Phillip Island is only 1.5 hours from Melbourne and is a photographer’s paradise. With its stunning beaches, dramatic coastlines and wildlife, this popular holiday spot has endless opportunities to get EPIC shots and fantastic photos. From Cape Woolamai to Kitty Miller Bay, Phillip Island has something for all types of photographers – pros and enthusiasts.
In this guide, we’ll show you the island’s most photogenic spots, including Pyramid Rock, Summerland Beach and the Penguin Parade. We’ll also reveal the hidden gems like YCW Beach and Berrys Beach, so you have a complete map of Phillip Island’s best photo spots. Whether you’re after coastal walks, rock formations or beaches, we’ve got you covered.
Cape Woolamai: A Photo Mecca
Cape Woolamai is one of the most beautiful parts of Phillip Island. Famous for its cliffs, Cape Woolamai Beach and the Pinnacles, this area has some of the best views of the island. The Cape Woolamai Circuit Track is a photographer’s favourite, a 1.3km gravel track that takes you to stunning views of the Bass Coast and beyond.
The ruggedness of Cape Woolamai is made even more dramatic by its unique rock formations and surf spots, which are especially photogenic at sunset. The combination of beautiful beaches, rock outcrops and big surf is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re after wide-angle landscapes or intimate portraits, Cape Woolamai has it all.
Tip: Go at mid tide for the best coastal shots and don’t miss the sunset stroll along Woolamai Beach.
Pyramid Rock: Get EPIC Coastal Views
Pyramid Rock via Pyramid Rock Road is another must do on Phillip Island. The rock stacks and coastal trail offer EPIC views of the south coast, it’s a favourite for landscape and seascape photographers. The 1.5 hour drive from Melbourne is worth it for the beautiful beaches and rock pools.
The Pyramid Rock Lookout is the perfect spot to get the rock against the ocean. The directional light at sunset creates dramatic shadows and highlights, perfect for capturing the texture of the rock. Whether you’re shooting at tide time or at sunset, Pyramid Rock delivers.
Family V-Family: 800m coastal path to the lookout. Beach shots along the way.
Summerland Beach and the Penguin Parade: A Photographer’s Delight
Summerland Beach is famous for the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of Fairy Penguins pop up from the ocean at sunset each evening. This is a wildlife photographer’s dream and a chance to capture the land and sea interaction. Sunset in the evening creates a magical atmosphere, with the soft light shining on the penguins as they waddle up the beach.
When photographing the Penguin Parade you need to consider the light and gear. Flash is not allowed to protect the penguins so you’ll need a camera with good low light performance and a fast lens. Sunset is just in front of us so we can get great shots without disturbing the wildlife.
Tip: Get here 1-2 weeks before peak season for a more personal experience, and stay at the NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park for easy access to this spot.
Phillip Island’s Hidden Spots: YCW Beach, Smiths Beach, Berrys Beach
YCW Beach is a local favourite, known for its surf and EPIC views of the coastline. The carpark is right on the spot and the nearby walking trails offer different angles to shoot the beach. Whether you’re into surf spots or coastal views, YCW Beach is a must-see.
Smiths Beach is another popular spot that is great for families and adventure seekers. The beach is famous for its rock pools and sunsets so it’s good for landscape and portrait photography. There are food options nearby for a post shoot meal.
Berrys Beach is a more hidden spot, quieter and has beautiful beaches. The rocky outcrops and tides offer great photo opportunities, especially at sunset. The Berrys Beach Walk is a short walk to some of the best views on the island.
Wildlife and Nature: Rhyll Inlet, Churchill Island, and the Koala Conservation Centre
Phillip Island isn’t just about beaches and views; it’s also a wildlife and nature photographer’s dream. Rhyll Inlet, Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Centre are the top three places to get up close and personal with the island’s flora and fauna.
Rhyll Inlet is a quiet spot on the east side of the island, with tranquil wetlands and plenty of birdlife. The Rhyll Jetty is a photographer’s heaven and great for capturing the inlet’s calm waters and surrounding vegetation. The walking track around the inlet has many vantage points to photograph the local wildlife, especially at night.
Churchill Island is a small island connected to Phillip Island by a bridge with history and views. The island’s coastal path has excellent views of the surrounding water, and the farm animals are fun for family photography. The dirt road to the island adds to the rustic feel of the landscape.
Koala Conservation Centre is a must see for wildlife enthusiasts. The centre has koalas in their natural environment, perfect for getting up close and personal with these little guys. The eucalyptus trees filtering the light makes for a more intimate wildlife photography experience.
Tip: Maru Koala and Animal Park for more wildlife photography and Island Whole Foods in Cowes for food.
Scenic Drives and Coastal Trails: Phillip Island Road and Beyond
Phillip Island’s scenic drives and coastal trails have endless photo opportunities. Phillip Island Road is the main road of the island, links many of the top photo spots, and takes you to beautiful beaches, popular holiday spots and countryside.
The drive along Phillip Island Road takes you past San Remo, Surf Beach and Shelley Beach, each with beautiful beaches and views. The road also takes you to Pyramid Rock, Woolamai Beach, and Cape Woolamai Beach, where you can get EPIC views and amazing photos from every corner.
If you want to go further the Cape Woolamai Circuit Track is an adventure in itself, a narrow path with great views of the coastline. The 800m coastal path near Pyramid Rock Road is another spot to get up close and personal with the island’s ruggedness.
Tip: Wine lovers, visit the Phillip Island Winery. Wine tastings and vineyard and landscape photography.
Phillip Island Photography Tips
Remember these when you visit:
- Timing is everything: Light is key to photography so plan your shoots around the best times of day. Sunrise and sunset for beaches and coastal views.
- Gear up: Bring multiple lenses to cover different styles of photography. A wide angle for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife.
- Get off the beaten track: While Cape Woolamai and Pyramid Rock are must-sees, don’t miss the hidden gems like Kitty Miller Bay, Flynns Beach and Anzacs Beach. These spots have great light and fewer people.
- Respect wildlife: When photographing wildlife, always keep a safe distance. Use a telephoto lens to get close without disturbing the animals.
- Be safe: Some areas, like rocky outcrops and tide pools, can be slippery or dangerous. Always prioritise safety and be mindful of the tides when exploring these areas.
Conclusion
Phillip Island is a photographer’s dream, with beaches, coastal views, wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, the island has everything. From the dramatic cliffs of Cape Woolamai to the quiet shores of YCW Beach, every shot is a winner.
So grab your camera, map out your route along Phillip Island Road and get out there and hit the best photo spots. EPIC views, amazing photos or just a sunset walk, Phillip Island will be a photography day you’ll never forget.
FAQ
Where are the best photo spots on Phillip Island?
Cape Woolamai, Pyramid Rock, Summerland Beach (for the Penguin Parade), YCW Beach, Smiths Beach and Berrys Beach are the top spots. Each has its own coastal views, rock formations and wildlife.
What time is the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach?
Best time to photograph the Penguin Parade is at sunset when the Fairy Penguins come in. Get there early to get a good spot and no flash photography.
Are there any secret photo spots on Phillip Island?
Yes, in addition to the popular spots like Cape Woolamai and Pyramid Rock, hidden gems like Kitty Miller Bay, Flynns Beach, and Anzacs Beach have great views and beaches for photography.
What gear do I need to bring?
A wide angle for landscapes and coastal views and a telephoto for wildlife. A tripod for sunset and night photography and filters to manage the light.
Can I photograph wildlife?
Yes! Koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre and Fairy Penguins at Summerland Beach.