Escape To These Phillip Island Camping And Glamping Spots

There’s a plethora of different camping and glamping options on Phillip Island – here we explore some of the Bass Coast isle’s best.

Family favourite Phillip Island has long lured holidaymakers to its shores with the promise of sea, sand, surf and (sometimes) sun. Plot your escape to this summer playground with our guide to the best Phillip Island camping and glamping spots, most of which are pet-friendly outside of peak season to boot.

The Sheltered Glamping Co

You won’t be left wanting with a stay at one of The Sheltered Glamping Co’s souped-up tents. The eco-conscious operator’s canvas bell tents come equipped with queen-sized beds, lighting, a heater, speakers, USB ports, power points, a kettle and a range of teas and coffee, plus access to a private outdoor heated shower and composting toilet, and a communal day tent.

Or you can opt for its super spacious, fully furnished safari tent, known as Emperor, home to a wood-fired hot tub that sits under the stars, an indoor wood-burning fireplace, a four-poster queen-sized bed and a king-sized bed hidden in a nook; it also has a fully equipped kitchen and Weber barbecue. Pitched on a tranquil and remote pocket of the island, you’ll find wallabies and echidnas roaming freely in these parts.

Address: Ventnor

NRMA Phillip Island Holiday Park

Not only is this NRMA Phillip Island Holiday Park situated just metres from the sea – with some of its powered camping sites located right on the waterfront – but it’s also only a 15-minute walk from the thick of the action in Cowes.

The pet- and family-friendly park is known to keep its facilities immaculately clean, and it has a few to offer: from a kid’s playground to a communal wood-fired pizza oven and fire pit, a barbecue area, a recreation room with arcade games and a TV, and even a herb garden that guests can use.

Glamping is also on offer here. The park’s handful of safari tents are just steps from Cowes Beach, delivering unobstructed sea views. And there’s perhaps no spot better to enjoy them from than the solitude of your own private, partially sheltered outdoor clawfoot bathtub. Other features include an electric fireplace, an en suite bathroom, and an outdoor deck with a barbecue.

Address: 164 Church St, Cowes

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island

Located at the far western edge of the isle, just minutes from the bridge that connects Phillip Island with the mainland, and adjacent to the sprawling bushland of the Phillip Island Coastal Reserve, this Ingenia Holidays park is great for those who want to get away from it all. There’s also direct access to one of Phillip Island’s many beaches. If you’re craving a bit more civilisation, the shops, cafes and restaurants of Newhaven lie just 500 metres away; or you can walk across the bridge itself, to spend the morning or evening exploring the bigger mainland town of San Remo.

In terms of facilities, you’ll find all the usual suspects here: an adventure playground, a basketball ring, a games room, a TV and recreation room, a modern camp kitchen and undercover electric barbecues. But over and above that, the BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island also provides a seasonal outdoor cinema, a jumping pillow, and pedal cars for hire.

Address: 24 Old Bridge Dr, Newhaven

Amaroo Park Phillip Island

The holiday park located perhaps the closest to Cowes, just two blocks from the main street, Amaroo is in a prime position for those who like to be slap-bang in the centre of things. Unlike many of the other holiday parks on the island, this one boasts its own solar-heated saltwater outdoor pool, surrounded by chairs and loungers. A quiet site, with fewer facilities catering directly to kids than other parks, Amaroo is arguably aimed more at couples and friends, or those with older children rather than little ones.

Address: 97 Church St, Cowes

Anchor Belle

Located just on the edge of Cowes, and only 100 metres from the beach, family-owned and operated Anchor Belle ticks a lot of boxes and proves a big hit with kids: there’s an indoor heated swimming pool that’s perfect for Victoria’s unpredictable weather, plus a jumping cushion, a multi-purpose ball court, a playground, a recreation room, and a games room. Adults, meanwhile, will love the gas pizza oven, the park’s two hectares of greenery and bushland, the shady grassed sites, the accommodating and amiable staff, the clean facilities, and the good water pressure in the showers.

Address: 272 Church St, Cowes

Discover the best things to do on Phillip Island

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

The best camping and glamping on Phillip Island