Conveniently located just under two hours from Melbourne, getting to Phillip Island is easy. Although the island is a comfortable drive, there are also options to let someone else do the driving, with coach services and inter-island ferry services available.
If you plan on driving from Melbourne to Phillip Island, you’ll need to take the Monash Freeway, exiting near Cranbourne towards Phillip Island and onto the South Gippsland Highway. Following the signs to Phillip Island, continue along the Bass Highway and onto the Phillip Island Tourist Road before taking the bridge over San Remo and onto Phillip Island.
If you’re visiting Phillip Island from further afield, the closest airport is the Tullamarine Airport. There are actually two airports servicing Melbourne – the Avalon Airport and the Tullamarine Airport. The Avalon Airport is ideal for those wishing to travel the Great Ocean Road however for visitors wanting to travel to Phillip Island, the Tullamarine Airport is the closest.
If having your own transport won’t be an option, there are a number of public transport options available. Much more affordable than a taxi or private transfers, there are a number of V/line coach services that operate out of Melbourne to destinations in and around Phillip Island. Regular services depart Southern Cross Station and travel to Grantville, Corinella, Bass, San Remo and Newhaven before finally ending in Cowes.
Another great option when it comes to public transport is the inter-island ferry. Offering something a little bit different, this unique and exciting transport option is a great way to arrive on Phillip Island. Departing from Stony Point Jetting near Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula, the ferry crosses Westernport Bay and arrives in Cowes on Phillip Island. There are also services that depart Tankerton Jetting on French Island.
