Phillip Island: Australia's Premier Playground

Phillip Island: Australia's Premier Playground

Phillip Island is one of the hero destinations being featured in Tourism Australia's new global campaign which highlights Australia's plethora of world-class aquatic and coastal adventures. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, who learnt to surf as a youngster growing up on Phillip Island, has been named as the global ambassador for the new campaign. Hemsworth will add an Australian voice to the global story of Phillip Island's amazing range of aquatic and coastal adventures; from the new interactive Antarctic Journey experience at The Nobbies, wildlife viewing encounters at the Penguin Parade and Seal Rocks, surfing and aquatic adventure tours and local fishing and diving charters, to the succulent range of fresh seafood plucked straight from the Island's waters and the many accommodation options with breathtaking ocean views.

Some of Phillip Island's leading aquatic and coastal experiences include:

SUP Wind Surf

Founded by board-sports enthusiast, professional windsurfer and master instructor, Jonathon Bouillir, SUP Wind Surf offers classes in Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), windsurfing and surfing for any level of water sport experience. Lessons are conducted in private or small groups and are tailored to individual goals whether it be getting up for a first wave or refining already mastered techniques. W: www.supwindsurf.com.au/#surfingisourlife   

Fishing & Diving Charters

Visitors can explore the aquatic life in the pristine waters off the Island or throw in a line with one of the many local fishing and diving charters including T-Cat Charters, Reel Obsession Fishing Charters and San Remo Off Shore Charters. 

Outthere Outdoor Activities

Outthere is the premier ocean based specialist company for Phillip Island, Wilson's Promontory and the South Gippsland coast. The team at Outthere believe that exercise and health are bi-products of fun which they pass on in their exciting range of ocean activities including surfing, kayaking, snorkelling and bodyboarding, ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. W: www.outthere.net.au/surfing.html   

Island Surfboards

One of the most recognised names in the Australian surf industry, Island Surfboards, runs a surf school at Phillip Island's Smiths Beach, which boasts some of the most beginner-friendly waves in the country. Island Surfboards are also one of the most reputable and experienced manufacturers of top quality, hand-made surfing equipment which they sell at their two retail outlets on the Island at Cowes and Smiths Beach. W: www.islandsurfboards.com.au

Pioneer Kayaking

Pioneer Kayaking give visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the coastline and waterways surrounding Phillip Island with their popular guided sea kayak tours including the Cape Woolamai Coastal Tour ($80 per person for 3 hours), the Rhyll Wetlands Tour ($60 per person for 2 hours), the Churchill Island Tour ($60 per person for 2 hours), and the Cowes Foreshore Tour ($30 per person for 1 hour). W: www.pioneerkayaking.com.au

S.E.A.L. Diving Services

Divers of all levels can explore the waters around Phillips Island with S.E.A.L. Diving Services who operate a host of diving courses ranging from beginner to advanced PADI courses along with specialised training for children. Divers can soak up the pristine waters of Phillip island where they'll discover everything from the smallest sea creatures and the Victorian marine emblem; the Weedy Sea Dragon to playful Australian Fur Seals. W: www.sealdivingservices.com.au 

WWF and Phillip Island Nature Parks' Antarctic Journey

Phillip Island Nature Parks introduces the world's first interactive Antarctic experience in partnership with WWF-Australia at The Nobbies. Visitors are invited on a three-level walk through adventure that provides a virtual and educational insight into the wonderful world of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic. As the first attraction in  Australia to share the WWF brand, the -Antarctic Journey' features state of the art multimedia technology including an augmented reality screen which will allow visitors to appear as though they are patting a penguin, playing with a seal or within arm's reach of a magnificent whale. The Antarctic Journey is open daily and costs $18.00 per adult and $9.00 per child W: www.penguins.org.au

Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure

Thrill seeking nature lovers can jump on a Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure Tour with Phillip Island Nature Parks which weaves its way beyond the island's shores on a high speed tour of the rugged coastline. Adventurers can expect encounters with the local Australian fur seal colony at Seal Rocks along with spectacular views of the Summerland Peninsula's cliffs and the explosive blowhole at The Nobbies. From June through to September nature lovers also have the added possibility of a breathtaking close encounter with migrating humpback whales. The Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure Tours run for 60 and 90 minutes and prices start at $85 per adult. W: www.penguins.org.au

Wildlife Coast Cruises

Wildlife Coast Cruises has been operating cruises around the pristine waters of Phillip Island for over 20 years, picking up a host of environmental and tourism accreditations along the way. Wildlife Coast Cruises offer a range of tour options including the two hour Seal Watching Tour to Seal Rocks; Australia's largest fur seal colony, the Captain's Lunch Cruise which takes in Cape Woolamai's ancient granite cliffs and caves and includes a fresh fish and chips lunch, as well as specially tailored private tours. W: www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

