Family-Friendly Adventures in Rhyll, Phillip Island, Victoria!

Koala Reserve (Koala Conservation Centre)

Why Visit?

Family Day Trip to Koala Conservation Centre

Morning Arrival

Start your unforgettable day at the Koala Conservation Centre by arriving early to make the most of the serene morning atmosphere. Located on Phillip Island, just a two-hour drive from Melbourne, the centre is easily accessible by car. You can also opt for the convenient coaches that operate from Melbourne directly to the island.

Koala Boardwalks

Once there, head straight to the Koala Boardwalks. These treetop walkways allow you and your family to see koalas in their natural habitat, dozing in the forks of eucalypts or munching on leaves. This intimate encounter is both magical and educational. Keep an eye out for the informative signs detailing fascinating koala facts, like their sleeping habits (up to 20 hours a day!) and unique dietary needs.

Woodland Walk

Next, explore the Woodland Walk where you can spot not only koalas but also a variety of Australian birds and other wildlife. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about the ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts. The well-marked trails are stroller-friendly, making them accessible for even the littlest visitors.

Visitor’s Center and Interactive Displays

After your walk, visit the center where interactive displays engage children with fun, educational content about koalas and the conservation work being done to protect them. This can be a good resting point before you wrap up your visit.

Picnic Lunch

Conclude your visit with a picnic lunch at the designated areas within the reserve. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Departure

As you leave, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop where you can buy souvenirs that help fund the conservation projects, ensuring that your visit has a lasting impact.

Enjoy your family day out, filled with learning, discovery, and unforgettable memories at the Koala Conservation Centre!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Penguin Parade

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Penguin Parade, Phillip Island

Morning: Departure and Journey to Phillip Island

Begin your adventure early with a scenic 2-hour drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you travel southeast, maybe stopping for a quick coffee or breakfast en route.

Noon: Lunch and Exploration

Arrive around noon and have lunch at the Cowes area, where there are plenty of family-friendly eateries. Post-lunch, explore the beaches or the Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can walk on elevated boardwalks to spot koalas in their natural habitat.

Afternoon: The Nobbies Centre

Before heading to the main event, visit The Nobbies Centre late in the afternoon. It’s a short 10-minute drive from Cowes and offers spectacular coastal views. Wander along the boardwalks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot seals playing in the area.

Evening: Penguin Parade

Head to the Penguin Parade visitor center an hour before sunset. Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure entry, as this popular attraction limits the number of visitors to protect the little penguins. Opt for the guided ranger tour to enhance your experience with educational insights about the penguins" lives and habitats.

Interesting Facts

- The little penguins are the smallest of their kind, standing just about 33cm tall.

- Phillip Island"s Penguin Parade is one of the few places in the world where you can observe these penguins in their natural habitat.

- The penguins" parade from the sea to their burrows is a daily ritual that has fascinated visitors for decades.

Departure

After the parade, which lasts about an hour, head back to Melbourne with unforgettable memories of nature and wildlife, perfect for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Phillip Island Winery

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting family day out at Phillip Island Winery, a gem nestled in the scenic countryside of Victoria, Australia. Known for its serene landscapes and delightful wines, this destination offers a mix of relaxation and adventure suitable for all ages.

Getting There

Phillip Island Winery is easily accessible by car, located approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne. Take the Monash Freeway (M1) and continue onto the Bass Highway (A420) following signs for Phillip Island. As you approach the island, follow the signs directing you towards the winery.

Morning - Vineyard Exploration

Start your day with a gentle stroll through the vineyards. The kids will love the open spaces and fresh air, while you enjoy a guided tour that explains the winemaking process. The tour often features fascinating insights into sustainable viticulture, which Phillip Island Winery champions.

Midday - Picnic and Play

After your tour, settle down for a picnic amidst the picturesque settings. The winery offers pre-packed picnic baskets filled with local produce, which need to be pre-ordered. While you savor the flavors, kids can play in the designated areas, giving you some time to relax and perhaps taste a glass of the winery’s finest.

Afternoon - Wildlife Watching

A short drive from the winery, visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. It’s an easy walk on the boardwalks, suitable for even young children.

Evening - Sunset at the Nobbies Centre

Cap off your day with a drive to the Nobbies Centre, just 20 minutes away. It"s a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean. The area is also known for its stunning boardwalk and the chance to spot seals playing in the waves.

Phillip Island Winery combines the allure of fine wines with the natural beauty of its surroundings, making it a perfect family retreat that educates, entertains, and inspires.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

A Maze"N Things

Why Visit?

Welcome to A Maze"N Things, a world of fun and excitement located on the picturesque Phillip Island, just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Ideal for a family day out, this unique adventure park promises endless fun with its intriguing mazes, magic shows, and mind-bending optical illusions.

Morning: Arrival and Magic Manor

Begin your adventure at the Magic Manor. Arriving early around 10 AM helps you beat the crowds. The manor offers fascinating activities like interactive magic displays, intriguing time machines, and enchanting flying chandelows. Don’t miss the magical memorabilia! Kids will love the kinetic displays where they can engage with the exhibits.

Midday: Puzzle Island

Next, head to Puzzle Island around noon. Start with the Mirror Maze; a bewildering, mirrored labyrinth that challenges you to find your way out. Don’t miss the Illusion Rooms – where you can shrink to miniature size or defy gravity! Before leaving Puzzle Island, make sure the family tries the Look Out! Slide, which offers a thrilling end to your Puzzle Island adventure.

Afternoon: Maxi Mini Golf

After some lunch at the café (they serve delicious, kid-friendly options), engage in a friendly family competition at Maxi Mini Golf. This 19-hole course is filled with fun challenges and curious obstacles, perfect for all ages.

Late Afternoon: Maze and Playground

Conclude your visit by conquering the giant 3D outdoor maze. See who can navigate the twists and turns the quickest! For younger kids, the playground offers a chance to relax and play in a less structured environment.

Departure

Plan to wrap up around 4 PM, giving everyone time to browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs like 3D puzzles and brain teasers, ensuring the day’s memories last.

A Maze"N Things offers a captivating blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-visit for families seeking an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Nobbies Centre

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at the Nobbies Centre, located on Victoria"s stunning Phillip Island, a comfortable 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Begin your journey by driving along the scenic coastline, with plenty of stops available for capturing panoramic views and perhaps spotting local wildlife.

Upon arrival at the Nobbies Centre, which is free to enter (parking fees apply), start at the Antarctic Journey exhibition. Engage with interactive displays and a virtual journey to the Southern Ocean. Kids will love the "Feel the Freeze" ice wall and the augmented reality experiences where they can stand alongside virtual penguins, seals, and sharks.

Next, step outside onto the boardwalks to explore the magnificent coastal environment. Keep an eye out for the famous Australian fur seals basking on Seal Rocks, which can be seen from the observation areas. These boardwalks also offer spectacular views of the rugged Bass Strait and the dramatic blowhole. Carry binoculars for a closer look at the native birds and perhaps even spot a whale during migration season (May to October).

After strolling through the natural wonders, refuel at the Nobbies Café, where you can enjoy a meal or a snack with breathtaking ocean views. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs like locally-made crafts and educational toys that reflect the area"s natural beauty and wildlife.

End your visit at dusk from March to October to witness the magical Penguin Parade (ticket purchase required). This world-famous experience allows you to watch little penguins return ashore after a day of fishing.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, wind-resistant jackets, and a camera to capture the memorable moments at this spectacular natural haven. The Nobbies Centre offers an enchanting blend of education and natural beauty, making it a perfect day out for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.