Getting to Phillip Island
About 140 km south-east of Melbourne — an easy drive down the Bass Highway to San Remo and over the bridge to Newhaven, or a guided day tour with the driving handled.
How to Reach Phillip Island
Phillip Island sits about 140 km south-east of Melbourne, an easy 1.5 to 2 hour drive down the freeway and Bass Highway to San Remo, then over the bridge to Newhaven on the island. There’s no train on the island, so most visitors drive or take a guided tour. Here’s how to get here — and the pretty stops along the way.
Ways to Arrive
Self-Drive
~140 km / 1.5–2 hrs via the M420 and Bass Highway to San Remo, then the bridge to Newhaven.
Day Tour from Melbourne
Let someone else drive and handle the dusk timing on a guided day tour.
San Remo to Newhaven
The only road on and off the island — San Remo is famous for its daily pelican feeding.
V/Line Coach
V/Line coach services run toward the region, but a car or tour is best once you’re here.
Stops & Tips
- Stop at San Remo for the daily pelican feeding near the jetty (check current times)
- The nearby George Bass Coastal Walk (Kilcunda–San Remo) is a scenic mainland detour
- Fuel up and shop in Cowes, the island’s main town, once you arrive
- Allow extra time on summer weekends and during Grand Prix events — see events
- Doing the Penguin Parade? Plan a late return, or stay overnight — where to stay
Getting There — FAQ
How do you get to Phillip Island from Melbourne?
By car it’s about 140 km (1.5–2 hours) south-east via the M420 and Bass Highway to San Remo, then over the bridge to Newhaven on the island. It’s an easy self-drive or a guided day tour.
Is there a train to Phillip Island?
No — there is no train on the island. V/Line runs coach services from Melbourne toward the region, but a car or a guided tour is by far the easiest way to get around once you arrive. See getting around.
Do you cross a bridge to Phillip Island?
Yes — the bridge links San Remo on the mainland to Newhaven on the island. San Remo is also known for its daily pelican feeding near the jetty.
Can you do Phillip Island as a day trip?
Yes, but it’s a long day for the dusk Penguin Parade — many visitors return to Melbourne around 10:30 pm. An overnight is more relaxed. Guided day tours handle the driving and timing.
How long does the drive take?
Around 1.5 to 2 hours from central Melbourne in normal traffic; allow extra on summer weekends and during major circuit events.
Phillip Island, Planned Around You
The Penguin Parade, koalas, fur seals and wild surf coast — with the driving, timing and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry