Discover Summerlands

Most of my trips to the coast have been pretty memorable dont you think, but one place really stands out – Summerland Phillip Island. I’m Oleksandr Honcharenko, and I’ve spent enough time driving down long stretches of Aussie dirt tracks to know when a place’s got some real character to it, and the Summerland Peninsula has it in spades.

The minute you step out of your car, you get a whiff of that salty wind blowing in from Bass Strait, the sound of waves crashing against ancient cliffs and the little penguins making their way back to their penguin rookery each evening at the world famous Penguin Parade – it’s an awe-inspiring experience. If you’re into the idea of getting up close with wildlife, having a wild day out and enjoying some rugged coastline, then this wee spot in Victoria’s Phillip Island has got you covered.

Reaching This Windswept Part Of The Coast

Most visitors can get to Summerlands Beach and the Penguin Parade from Melbourne in under two hours – unless of course you get stuck behind a school of holiday-makers at San Remo. Easy enough, except I’ve learned to make sure I’ve got a tank full of petrol at the last servo before the bridge; public transport is an option, but it’s not often enough to rely on getting you to the penguin parade for sunset viewing.

How To Get Here

How far is it from Melbourne? – roughly 140km
Key places to visit: Cowes → Summerland Peninsula → The Nobbies
Other beaches to check out: Smiths Beach, Flynns Beach & Shelly Beach
Where to fuel up & pick up snacks: Newhaven & Cowes

Parking – Be Warned

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade car park has plenty of spaces, but on summer weekends, it gets chock-a-block, long before the penguin parade even starts. Get there early if you want to explore the coast around Summerland Bay Beach or break a leg wandering towards Cat Bay.

Why This Part of the Coastline Matters So Much

The Summerlands Peninsula in Australia is a real treasure. Thanks to the Phillip Island Nature Park, it’s home to an amazing array of wildlife, including tens of thousands of Fairy Penguins, bird colonies, and rocky outcrops like Point Grant, where you can catch Australian Fur Seals soaking up the sun – as if they’d forgotten to slather on the sunscreen too.

According to the Penguin Foundation, there are approximately 32,000 breeding Little Penguins (which can fluctuate year to year). It’s one of the largest penguin breeding colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.

A Little Bit of History

The area was formerly home to Summerland Estate, a residential area that was gradually acquired by the Victorian Government under the Summerland Estate Buy-Back Programme. Their goal was simple: protect local wildlife and plants, restore habitat, and keep the iconic penguin rookery safe from development. Thanks to the hard work of groups like GML Heritage, the area has been transformed into a thriving natural sanctuary, and visitors can now enjoy the Peninsula in all its glory.

Coastal Experiences And Wildlife Encounters To Enjoy

From the rugged coastline to the tiny penguins scurrying around, there are loads of reasons why visitors just can’t get enough of this part of Phillip Island.

1. Watching The Penguins

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve watched the Little Penguins strut back in from their fishing trips – but no matter how many times I see it, I still get a kick out of seeing them pop up through the surf. The viewing platforms at Summerlands Beach let you sit back, relax and watch the penguins waddle back to their homes without disturbing them.

Some evenings are nice and calm, but others can be pretty wild, especially if Bass Strait decides to get a bit feisty. Just come prepared, and you might just be in for a pleasant surprise.

2. The Nobbies And Seal Rocks

Only a five-minute drive from the main road, and you’ll find yourself at the The Nobbies Walk and Lookout, overlooking some truly dramatic coastline and the famous Seal Rocks – home to the biggest fur seal population in Victoria. It’s a must-see, and the views from the lookout are just incredible.

3. Cat Bay And Smiths Beach

These two beaches are surfing hotspots – attracting all sorts of surfboard riders, surf schools and anyone brave enough to tackle the summer swell. But be warned: the conditions can shift quickly due to the tides, so keep your wits about you and you’ll be all right.

4. Flynns Beach Historic Jetty Walk

A quieter spot near the old Hobsons Cabin area – perfect for some coastal photography, a peaceful walk, and a glimpse into the island’s history.

