Phillip Island and Brighton Beach Day Trip from Melbourne, Gippsland: The Most Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for the perfect day trip from Melbourne? Look no further than the stunning Phillip Island and Brighton Beach. Located west of Melbourne, Phillip Island is a popular holiday spot for locals and tourists. It’s a picturesque, hinterland island with a variety of attractions that’s perfect for a day of exploration, relaxation, and sights that you won’t soon forget.

A day trip to Phillip Island will take you through the beautiful Gippsland region, a unique area of Victoria that offers remote forests, winding rivers, vast wetlands, and a variety of ocean beaches – all of which are just waiting to be explored. This guide aims to provide an overview of all the best activities, sights, and experiences that you can enjoy during your day trip to Phillip Island and Brighton Beach.

How to Get to Phillip Island

The easiest way to get to Phillip Island is by car. It’s located about two hours away from Melbourne via the Princes Freeway. You can also take public transportation such as a train and bus, or book a tour from Melbourne if you don’t want to drive.

Phillip Island Highlights

When it comes to things to do in Phillip Island, there’s something for everyone. Here are just some of the highlights that you should consider when planning your trip:

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Experience a bit of Australian history and culture at the Churchill Island Heritage Farm. This farm is one of the earliest homes of the early aborigines who lived in the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the property and learn about how generations of farmers lived in the area. During your visit, you’ll also see kangaroos, wallabies, and many other friendly animals.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park

The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is another popular attraction for visitors. This park offers kangaroo-feeding experiences as well as up-close encounters with koalas and wallabies. You can also explore the wide range of water creatures such as penguins, seals, dolphins, and even whales if you’re lucky. Whether it’s the Australian animals or marine life you’re looking for, this park has it all.

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

What’s a visit to Phillip Island without a stop at the Chocolate Factory? Get your sweet tooth satisfied with unique chocolate creations made at the factory. There’s an ice creamery as well as breakfasts, lunches, and snacks available throughout the day. If you’re feeling really adventurous, take part in their chocolate making workshops!

Strawberry Fields

Go for a family-friendly pick-your-own experience at Strawberry Fields. From late spring until early summer, you can pick ripe strawberries from the farm and take them home with you! This is a great opportunity to experience farm life up close and meet some of the locals who work in the area.

Stony Point Railway

Climb on board the historic Stony Point railway for a scenic ride through Gippsland. This short train starts in Stony Point (a tiny fishing village on the edge of Western Port Bay) and takes passengers through the Mornington Peninsula. During your journey, you’ll pass through lush green fields and wetlands while enjoying the beautiful views of Phillip Island’s coastline.

Brighton Beach

When you visit Phillip Island, don’t forget to make a stop at Brighton Beach! This beach is located along the eastern coast of Phillips Island and is well known for its picturesque beaches, rugged cliff faces, and amazing sea views.

There are many activities that you can enjoy while visiting Brighton Beach – so make sure you stop by and take in all its beauty. Whether it’s swimming in crystal-clear waters or taking a walk along the waterfront, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. There are also a variety of beach-related activities such as beach volleyball and kite surfing, so you can make your day trip extra special with some fun activities.

Where to Eat in Phillip Island

You won’t go hungry during your time in Phillip Island! There are plenty of dining options available in this hinterland island, so you’ll be able to find something to suit your budget and tastes. Here are just some of the top restaurants and cafes in Phillip Island:

Congress on Chapel

Phillip Island’s Congress on Chapel offers an array of delicious dishes ranging from Aussie favorites such as burgers and steak to Italian cuisine or Syrian kebabs. They also offer stunning views of the hinterland, making it an ideal spot for an alfresco lunch or dinner.

The Grandview

If you’re looking for something more upscale, then check out The Grandview Restaurant & Bar. It boasts sweeping views of the island’s waterfront and fine dining at its best. Try out their Aussie seafood platter or premier wines – whatever you choose will be sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Paradise Café

This café serves up casual eats such as fish and chips or wood-fired pizza among other tasty dishes. If you’re up for something sweet afterwards, their menu also features made-to-order desserts such as New York cheesecakes or Belgian waffles topped with chocolate bits and fresh fruits.

Fisherman’s Wharf Fish & Chips

This family-owned fish & chips shop is one of Philips Island’s best kept secrets! Serving up classic Aussie-style fried fish and chips as well as burgers and other tasty seafood dishes, it’s perfect for casual lunches or dinners during your day trip here. Don’t forget to try their homemade tartar sauce too – it’s finger-lickin’ good!

Best Time to Visit Phillip Island & Brighton Beach

The best time to visit Phillip Island & Brighton Beach is between September-April when you can expect sunny weather with moderate temperatures in the mid-teens (Celsius). During this time period, you’ll be able to make the most out of outdoor activities such as beach visits or wildlife spotting since these are most popular during this period. It’s also important to note that winter can be unpredictable in terms of weather at Phillips Island and Brighton Beach so it’s recommended to check the forecast before going. However if you feel like braving cooler temperatures then why not visit early winter when you can expect fewer crowds?

The Bottom Line

A day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island and Brighton Beach makes for an unforgettable experience – whether it’s some farm fun or getting close to wildlife. During your journey here you can take in all the beauty of nature by driving through lush forests or stopping at picturesque beaches. No matter what attractions call you here, one thing is for sure – there will be plenty of memories made on this delightful Gippsland adventure! You can easily book this amazing tour online here. To ensure that your trip is everything that it needs to be take advantage of all our tips so your day is as stress free as possible – enjoy!