parking in the area. This is an interesting activity to do on Phillip Island on a budget.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

It was exciting to actually go through a motorsport circuit and so a visit to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was inevitable. Although major events are costly, I can say that the guided tours and the go-karting experience were cheap and very entertaining.

Getting Around Philip Island Affordably

Estimated Cost of Transportation:  AU$50-100 (US$35-70) per day

Accessibility by Car

Transportation from Melbourne to Phillip Island was easy and cheap if one was to drive themselves. To get to the mainland of Phillip Island, I used the Monash Freeway (M1) and the South Gippsland Highway (M420) and crossed the San Remo bridge.

Public Transport

While traveling from Melbourne to Phillip Island, there were few buses available, however, these were relatively cheap to use. It was great to stay for a night so that I could be able to explore most of the attractions in the island without feeling the need to rush.

Ferry Services

• One-way fare: AU$7.10 (around US$5) to AU$15.50 (around US$11)
• Return fare: AU$13.40 (around US$9.50) to AU$31.00 (around US$21.50)

I had to use the Western Port Ferries from Stony Point to Cowes through French Island and it was cheap and I had a good ride.

Local Transport

Taxis, private chattered, and bicycle rental services were available for easy movement within the island. I never went for scenic flights, but cycling was enjoyable and easy on the pocket in Phillip Island on a budget.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric cars were also cheaper to use because of the availability of charging points in Cowes, Newhaven, and Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.

Philip Island Accommodation

• Budget Motels Estimated Cost: AU$50-100 (US$35-70) per night
• Camping: AU$30 (US$20) per night

Phillip Island has a variety of accommodations for travelers depending on the amount of money that he or she is willing to spend. During my stay, I lodged in a small but clean motel that had all the necessary amenities and was not very pricey. This was because I made my booking in advance, and this helped me in getting a good rate.

To get a feel of the other kind of accommodation, I also camped at a caravan park as well. This was a good one because you could interact with nature without much expense and the basic facilities were well maintained.

Philip Island Affordable Dining Options

Average Cost of Food:  AU$30-50 (US$20-35) per day

There are a range of dining options here in Philip Island. You will find budget-friendly eateries to mid-range restaurants.

• Food from cafes and takeaway joints was delicious and budget-friendly.
• I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with a sea view at the hotel restaurant in the Cape Kitchen.
• Exceptional steaks and seafood in Fig & Olive restaurant.
• Unique dining experience in a converted church building of Cheeky Goose Cafe.
• I saved money by cooking some meals in accommodations with kitchen services.
• Particularly advantageous for breakfast and snacks, significantly reducing costs.

What I did for Budget Travel in Philip Island

Plan and Book in Advance

Pre-booking accommodations and activities as well as planning my trip was beneficial in making sure I got the best deals. There were additional advantages of booking ahead of time, such as early bird discounts and other promo deals.

Use Discount Cards and Passes

I searched for promotion vouchers and coupons which include cards and passes that provide free or discounted access. These offered great value, especially considering that I was to cover several sites.

Free and Low-Cost Activities

During my time on the island, I made sure to participate in as many low-cost and no-cost activities as possible, including visiting nature parks, tanning on the beach, and shopping at markets.

Local Tips and Deals

Some of the insights about cheap eating, doing, and seeing were gained by speaking to the people and going to the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre. It also allowed me to stumble upon some amazing and some relatively cheap places.

Sample Budget Itinerary for 7 Days in Phillip Island on a Budget

Day 1 & 2: Explore the Western End

• Accommodation: Budget motel (AU$50-100/night) near Cowes
• Transportation: Public transport (buses/ferries) or rented bicycle (AU$10-20/day)
• Morning: Take the ferry from Stony Point to Cowes (AU$13.40-31 return). Explore Cowes town center, and have breakfast at a cafe (AU$10-15).
• Afternoon: Visit the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre for free maps and advice on budget activities. Cycle or take a bus to The Nobbies Centre (free entry and parking fees may apply). Enjoy the boardwalks and wildlife viewing (seals, penguins).
• Evening: Watch the sunset at Cape Woolamai (free), and have a picnic dinner prepared at your accommodation (groceries AU$15-20).

Day 3: Penguin Parade & Koalas

• Accommodation: Same
• Morning: Pack lunch (bread, cheese, fruits – AU$10) and head to the Penguin Parade. Opt for general viewing (AU$39).
• Afternoon: Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve (AU$29). Learn about koalas and see them in their natural habitat.
• Evening: Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at a takeaway joint in Cowes (AU$10-15).

Day 4: Beaches & Nature Walks

• Accommodation: Same
• Morning: Take a bus or cycle to Smiths Beach, known for its surfing (rentals extra) or simply relaxing (free). Pack lunch.
• Afternoon: Explore the scenic Rhyll Inlet with a free nature walk. Enjoy birdwatching and stunning coastal views.
• Evening: Have a BBQ dinner prepared at your accommodation (groceries AU$15-20).

Day 5: Grand Prix Circuit & Local Delights

• Accommodation: Same
• Morning: Visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Opt for a guided tour (prices vary) or simply walk around the track (free).
• Afternoon: Head back to Cowes and try a local cafe with fresh seafood options (AU$20-30).
• Evening: Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise departing from Cowes (prices vary).

Day 6 & 7: Relax, Explore Further, and Depart

• Accommodation: Same
• Day 6: Relax at the beach, explore local markets for souvenirs (free entry, potential purchase costs), or visit a free art gallery in Cowes.
• Day 7: Depending on your departure time, do some last-minute exploring, have lunch in Cowes before taking the ferry back (fare included).

Estimated Total Costs: (7 nights accommodation + return ferry + activities + food)

• Accommodation (budget motel): AU$350-700 (US$240-480)
• Ferry (return): AU$13.40-31 (US$9.50-21.50)
• Activities: AU$108-167 (US$75-115) – includes general viewing Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, potential guided tour at Grand Prix Circuit
• Food: AU$140-210 (US$95-145) – includes cafes, takeaways, groceries for self-prepared meals

Total: AU$611.40-1108.50 (US$420-761.50)

The Departure- Phillip Island on a Budget

I found out that Phillip Island is as beautiful and as thrilling as I thought it would be and at the same time, I did not have to spend more than what I could afford. For families, couples, or even lone travelers, Phillip Island has numerous activities for tourists that can be done at a low cost to ensure that they get to have the best time of their lives.

FAQs

How can I get to Phillip Island on a budget?

The most cost-effective way to reach Phillip Island is by car via the Monash Freeway (M1) and South Gippsland Highway (M420). Public transport options include V/Line coaches from Melbourne and Western Port Ferries from Stony Point to Cowes.

What are the best budget-friendly activities on Phillip Island?

Enjoy free attractions like the beaches, The Nobbies boardwalks, and various nature trails. Affordable activities include the Penguin Parade with general viewing tickets and visiting the Koala Conservation Reserve.

What are some budget accommodation options on Phillip Island?

Consider staying in motels, caravan parks, or camping sites. Booking in advance can secure better rates, especially during peak seasons.