A trip to Phillip Island on school holidays? You might want to prepare yourself with a few tweaks to your itinerary, especially if you’re planning to visit popular local favourites. Imagine your kids are excited and so ready for the Cowes foreshore, but have to wait for twenty minutes looking for a car park. And when you finally get out, the main beach is full, or worse: the lunch lines on the Esplanade are massive.
But here is the secret: you don’t have to follow the herd. Here are your simple activities to keep the holiday fun around Cowes. You can dodge the queues, save more money, and enjoy the serenity.
1. Swap the Cowes Beach for Red Rocks
Photo: Phillip Island Point
Cowes Main Beach is beautiful, but on holidays, it can be too busy. No worries, you can still enjoy a similar picturesque view at Red Rock Beach. Roughly an eight-minute drive from The Esplanade, the beach is safe for swimming and has half the crowd of the main strip. The distinctive red rocks are perfect for scrambling over, and there are rock pools at low tide where you can see starfish, crabs, and small fish. When the weather is nice, you can also go rock fishing in peace.
As it’s more quiet than the Main Beach, this place is the perfect chance to have a private picnic with the family. Grab a pack of sushi handrolls on your way through Cowes. It’s a convenient option for relaxing on the sand as it’s easy to hold and bite-sized.
2. Catch the Free Pelican Show at San Remo
You don’t always need a ticket to watch the amazing wildlife. Right before you cross the bridge, there is a daily ritual that’s free and entertaining: the Pelican Feeding at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op daily at 12:00 PM sharp. The view is chaotic (in a good way) and naturally loud, but the kids will love it. It’s a great way to break up the drive without spending a cent.
3. Have A Scenic Walk at The Nobbies
Photo: TripAdvisor
Located near the Penguin Walk area, the boardwalk provides you with an incredible walking path along the coastline. If you look closely, you can spot the wildlife, such as penguins, wallabies, and seals during the day. Treat your eyes to the blowhole and crashing waves. Go early before 10:00 AM or later in the afternoon after lunch.
Smart Dining Tips
Dining out on the island during peak season can be expensive. You’re either paying for a view or spending precious hours waiting in line for a table. Instead of spending thirty dollars per head for lunch, why don’t you opt for sushi packs that cater to every family member?
For a sit-down budget meal, your kids will enjoy our Kids Meal. It includes rice, Chicken Karaage or sushi handroll and fries, and a cup of apple juice for the price of a starter elsewhere. As for the parents, you can enjoy various handroll flavours, sushi rolls, and more.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Phillip Island. There are a lot more activities you can do to make the most of your school holiday. Swing by Pika Sushi Cowes to fuel your adventure.
