Phillip Island Flights and Cruises

There is no need to stay grounded, with Phillip Island flights and cruises making your stay a memorable one!

Be thrilled by a helicopter flight or relax as you cruise to Seal Rocks to discover the Australian fur seal colony.

Wildlife Coast Cruises

One of the enduring sights of Phillip Island is the ferry Kasey Lee, operated by Wildlife Coast Cruises, taking visitors to Seal Rocks.

The Kasey Lee is a 20 metre modern catamaran, with seating for 120 passengers in indoor and outdoor areas over two decks.

Kasey Lee at Seal Rocks

The Kasey Lee, sister cruiser Brianna Lee or the Arafura Pearl take passengers on a wonderful full day cruise along the coast of Wilsons Promontory.

During the winter whale watching cruises are extremely popular. The cruise usually circumnavigates Phillip Island and sightings can include whales, dolphins, seals and albatross.

The shearwater cruises are scheduled from November to February. These 2 hour cruises leave in the evening before the sun sets and passengers can see the shearwaters return to their rookery at Cape Woolamai - a truly wonderful sight.

Shearwaters returning to their rookery at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island

Shearwaters Returning To Cape Woolamai Rookery

The cruise to Seal Rocks departs Cowes Jetty and takes about two hours.

After a safety briefing, sit back and relax.

For families there are toys for small children, colouring sheets and pencils and a nice space for them to play.

One of our toddlers experienced seasickness and the staff were very helpful and caring.

On the way, watch for dolphins or, in winter, whales. Many species of birds wheel overhead as the ferry passes the Phillip Island coast and The Nobbies.

Arriving at Seal Rocks, the Kasey Lee drifts close to the colony where you can observe close-up the antics and daily life of these fascinating creatures.

There is plenty of time to take photographs or video.

Most seals spend their time just basking in the sun. Others play together or dive into the water for a swim, then awkwardly climb back onto the rocky shore.

Some will swim beside the boat – perhaps putting on a special show for you!

The cruise includes informative commentary with bird identification and historical knowledge.

Morning or afternoon tea or coffee plus cake is included.

Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and snacks can be purchased, as well as souvenirs.

In winter there is ample room for warm undercover viewing.

Seal Rocks cruises depart daily (except August) at 2.00pm with extra trips during the school holidays.

Prices (subject to change - guide only): Adult $92, Child $64, Family $256.

Seals Sunning Themselves at Seal Rocks

In January the weather conditions made the tour to Seal Rocks unsafe so we left from Rhyll jetty for Cape Woolamai.

This was a great alternative.

Because it was low tide we could see the wreck of the Mina sitting well out of the water.

Several seals were sunning themselves on the exposed rock ledge near the Phillip Island bridge. I never knew they frequented these rocks so now I look for them whenever the tide is low!

Along the coast of Cape Woolamai we could see fragile dunes and the remains of the old granite quarry, with huge cut blocks abandoned on the beach.

The quarry can be accessed at low tide by a walking track on Cape Woolamai.

Old Granite Quarry at Cape Woolamai

The coast around the tip of Cape Woolamai is quite stunning, with lots of caves and rock cliffs. Unfortunately the wind had whipped up huge waves and we couldn't get around to The Pinnacles.

Wildlife Coast Cruises run several other popular cruises.

A lovely option from September to May is the Twilight Bay Cruise around Westernport Bay. Visit submarine HMAS Otama, anchored in Westernport Bay, and enjoy the sunset with nibbles and a glass of wine.

The famous Red Hill Market is another destination. Take the ferry to Stony Point then board a connecting bus to the market. Indulge in some retail therapy amongst the 150 stalls selling home-grown produce, gourmet goodies, plants and handicrafts and more before the relaxing cruise home.

For more information about all cruises go to www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

Phillip Island Helicopters

Phillip Island Helicopters is based at the island's airport, and offers scenic flights, not just around the Phillip Island but also over the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast.

Part of the Phillip Island Flights and Cruises Experience

If you are interested in spotting whales, take a flight during the annual winter whale migration from the Antarctic to the southern Australian coast and further north to the warmer tropical waters of northern Australia.

If you want more than a flight, check out the packages available.

Visit a winery in style for a tasting and lunch - by helicopter for the ultimate indulgent experience.

If it is thrills you want, fly to the Phillip Island Circuit, where you can experience the breathtaking speed of a Hot Lap around this world-famous circuit - home of the international MotoGP each October.

I recommend the "Flight with the Lot" which takes clients all around Phillip Island. The coastline is even more spectacular when seen from above and the sea a beautiful turquoise.

Our friendly, knowledgeable pilot pointed out places of interest and told us some of the island's history, which added to the experience.

Bookings are essential – phone (03) 5956 7316