The best safari tent rentals in Phillip Island

If you want to see some of Australia’s iconic animals, Victoria’s Phillip Island is a must-visit. Famed for its free-roaming penguins and the country’s largest colony of fur seals, the island is also home to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, with more than 100 different species of native animals, as well as a koala conservation center. You’ll also find a dramatic coastline with beaches perfect for swimming and surfing. Many travelers visit on a day trip from Melbourne, but by setting up camp for a night or more, you’ll get to enjoy all the island has to offer.

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Top-rated campgrounds

If you want to see some of Australia’s iconic animals, Victoria’s Phillip Island is a must-visit. Famed for its free-roaming penguins and the country’s largest colony of fur seals, the island is also home to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, with more than 100 different species of native animals, as well as a koala conservation center. You’ll also find a dramatic coastline with beaches perfect for swimming and surfing. Many travelers visit on a day trip from Melbourne, but by setting up camp for a night or more, you’ll get to enjoy all the island has to offer.

93% (35)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Park Lane Phillip Island

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56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cowes, VIC

Escape to Phillip island, the natural playground of picturesque beaches, beautiful coastlines, and native Australian wildlife. From cabins to caravanning and camping. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure at a maze of things or on the high ropes course, or the serenity of nature walks, penguin parades, and wildlife parks, or to hit the beach for a surf or swim. The island has you covered. We look forward to welcoming you at Park Lane Phillip Island Holiday Park. Whether you’re a big or small family, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a just group of friends and looking for adventure, Phillip Island is stacked full of activities, eateries, and breath-taking scenery to keep you busy for the duration of your stay. With our incredible onsite theme park, A Maze’N Things, you might not even need to leave the holiday park at all! We offer mini golf, a high ropes course, a maze, and rooms full of curiosities. There’s also an onsite brewery and restaurant! Park Lane Phillip Island Holiday Park really does have it all.

2. NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Park

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73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cowes, VIC

Looking for a relaxing island escape? At NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park, the charm of coastal villages meets the magic of little penguins waddling ashore at dusk. Located in Cowes on Phillip Island, this beachfront caravan park and camping spot is just a short drive from Melbourne – but feels a world away. Stay in a comfy cabin or set up on a spacious site just metres from the sand. Pets are welcome, and Cowes’ cafes, shops and restaurants are an easy stroll from your door (or tent). Wake to the sound of waves, unwind beneath the stars, and let island time take over. NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park is located in the town of Cowes on Phillip Island, two hours’ drive south of Melbourne. The park’s beachfront location on the bayside of Phillip Island provides uninterrupted access to sandy beaches and protected waters – but there’s waves to be had nearby for the surfers. The colorful cafes and shops of Cowes are within walking distance.

3. Ingenia Holidays BIG4 Inverloch

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167 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Inverloch, VIC

Welcome to BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch. You’ll find us located on Anderson Inlet, close to nearby natural attractions of Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promontory, a short 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne’s CBD. No matter which site you choose, you’ll have access to the park’s resort features which include everything from an indoor heated pool, BBQ to playground facilities to name a few. Spend your days exploring the seaside village of Inverloch, which is nestled at the mouth of Anderson Inlet, a protected bay where the Tarwin River enters the Bass Strait. If the Victorian weather plays nice for your visit, swim at the region’s turquoise beaches or enjoy a picnic along its foreshore. For those partial to a scenic drive, don’t miss the 12-kilometre scenic Bunurong Coastal Drive from Inverloch to Cape Paterson, hugging the Bunurong Marine Park. Said to be a ‘mini version of the Great Ocean Road’, you’re in for a road trip pretty enough to land itself in a car commercial – perfect to keep up your sleeve for a free family day out during your stay.

4. Ukiyo Nature Retreat

1 site · Lodging · Fingal, VIC

Secluded, private, and surrounded by nature, our glamping tents for couples on the Mornington Peninsula are fully powered, cosy, and, most of all, private. Explore the Peninsula or simply take time out amongst the trees and open space. Ukiyo Nature Retreat is for over 18s only. Designed with couples in mind, Ukiyo offers tranquil surroundings immersed in nature, with majestic Moonah trees and plenty of space to escape from the stresses of life and reconnect. We have a maximum of four tents, each with its own private surroundings and hidden areas for couples to enjoy. Ukiyo is your private escape into nature. Located in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, our retreat sits between the back beaches and the bay, near the famous Hawkes Farm and St Andrews Brewery (both approximately a 20-minute walk away), and a short drive to renowned walking trails like Bushrangers Bay. Local wineries are also close by, with the nearest just a 5-minute drive away. The world-famous Peninsula Hot Springs is also just a short drive from the retreat. We have one safari tent with a deck situated in a valley, surrounded by Moonahs, Coastal Banksias, and She-oaks, and a large Bell tent located slightly higher up, offering treetop views. Both tents feature a queen-size bed and are furnished with all the comforts you could need. Both options are fully powered. Designed with comfort in mind, you’ll find a cosy coonara and plenty of blankets in our common room at the back of the retreat, along with games, a fridge, and basic amenities. While there is no full cooking on-site, tea and coffee-making facilities and a small kitchen are available.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents in Phillip Island guide

Where to go

Summerlands

On the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, Summerlands is home to the island’s main attraction, the Penguin Parade. The natural spectacle of tens of thousands of penguins emerging from the ocean and waddling toward their nests takes place just after sunset every evening. Nearby you’ll find Nobbies Centre, outside of which you can see fur seals and birds, then learn about them through interactive displays. As Summerlands is a protected area, you’ll need to set up camp a little farther away. Nevertheless, you’ll find camping areas within a 10-minute drive.

Ventnor

In the small town of Ventnor, just a five-minute drive from the Penguin Parade, camping options include upscale glamping near Berry’s Beach and rural settings near Ventnor Beach.

Cowes

As the island’s main township, Cowes is home to several accommodation options, including camping areas. Your choices include family-friendly holiday parks with access to both the beach and nearby shops and restaurants.

Newhaven

In the southeast of the island, minutes from San Remo, Newhaven is home to caravan parks set upon sand dunes. Some parks feature powered caravan sites and non-powered camping grounds, plus comforts such as wifi and family playgrounds.