Eight Impressive Places to Stay on Phillip Island No Matter Your Budget

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There are so many reasons to head to Phillip Island for a seaside escape. You might be drawn there for the famous penguin parade, the unbeatable surf, the delicious locavore delights or for a hike into the coastal wilds.

Maybe you're looking for a spa day — or maybe you're more of the adrenaline-pumping motorsports persuasion. Wherever the adventure takes you, you'll need somewhere to rest your head at the end of the day. We've rounded up the best spots to stay on your next island break — everything from surfside stays on a budget to full island resort luxury. Your getaway awaits.

HIDE OUT AT A LUXURY COASTAL ESCAPE

Want to enjoy the splendour of nature without roughing it? You won't sacrifice any creature comforts at Five Acres. This trio of luxury cabins ten minutes from Cowes is situated on a working, sustainable micro-farm, complete with orchards and livestock.

Each one-bed one-bath cabin (charmingly named Barley, Clover and Rye) are sleek, stylish and open-plan, with top-quality linens, crackling log fires and views over Western Port Bay. Your deluxe sanctum is just a stone's throw from the island's nature parks, but you can enjoy some casual wildlife watching through the wide, full-length cabin windows — or from the steamy embrace of your handcrafted concrete outdoor bath.

A STUNNING CLIFFTOP HOME WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS

Waikiki Beachfront is smack bang on the clifftop above Smiths Beach, with easy access to the surf and sweeping coastline. It's channelling Hamptons vibes — all sleek timber and bright white interiors. This expansive six-bed holiday house can hold up to 15 guests, making it perfect for multi-family getaways. You won't feel cramped with multiple airy living spaces, generously sized bedrooms and a big open kitchen with all the modern conveniences — including a damn fine view from the breakfast bar.

The property also boasts a games room, play equipment and even hammocks, plus two sea-view sundecks and a third for the barbecue. Wander, surf, build sandcastles and explore nature all day, then return to watch the sunset from your private deck.

A BOUTIQUE BEACHSIDE BED AND BREAKFAST

Old-world charm meets modern comfort and convenience at this award-winning country house. Glen Isla House at Cowes is just a short walk from the beach, situated in idyllic private gardens complete with shady oak trees from the original 1870s homestead era. It's also an easy 15-minute drive to the Phillip Island Nature Parks if you're seeking inland adventures.

If you like your accommodation to come with character, you'll love the classic country estate decor, antique-style furnishings and a cosy living room fireplace here — not to mention the scenic garden views. Book in on the right days for inclusive breakfast in the dining room, or wander to one of the nearby cafes.

A HOLIDAY PARK SITUATED CLOSE TO TOWN

Right on the sandy surf beaches of Cowes, this holiday park is perfect for happy campers or holidaymakers looking for good old-fashioned family fun. Stay in one- or two-bed cabins with kitchen-diner, TV and your own verandah (and pet-friendly options) or set up at a caravan spot on the expansive grounds. Want to be so close to the sea that you can smell it? Pitch your tent on the grass and wake up to the sounds of the waves.

There's a playground at the park — but on Phillip Island, all of nature is your playground. Pack the fishing rods and surfboards, drive out early for a full day of parks and coastal adventures, then come back for a barbecue dinner. Don't worry if you don't catch anything — the shops and cafes of Cowes are right on your doorstep.

PUB ACCOMMODATION A STONE'S THROW FROM THE SEA

The North Pier Hotel above Western Port Bay has a place for every solo traveller and exploring troupe to bed down, beachside. There's everything from backpacker-style dorm rooms to simple guest suites, spacious family rooms, luxe stays with bay views and self-contained flats and townhouses. There's also an outdoor pool — but you're so close to the beach, you may as well head to the sea.

If you're in one of the accommodation options with a kitchen, take advantage of the excellent local produce and vineyards for your cosy night in. Otherwise, the bar and bistro is open seven days a week, lunch through dinner. They've got the classics like fish and chips, pizza, steak and parmas, as well as fun twists like miso-corn cob, duck spring rolls and a spicy shark burger. Kids can amuse themselves in the play area while you grab a beer with a beach view.

A LUXURY BED AND BREAKFAST WITH STUNNING RURAL VIEWS

To really get away from it all, go rural. Just five minutes' drive from Cowes, Grey Goose sits on ten secluded green acres. It's your home away from home, with good old-fashioned country comfort and hospitality. And you won't have to share this peace and quiet with many people — there are only two charming guest suites and a shared lounge, plus a self-contained one-bed loft apartment. And that loft apartment is spacious, with an open-plan living space and huge sliding doors leading to the verandah. Take in the views of farm life and wildlife out over the peaceful rolling hills, and down towards the sweeping sands of Smiths Beach.

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE RESORT

In the hills above San Remo, Silverwater Resort offers four-and-a-half-star family-friendly accommodation. Whether you're looking for a comfortable hotel suite or a self-catered apartment, this modern, spacious accommodation is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Phillip Island and Bass Coast.

On-site leisure activities include pools, a spa, a full gym, a kids' playground, basketball and tennis courts, plus an arcade room. The Watermark restaurant showcases the finest produce from around the region. Start the day with a gourmet breakfast and an enviable view of the sparkling sea, and finish with a hearty meal of pizza, pasta and bistro classics, or stop in at the Lounge Bar for cocktails and nibbles.

LUXE HILLTOP APARTMENTS AMONG A RAMBLING HILLTOP GARDEN

Looking to treat yourselves to a romantic getaway? Head to this luxe little spot in the scenic fishing village of Rhyll, overlooking Western Port Bay and Bass Coast on the eastern side of Phillip Island. This hilltop accommodation is set amidst a garden and orchard — you might stay in the Mangrove or Sandbar apartments with fully equipped kitchens, or the Black Swan and Pelican lofts.

Rhyll Haven Cottage itself is for lovers of extra luxury, where you can enjoy designer interiors and spa bathrooms with all the trimmings. On cool days you can cosy up to the gas log fire, and when the sun emerges, laze on the verandah and cook up a storm on the barbecue. Breakfast is also provided, with options including fresh bread, free-range eggs, juice and muesli. Once you're fuelled, take an easy stroll to the pier and do a coastal walk, or head to the nearby Rhyll Inlet to spot black swans and pelicans.

Keen to explore Phillip Island? For more information and to start planning your trip, visit the website.