Phillip Island, off the coast of South Gippsland in southern Australia, is famous for its scenery, wildlife and coast. Many visitors come to see the Penguin Parade and fur seals at Seal Rocks, but the island also has a thriving food and wine scene that will delight every foodie. The Phillip Island Tasting Trail is the ultimate food and drink adventure for you, a curated journey through the island’s best restaurants, wineries, breweries and artisan shops. From winery feasts to beer journeys, the trail will give you a taste of Phillip Island while taking in the stunning views. This guide takes you through the must-sees of the trail, each one with a taste of local culture, natural habitat, and cuisine.
Food Scene
Phillip Island’s food scene is a fusion of locally grown produce, fresh seafood and expertly crafted drinks. Farmers, chefs and artisans use ingredients that showcase the island’s natural assets, native herbs and gourmet staples. Here, you’ll find boutique wineries like Phillip Island Winery and Purple Hen Winery and family-run cafes serving dishes bursting with local flavour. With a focus on sustainable practices and farm-to-table dining, Phillip Island’s food scene is all about savouring every bite while taking in the views and natural beauty.
Design Your Own Trail
The best way to experience the Phillip Island Tasting Trail is to create your own. Start by deciding what you want to taste and experience—wine tastings at cellar doors, a seafood feast with ocean views, and a craft beer journey at an independent brewery. Each stop has its own unique offerings so that you can tailor your trail to your tastes and schedule. Planning your day allows you to experience the breadth of Phillip Island’s food culture, tasting dishes, drinks and settings that will make each stop special.
Wine and Views at Island Winery
Phillip Island has several beautiful wineries, such as Phillip Island Winery and Purple Hen Winery, to name a few, where you cannot only taste wonderful wines but also take in the stunning views of the island’s countryside. Spend a lazy afternoon at a vineyard where you can sample a selection of cool climate wines, from big reds to crisp whites, often with a gourmet platter of local cheeses and salads. Sit back with a glass of wine, maybe a bottle of premium varietal, and let the vineyard atmosphere transport you into an unforgettable tasting experience with the views.
Local Brews and Bites
For beer enthusiasts, the island’s craft breweries are a must-stop on the tasting trail. Phillip Island Brewing Co. brews handcrafted beers with love and care. Here, you can taste locally brewed ales, stouts and IPAs in a chill atmosphere. Many breweries also serve pub-style bites like gourmet burgers, fish, and chips, as well as share plates that are perfect to pair with their house brews. Beer gardens are the perfect spot to hang with mates or family and enjoy the island’s unique brews and the buzz of the craft beer culture.
Beach Shack with Good Food
Nothing says beachy than a cute beach shack serving up tasty, local-inspired food. Island Burger Bar near San Remo is a must-visit, serving up gourmet burgers with a twist, including native herbs and Australian wildlife-inspired burgers. These beachside eateries near the island’s coast serve fresh, simple food with a rustic twist. Grab a seat by the beach, indulge in a meal that matches the sea breeze and the views, and experience the real Phillip Island lifestyle.
Try Fresh Seafood
Phillip Island’s seafood is as fresh as it gets, with local catches like snapper, squid and prawns on the menu. Many restaurants and seafood shacks along the tasting trail are sustainable so that you can enjoy your seafood and the planet, too. For a unique experience, consider a 90-minute boat ride or a 1-hour boat tour around Western Port and French Island — popular highlights on many Phillip Island tours — where you might see colonies of fur seals and other Australian animals in their natural habitat before docking at a beachside restaurant for a seafood feed. Whether you like your seafood grilled, fried or raw, trying fresh fish and shellfish is a must-do when visiting the island.
Eat on a Jetty with Views
For a meal to remember, head to one of the island’s jetties, like San Remo or Churchill Island, where you can eat with 360-degree ocean views. Several waterfront restaurants have outdoor seating where you can enjoy fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and more while watching the boats go by. Eating on a jetty is the ultimate food and scenery combination, a must do on the Phillip Island tasting trail.
Day to Night Pub with Food and Live Music
Finish your day at Hotel Phillip Island, a daytime eatery that turns into a nightspot with great food and live music. Eat a big meal, stay for the music and experience Phillip Island’s nightlife as local bands play and the crowd gets dancing. With a huge range of craft beers, wines and cocktails and evening canapés it’s the perfect place to relax and make some memories.
Try Native Flavours on the Food Trail
Indulge in Australian flavours by trying dishes with native ingredients like wattleseed, lemon myrtle and bush tomatoes. Several stops on the food trail have unique menu items that pay homage to Indigenous Australian cuisine so that you can experience native Australian flavours. Visit Bang Bang Bar & Food to immerse yourself in native herbs and take in the stunning views of the island’s natural beauty.
Award-Winning Cheese Shop
No food trail is complete without a visit to an artisanal cheese shop. Phillip Island’s cheese shops have award-winning cheeses made from local milk so that you can try everything from creamy bries to sharp cheddars. Cheese sampling can be paired with cellar-door wine tasting for the ultimate experience, or you can buy a selection to take home. These shops are a cheese lovers’ heaven, showcasing the skill and passion of local cheesemakers on a national level.
Seasonal Events and Festivals on the Food Trail
Throughout the year, Phillip Island hosts seasonal events and festivals that showcase the local food and drink scene. From wine harvest festivals to seafood fairs, these events offer special tastings, live music and activities that highlight the best of the island. Time your visit with one of these festivals and experience the community side of the food trail, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate Phillip Island’s flavours. Events may include the Magic Manor with mind-blowing magic shows or fun family trails through ancient rainforests.
Outdoor Activities to go with your Foodie Experience
The Phillip Island tasting trail is not just about food—there are heaps to do in between meals to make the most of your day. Take a nature walk through the forest, a bike ride through the stunning landscapes or wildlife spotting to experience the great outdoors. Activities like the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, where you can see seals and penguins in their natural habitat, add another layer to your day. Book a Phillip Island Tour with an expert guide to see the island’s top attractions and have time to enjoy both the food and the natural highlights.
FAQ
How do I experience the Phillip Island Tasting Trail?
Make your own way along the trail and tailor it to your preferences. Start by prioritising wine stops at cellar doors like Phillip Island Winery and Purple Hen Winery, seafood spots with ocean views or craft beer journeys at independent breweries like Phillip Island Brewing Co.
Is the Phillip Island Tasting Trail family-friendly?
Yes, many of the stops along the trail are family friendly with kid friendly menus, outdoor seating and activities like visiting baby farm animals at local farms. Plus attractions like the Magic Manor have something for all ages.
Are there transport options for the tasting trail?
A car is recommended but there are tour companies that offer guided food and wine tours with luxury midi-coach transport. These services often include hotel pickups including Airbnb pickups and have comfortable seating on board with knowledgeable guides.
When is the best time to visit the tasting trail?
The tasting trail is open year round but spring and autumn festivals add an extra layer of fun with the freshest local produce. Booking in advance is recommended during peak times.
Can I do the tasting trail with wildlife?
Phillip Island is home to many native wildlife retreats and natural habitats. You can go on a tasting trail with Australian animals like penguins and fur seals.
