Hotels in Phillip Island

Phillip Island sits off the Victorian coast about 90 minutes from Melbourne, joined to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo, and juggles two identities: nature destination — the nightly Penguin Parade, seal colonies, surf beaches at Cape Woolamai — and home of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, arguably the most beautiful track MotoGP visits, run along ocean clifftops.

The main settlement is Cowes on the sheltered north shore, where most of the motels and eating sit. Island accommodation is limited and sells out long before the race; San Remo, Inverloch and Melbourne day-trippers absorb the rest. Bring layers — Bass Strait weather turns fast in any season.