Bass Strait Direct – Seafood Wholesalers

Gourmands can feast on fresh morsels plucked straight from the Island's waters by new seafood wholesaler, Bass Straight Direct in Newhaven. Each day Bass Straight Direct bring in a tantalising fresh bounty of fish and shellfish including whiting, flathead, snapper and calamari straight from the Island's waters for visitors to choose from.  W: www.facebook.com/bassstraitdirect    

Pelican View – The San Remo Fisherman's Co-operative

Established in 1948, the San Remo Fisherman's Co–op is an icon of San Remo. Located at the San Remo pier with a stunning architecturally designed Family Restaurant overlooking the foreshore, the Co-op has 6 shark boats, a trawler and four cray boats which bring in the freshest seafood for visitors and locals to enjoy. Visitors can also check out the free Information and Education Centre to learn about the rich history of the Co-op and commercial fishing in the region and feed the pelicans (at 12 noon daily on the foreshore next to the San Remo Pier). W: www.pelicanview.com.au

Fishing at Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm

Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm, nestled amongst the Island's tranquil Australian bush land, offers visitors the opportunity to catch their own fresh trout and then take it home or enjoy it cooked fresh, on the spot. Visitors can drop a line into Rhyll Trout Farm's magnificent indoor rainforest pool which has been designed as the perfect place for beginners to be assured of a catch or those looking for a little more of a challenge can opt to try their hand in the outdoor trophy lake which offers great fishing for those with a little more experience. Rhyll Trout Farm offers barbecue facilities where visitors can cook their catch on the day, as well as the option to have Rhyll's chef prepare the fish, baked with a choice of three delicious marinades. W: www.rhylltroutandbushtucker.com.au

Accommodation with Ocean Views

Phillip Island boats a fantastic range of accommodation that takes advantage of the stunning coastal views with highlights including:

Coastal Accommodation - Kitty Miller Bay Bed & Breakfast

Kitty Miller Bay Bed & Breakfast offers relaxed accommodation with stunning views overlooking the ever-changing waters of Kitty Miller Bay. Located just a ten minute drive from Cowes village, and close to the Penguin Parade, Kitty Miller Bay Bed & Breakfast is set on a lush five acre property with direct beach access. Ocean front units have separate guest entrances and personal facilities including TV, BBQ and kitchenette equipped with the latest cooking accessories, providing guests with complete privacy. Each morning guests are treated to a continental breakfast. During the cooler months, guests can rug up and take in the views or take an invigorating stroll in the refreshing coastal air along Kitty Miller Bay. W: www.kittymillerbaybedandbreakfast.com.au

Coastal Accommodation - Oak Tree Lodge

Luxury Bed + Breakfast Oak Tree Lodge offers an unforgettable experience of self-contained boutique indulgence, situated in the quiet little village of Rhyll on Phillip Island, Victoria. The property has period elegance with a contemporary twist overlooking a towering oak tree in an English garden setting. Oak Tree Lodge is luxurious and spacious, offering four stunning suites all with their own lounge areas, kitchens, bathrooms and all with outdoor seating areas in the lush, shaded garden. Three of the self-contained suites can be opened up via interconnecting doorways to provide larger accommodation for group bookings or for families to enjoy their stay in a bigger space. W: www.oaktreelodge.com.au

Coastal Accommodation - Clifftop at Smiths Beach

Overlooking Phillip Island's stunning coastline on one side, and rolling farmland on the other, Cliff Top accommodation provides exceptional hospitality that brings new meaning to -room with a view'. Cliff Top, perched between sea and sky with views of Pyramid Rock, Smith's Beach and Bass Straight, provides guests with a sense of both space and privacy. The boutique accommodation features eight exceptional guest rooms with luxurious furnishings and amenities. Cliff Top is ideal for a romantic get away, or a weekend escape with friends. Cliff Top's main guest area, the Top Room offers a double-sided wood fire, ideal for relaxing and mingling with other guests. Located close to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade and all the natural beauty that Phillip Island has to offer, guests can choose to either explore the Island or snuggle up in front of the fire and enjoy the warm hospitality of Clifftop and its magnificent views. W: www.clifftop.com.au

Check out the official tourism site http://www.visitphillipisland.com and follow Phillip Island on social media via @phillipisland on Instagram and Twitter and https://www.facebook.com/Friendsofphillipisland on Facebook