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How Phillip Island Tours Contribute to Local Tourism and Business Growth in Victoria

BF Business Franchise·16 May 2025·6 min read

Victoria has so much to offer, from the history and heritage of Sovereign Hill to the incredible architectural design of the Skydeck and the thrill of shopping at the world-famous Queen Victoria Market. Known for its sweeping coastlines and pristine beaches, Victoria has wineries to visit in the summer months, ski regions for the winter, and national parks to visit all year round.

 

With so much to see and do, it’s hard to fit everything in with one trip. Victoria has something else that makes it special. Phillip Island tours presents something that can’t be replicated. The penguin parade! Sunset on Phillip Island is when magic truly begins, with the penguin colony coming to life as the flightless birds emerge from the water and parade back to their burrows.

 

It’s not something everyone is lucky enough to see, but Phillip Island Tours provides the tour and the opportunity to see wildlife in their native habitat. There is a range of tour options available, with some offering transport, guided tours, and special entry into the Maru Wildlife Park.

 

So, how does that contribute to business growth in Victoria and local tourism?

 

First of all, according to Destination Phillip Island data, Phillip Island employs almost 6,000 people, which represents almost half of the region’s employment. The visitor numbers prove that it’s one of Victoria’s shining gems, with approximately 80 visitors per resident each day, and that only grows during peak times.

 

As far as how much business this tourist destination generates, it’s a staggering $529 million! That’s an incredible number, and anyone who has visited Phillip Island will understand the draw. It attracts people from all over the country and world, and with so much to offer, it’s become a must-see.

  • Local Business 

As a tourist destination, Phillip Island and San Remo are dependent on tourist income, and that means they’re driven to create memorable experiences for their visitors, which only attracts more! The more tourists who make their way to the area with thoughts of penguins and Phillip Island in mind, the more the surrounding businesses benefit. Hotels, restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and recreational businesses all benefit from Phillip Island tours.

 

Hospitality 

From local accommodation and restaurants, bars, and cafes, everyone in the surrounding area benefits from these tours. Whether tourists stay on the island or not. The island has hotels, motels, modern apartment rentals, caravan parks, and more, but it’s also conveniently located just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne via the San Remo bridge. Alternatively, you can reach the island by ferry. So, it’s an easy day trip for visitors to the wider area.

 

With incredible food and drink on offer, the restaurants, cafes, and bars always benefit from the increase in foot traffic, and that’s true for island businesses and those in the surrounding towns as well.

 

Retail & Entertainment

Tourists love souvenirs, and even the smallest trinket is a profitable enterprise and gives visitors something to commemorate the visit. Of course, there are plenty of shops for tourists looking to shop for the fun of it.

 

No seaside holiday is complete without family fun like the chocolate factory, go-karts, and miniature golf.

  • Phillip Island Wildlife 

While the penguins are a major draw, the island has much more to offer on the wildlife front, including dolphins, seals, birds, whales, and koalas. Visitors have the chance to see the penguins on their parade, but they also have a chance of seeing humpback whales and orcas on their travels.

 

The treetop walk over the koala conservation is a must. With various tours to choose from, visitors can make the most of their trip to maximise what they see, do, and experience during their stay. However, people are free to do their own thing and explore in their own time. However, the tours curate special trips to cover every adventure in one easy fee, which takes the pressure off of planning and makes transport straightforward.

  • Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, Phillip Island relies on tourism and, due to that reliance, makes every effort to strengthen its appeal to tourists, both international and domestic. The tours are a major part of that, fuelling the success of the local tourism industry and fuelling the economy. Those efforts benefit Victoria as a whole because Phillip Island is a must-see attraction for wildlife lovers, foodies, surfers, and nature seekers alike.

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