Are you in a wheelchair and looking for an accessible day trip in Phillip Island? ♿️

Phillip Island, a popular day trip from Melbourne, lies just off Australia’s southern coast. Popularised for it’s penguin parades and unique wildlife experiences. This place is a must for anyone living in or visiting Victoria. 🐧 🐧 🐧 🐧 🐧 🐧

Mapped out below is the perfect wheelchair accessible day trip for anyone, who is a wheelchair user, visiting Phillip Island.

From nature and wildlife parks, to scenic beaches, and yummy food, you are sure to have a fun day out that will make you want to come back for more! 😍

First Stop: Phillip Island Nature Parks Visitor Centre

Your first stop will be the Phillip Island Nature Parks Visitor Centre.

This place provides maps, tickets for all major attractions and itinerary planning.

The knowledgeable and friendly staff inspire and inform visitors with different interests, whether it is experiencing the serenity and beauty of the surf and bayside coastlines; the thrill of adrenaline filled activities on the road, water or in the air; nature-based activities; wildlife and walking trails or a specialised bus tour with a local operator – they can facilitate it all.

The Visitor Centre has 2 accessible car parks and there is a ramp up the entrance.

They also provide an accessible bathroom.

For contact information and location click here.

Open 10am – 4pm daily.

Second Stop: Nobbies Centre

The Nobbies Centre is an ecotourism destination located at Point Grant, on the western tip of Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia.

The Centre invites visitors to dive deeper into the natural beauty of the region via technological displays and interactive exhibits. Sitting pretty on the edge of an impressive cliff, you can expect breath-taking views out across the surrounding landscape, much of which is dedicated to conservation efforts and eco-tourism developments.

For more information on the centre click here.

If you are interested they are currently featuring Antarctic Journey. For more information on this expo click here and watch the video below ↓ ↓

The Centre and surrounding boardwalks are wheelchair accessible.

The provide;

Ramped access throughout the centre
Wide external boardwalks with ramp access down to blowhole (1 in 14 gradient)
Raised tactile lift buttons at an accessible height
Both cafe levels accessible via ramp access
Wide internal pathways for prams and wheelchairs
Disabled toilet facilities
Interpretive displays and experiences at wheelchair height

Read here for more information and don’t forget to check out the stunning and peaceful natural views along the Nobbies Centre boardwalk. 😍

Third Stop: Lunch

Next we will head to the Waterboy cafe in Cowes for lunch. This cafe has a huge window looking out over Westernport Bay and has a menu full of lots of yummy wholesome food!

The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, has no steps at the front entrance and has an accessible bathroom.

For more information on the cafe click here.

Fourth Stop: Accessible Beach Visit

Whilst your in Cowes, next head to the foreshore for a relaxing stroll along the water.

You can view this map to see the best accessible spots on the foreshore in Cowes.

You can even hire out a beach wheelchair from the Bass Coast Shire Council.

For more information and to enquire about parking and accessible routes call the Phillip Island Visitor Centre on 1300 366 422.

Fifth Stop: Phillip Island Wildlife Park

Next, you can head to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park.

Set on a huge 60 acres, the park is home to over 100 different species of Australian animals. It is here that you can not only see, but hand feed and really experience close encounters with wildlife. You will be surprised to find such a diverse range of native animals located only 2km’s from the main township of Cowes.

For more information on the Park, ticket prices and opening hours click here.

The park is wheelchair accessible but to ensure they meet your unique accessibility requirements call them on 03-5952 2038.

Sixth Stop: Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch a colony of penguins waddle home from the ocean to their burrows any night of the year. This is a must-see in Phillip Island and truly a magical experience!

For ticket prices, location and opening hours click here.

The venue has wide pathways for wheelchairs and prams and allocated car parking spaces for people with accessibility issues. There is ramp access through the visitor centre and along the boardwalks, interpretive displays at wheelchair eye height and an accessible-height ticketing counter.

There is also complimentary wheelchair hire and buggy service available for visitors with Mobility needs. Located at beach doors, please ask any of our staff if you or a guest requires this service.

There is lastly accessible bathrooms and an exclusive wheelchair access viewing area in General Viewing, Penguins Plus and Underground Viewing.

For more information about their accessibility view this pdf.

Companion and carer cards are welcome. Carer cards will give you a pension rate, whilst companion cards will give you free entry.

Seventh Stop: Dinner

Lastly, we are going to finish the day with a yummy dinner and stunning views overlooking the water at the Foreshore bar and restaurant.

Alternatively if it is cold you can rug up inside next their cosy wood fire.

For their menu, location and contact number click here.

They have accessible carparking and toilets.

What to Prepare?

Make sure to prepare for your trip! Below is a rough guide for you to follow, however there will be things that you need to prepare specifically for your needs. Try to write these down and organise them in advance to have everything perfect for your trip, and to avoid unnecessary stressors.

Look at guide below ↓ ↓ ↓

2 Week's Prior to Day-Trip:

Download the Cowes Mobility Map here
Have a read of this handy accessible guide for Bass Coast
A support worker to push you around on your chair and to drive you to the different locations
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (if you do not have a vehicle you can drive and need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, have a look at our vehicles here, we would love to support you on your day out!)
Disability Parking Permit
Essential back ups for your mobility device e.g. batteries, crutches, waterproof covering for your wheelchair, visibiliity LED lights just in case it becomes dark etc.
Book reservations or purchase tickets for all restaurants and activities. Whilst doing this confirm all of your unique accessibility requirements, e.g. steps, accessible bathroom, corridor space etc.
Look up and view the day trip route on your maps and print the map off or download it onto your phone
Print off or download maps of all the venues you are attending
Check weather and consider any potential impact on outdoor activities. (do this a few times leading up to trip and organise a plan b if its predicted to be bad weather!)
Verify parking options at each location
Beach wheelchair rental if desired

2 Day's Prior to Day-Trip:

Check weather and organise essentials for changing weather conditions; e.g. an umbrella, extra layers, sunscreen, sunhat, a waterproof jacket etc.
Water bottle
Confirm bookings and details with support worker, accessible vehicle hire company, restaurants and activities
Collate back ups for your mobility device
Personal Comfort and Supplies e.g. snacks
Emergency contacts
A camera or smart phone for photos
Ensure your phone is fully charged
Download relevant apps for navigation, accessibility information and communication
Download copies of tickets and reservations

A Wheelchair Accessible Day Trip In Phillip Island