Shelly Beach Circuit Walk

This one’s a real gem: it’s sheltered, so it’s a great spot to catch a glimpse of Short-tailed Shearwaters, Hooded Plovers, and other wildlife without the hassle of crowds.

Weather Patterns And Seasonal Conditions To Expect

Summer – It’s the time of year when the sun beats down, the crowds descend, and the evenings stretch out long and golden – perfect for spotting wildlife but hot under the feet and heavy on the suncream. And then there’s winter, when the skies turn moody, and the waves crash hard against the cliffs. That’s the time of year when photographers love it, but at the same time, forget to bring a brolly (tempting fate is what it’s for). Migratory birds arrive at specific times of year; penguins are still out feeding; and the weather changes faster than your phone can refresh a forecast. It’s that very unpredictability that makes this place so appealing – a wild card, a challenge, depending on your gear and your sense of adventure.

Safety Notes

Be realistic when visiting Summerland Peninsula – it’s beautiful, but needs some respect.

Key Safety Notes

A good rule of thumb is to stay behind the barriers at Southpoint Lookout and anywhere near a cliff edge
Be super careful not to deviate from the track – penguin burrows may look like just sand, but they can collapse pretty easily don’t want to get caught out
When driving at dusk/night around Cat Bay and Cowrie Bay, you’ll be sharing the road with the wildlife – so be on your toes
Keep an eye on the ocean conditions at Summerlands Beach, Smiths Beach, and Ocean Beach – rips and reef breaks that are fine in the morning are totally changed by the afternoon

What To Pack For A Day

A few bits and bobs I’ve picked up over the years that I always chuck in my bag in case the wind turns, or the rain starts pouring down:

windproof jacket – because you never know when it’s going to turn nasty
something to keep you warm in the evenings when visiting the penguin reserve (it can get a bit nippy)
good footwear for boardwalks and rocky terrain
camera – and make sure you strap it tightly
torch – and a reminder to keep it switched off when the penguins are around
water and snacks to keep you going all day
sunscreen with SPF 50 (you don’t want to get caught out by the sun)
If you’re hitting nearby caravan parks, check whether powered or unpowered sites are available — spots fill fast during school holidays

A Quick Reference Table For Planning Your Trip

Topic	Essential Info
Penguin Population	~32,000 breeding Little Penguins (Penguin Foundation, 2023)
Key Beaches	Summerlands Beach, Summerland Bay Beach, Smiths Beach, Cat Bay
Major Landmarks	The Nobbies, Point Grant, Seal Rocks
Local Wildlife	Australian Fur Seals, Hooded Plovers, Short-tailed Shearwaters
Access Town	San Remo
Traditional Owners	Bunurong people
Management Body	Phillip Island Nature Park / Nature Parks Board
Heritage Notes	Summerland Estate history + GML Heritage citations
Multi Park Pass	Valid for Penguin Parade + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey

Let The Landscape Work Its Magic

Every time I visit the Summerland Peninsula, I’m reminded of why Victoria goes to such great lengths to protect it. The sound of Bass Strait crashing against the cliffs is a real treat – and then you catch a glimpse of those little penguins waddling back in through the surf – it’s a place that just burrows its way into your heart. It’s a really rare example of a place where development has actually been reversed to let nature flourish – and I reckon that’s something that really gets tourists on Australia Tours going.

FAQ

Do You Have to Go to the Penguin Parade to Visit Summerlands Beach?

No need to, you can still visit the surrounding beaches like Cat Bay and Shelly Beach, but the main Summerlands Beach itself is only open for the occasional penguin parade, as it’s a key spot for the penguin colony.

Why has the Summerland Estate been abandoned?

It was repurchased for the Summerland Estate Buy-Back Programme to protect the penguin rookery and the wider area.

What Wildlife can I see at The Nobbies?

You can expect to see Australian Fur Seals, Short-tailed Shearwaters, sea birds, and a few other bits and bobs like dolphins or whales when they’re passing through during their migrations.

Is Summerland Peninsula Good for Surfing?

Nope, the Peninsula itself isn’t really for surfers, but the nearby beaches like Smiths Beach, Cat Bay, and Flynns Beach are popular with the surfers – they have all sorts of beach conditions so you can pick the one that suits you best.