There's more to Phillip Island than the penguin parade at dusk.

At the western tip of Phillip Island, past Summerland Beach, lies the Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre where you can see and observe fur seals in their native habitat with remote viewing technology.

More than 16,000 seals have their colony on Seal Rocks, off Point Grant, but you won't see all of them as much of the seal population may be away from shore at any one time.


The cluster of rocks closest to the point are The Nobbies. There's a blowhole between The Nobbies and Point Grant.

The Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre provides a look into the ecology of the island and the lifecycles of seabirds, seals and the fearsome great white shark.

• Boat cruises to Seal Rocks are available from the jetty at Cowes on the northern side of the island. There are also evening shearwater (mutton bird) cruises from San Remo. Other organised tours on the island include bus tours and scenic flights.

Close encounters with Aussie fauna

Also on Phillip Island is the Koala Conservation Centre at Five Ways on the main Phillip Island Road.

The koala reserve is part of Phillip Island Nature Park, formed in 1996, which includes the Penguin Reserve on Summerland Beach.

Both the koala and penguin reserves are open to the public. A fee is charged for entry into these reserves.

Wildlife park

To round out your close encounter with Australian fauna -- wallabies, wombats, emus, and other native birds and animals -- you might want to visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Park on Thompson Ave, south of the island's main town of Cowes.

An entry fee is charged.

• Phillip Island Penguin Parade
• Find Suitable Accommodation on Phillip Island