There's more to Norfolk Island There's more to Norfolk Island

Phillip Island is just six kilometres south from Norfolk Island, but a world away from its rolling green hills and sunlit beaches. Stark, rugged and otherworldly are all words that come to mind for this 190-hectare island that forms part of Norfolk Island National Park. Indeed, Phillip Island’s wind-worn contours and rich reds, purples and yellows have earned it the nickname the ‘Uluru of the South Pacific’.

Each year thousands of migratory seabirds, such as masked boobies, black-winged petrels and sooty terns, nest amid rare and endangered plant species, making the island a must-do for birders and naturalists.

Getting to Phillip Island is an adventure in itself and requires stepping onto a rock-ledge landing from a small boat, followed by an exhilarating climb up rope ladders and a hike over steep inclines. If you’re up to the challenge, you’ll be rewarded by scenes straight from a Sir David Attenborough nature documentary, and 360° views that go on forever.

Huge rock formations in a dome shape with many vertical indentations caused by erosion. The orange, rust, ochre and pink hues of the rock are layered like a rainbow.
A walkway of wooden slats lashed together with chain is laid over a rocky landscape of ochre and orange hues with patches of green foliage.
Side-on view of a man standing on a rock photographing the landscape of undulating rock formations of ochre and rusty hues with the ocean is in the distance.
Close-up back view of a man pulling himself up a rock with the aid of a rope.
Landscape of undulating rock formations of ochre and rusty red colours with patches of green foliage.
A walkway of wooden slats lashed together with chain is laid over ochre-coloured rock.
Detail of side of hill showing many ochre-coloured rocks of different sizes that look as if they are rolling down the hillside with the ocean in the distance.
Expansive, elevated view of part of Phillip Island showing landscape of pink, ochre, orange and sandy coloured terrain with patches of green foliage and cliffs dropping down to the sea.
Looking down a cliffside that is covered in a green ground cover with little purple flowers. The cliff drops into the sea with an islet.
Looking up a cliffside of ochre, sand and grey coloured rocks. In the middle ground to the right, a woman stands side-on looking over the landscape.

Visitor information

Operating Hours: Daylight hours only. Weather permitting.

Cost: Tour costs vary. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for more information.

Getting Here: By organised tour boat only.

Top Tips for Phillip Island

  • You can visit Phillip Island only with a Norfolk local who is experienced with the terrain, so you’ll need to book a tour.
  • Due to the hazardous landing and uneven walking tracks, tours of the island are best suited to fit, experienced hikers. If in doubt, chat to the friendly staff at our Visitor Information Centre before booking.
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes and sun protection, and carry plenty of water.

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