Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a small island off the coast of Victoria, Australia, about 125 kilometers (78 miles) south of Melbourne. Governor Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, was named after the island by explorer and seaman George Bass, who arrived in an open whale boat from Sydney on January 5, 1798.

Phillip Island is a natural wonderland off Australia's southern coast, roughly a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Begin your animal adventure at the Koala Conservation Center, where you'll take a walk through the bush in search of koalas in their natural environment. Then, with Wildlife Coast Cruises, go to Seal Rocks to observe one of Australia's largest populations of fur seals. Phillip Island is not just a beautiful island in Australia, but it's also recognized for its spectacular coastal beauty and dense vegetation, but the primary attraction for visitors is the adorable little penguins. The fairy penguins are the world's tiniest penguins, and travelers flock to Phillip Island to observe groups of the tiny penguins swimming from the sea and waddling back to their nesting boxes.

Most journeys to Phillip Island from Melbourne include stops at other interesting sights along the way, as well as photo opportunities. When you view the penguins, please pay attention to the signs that say no flash photography because you could damage them.

Area: 100 km2

Location: astride the entrance to Western Port (bay) on the south coast of Victoria, Australia, southeast of Melbourne.