Cruise terminal → Central Cowes
The terminal is on Cowes Esplanade, so you can walk to the town center and toward Thompson Avenue.
Cruise port in Australia
Phillip Island, Victoria
Disembark directly onto the island. Average time in port: 16 hours. 16 places to explore.
- Ships calling here
- 4 ships
- Upcoming sailings
- 8 sailings
- Average time in port
- About 16 hours
- Lowest fare
- From USD 1,186
Photo: Image by xiSerge from Pixabay
After disembarking
Cruise ships dock at Cowes Ferry Terminal. Disembark directly onto the island.
- Where the ship docks
Cruise ships dock at Cowes Ferry Terminal.
- Getting around the island
Use local transport or a tour to visit attractions outside Cowes. Taxis, shuttle buses, and limited ride-hailing services operate on the island.
- Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade is described as a signature nature experience on Phillip Island.
About 16 hours in port: where can you go?
Time available at the destination after subtracting return travel.
- CowesAt the pierTime at destinationAbout 16 hr
- Phillip IslandAbout 15 min each wayTime at destinationAbout 15 hr 30 min
Return travel Time at destination
Calculated from the average time in port. Return deadlines vary by sailing; check the daily programme on board.
Between the terminal, city and airport
Travel between the terminal, city center, railway station and airport.
Cruise terminal → Phillip Island attractions
Take a local taxi from the terminal and show the driver the address of the attraction you want to visit. Check vehicle availability in advance for travel around the island.
Cowes places to explore
Explore 9 checked places. Select a pin to see its card, or choose View on map from a card.
Sights 2Food and cafés 7
Pino's Trattoria
An Italian restaurant on Thompson Avenue where you can enjoy pasta and Italian meals in town.
- Duration
- about 1 hr 15 min
Check for waiting times during meal hours.
Mon Dieu Cafe
A cafe and restaurant on Church Street where you can have coffee and a meal in one place.
- Duration
- about 1 hr
Chapel Lane, Restaurant & Bar
A restaurant and bar on Chapel Street where you can enjoy food and drinks in town.
- Duration
- about 1 hr 15 min
Check seat availability in advance for busy periods.
Phillip Island Bakery
A bakery on Thompson Avenue where you can buy bread and light snacks while exploring town.
- Duration
- about 20 min
Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar Phillip Island
A restaurant and bar on Cowes Esplanade where you can enjoy food and drinks by the beach.
- Duration
- about 1 hr 15 min
Anerie
A cafe on Thompson Avenue, a pleasant place for coffee and a light bite during a walk around town.
- Duration
- about 45 min
Trips nearby
With enough time in port, you can explore beyond the city. One-way times are approximate.
Phillip Island
About 15 min each wayTime at destination About 15 hr 30 min
NeighborhoodsPhillip IslandAn island off the coast of Victoria where you can enjoy nature, local food, and seascapes. The Penguin Parade is one of the island's signature nature experiences.
Check transport in advance if you plan to visit attractions around the island.
- ActivitiesA Maze N Things Theme Park
A theme park near Cowes where you can enjoy mazes and various activities. A good place for families to spend time.
Check opening hours and admission requirements before visiting.
SightsKoala Conservation ReserveA koala sanctuary near Rhyll where you can observe koalas and the surrounding nature.
Do not touch or feed wildlife, and follow the on-site visitor rules.
SightsOswin Roberts ReserveA nature reserve near Rhyll where you can walk through the forest and natural surroundings and see the island's outdoor scenery.
Stay on the paths and within the natural area, and wear shoes suited to the weather.
SightsThe Big Koala StatueA large koala sculpture beside Phillip Island Road, a convenient place to stop briefly and take photos while traveling.
Take care with parking and pedestrian safety beside the road.
ActivitiesSunset Strip Bike Jump ParkA bike jump park in Sunset Strip, an outdoor place for cycling activities.
Check facility conditions and on-site safety guidance before use.
- ActivitiesMaze Point
A maze-themed attraction on Phillip Island Road, with a maze and other activities.
Check opening hours and admission requirements before visiting.
Cruises calling at Phillip Island, Victoria
Sailings on the same ship and route are grouped together.
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2026.12Oceania cruises · 10 nights · Mid-length cruise
An Aussie Celebration
Sydney, New South Wales departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 12,049
Holland America LineSailing 2026.12Oceania cruises · 28 nights · Long cruise
28-Day South Australia & New Zealand Holiday
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyCheck with the booking provider
Holland America LineSailing 2026.12Oceania cruises · 14 nights · Long cruise
14-Day South Australia Discovery Holiday
Sydney, New South Wales departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyCheck with the booking provider
Norwegian Cruise LineBook now
Sailing 2027.03Oceania cruises · 10 nights · Mid-length cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne, Milford Sound & Wellington
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,186
Norwegian Cruise LineBook now
Sailing 2027.04Oceania cruises · 11 nights · Long cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne & Milford Sound
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,202
Holland America LineBook now
Sailing 2027.12Oceania cruises · 30 nights · Long cruise
30-Day New Zealand & South Australia Discovery Collector
Auckland → Sydney, New South Wales
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 6,834
Holland America LineBook now
Sailing 2027.12Oceania cruises · 42 nights · Long cruise
42-Day Australia Holiday: Coral Sea & Fiji
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 10,664
Holland America LineBook now
Sailing 2027.12Oceania cruises · 16 nights · Long cruise
16-Day South Australia Discovery Holiday
Sydney, New South Wales departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 4,069
8 cruises call at this port.
Ships calling at Phillip Island, Victoria
Explore cabin types, dining and deck facilities for each ship.
Holland America Line · 3 sailings
Westerdam
9 cabin types · 7 dining venues · 18 entertainment options · 11 decks
Explore the ship
Holland America Line · 2 sailings
Noordam
9 cabin types · 6 dining venues · 18 entertainment options · 11 decks
Explore the ship
Norwegian Cruise Line · 2 sailings
Norwegian Spirit
18 cabin types · 12 dining venues · 30 entertainment options · 10 decks
Explore the ship
Regent Seven Seas Cruises · 1 sailings
Seven Seas Explorer
10 cabin types · 10 dining venues · 41 entertainment options · 10 decks
Explore the ship
About Phillip Island, Victoria
Your first sight of Phillip Island's prize asset - its parade of adorable penguins skipping across the sand - will be just one of many unforgettable experiences from your time on this stunning island. Located just to the south of cultured Melbourne, the southern ocean’s rollers have hewn a rugged, dramatic shoreline here, and you’ll be itching to explore as soon as you lay eyes upon it.
Cruise lines calling here: 3 places
Holland America LineNorwegian Cruise LineRegent Seven Seas Cruises
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