Phillip Island – a guide for motorbike riders

• Phillip Island has almost a century of motorsport history
• The MotoGP and Australian Superbike Championships are regular fixtures
• Plan your trip to Phillip Island today

Located just off Australia’s Southern Coast, 90 minutes from Melbourne,¹ Phillip Island is a great place to visit, whether it’s taking in world-class bike racing or checking out little penguins.

But, for those with an interest in motorbikes, Phillip Island is synonymous with motorsport. The 100 Miles Road Race – now known as the Australian F1 Grand Prix – first took place there in 1928.²

Today, the island is home to top-class racing events, including the Australian Motorcycle GrandPrix (MotoGP) and the Australian Superbike Championships (Superbikes).

So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Phillip Island this year, here’s a few tips.

Australian Superbike Championship

Taking place over two days, this Phillip Island event is the fifth of the Australian Superbike Championship’s seven rounds.³

As well as being front row seat for the high-octane racing itself, a popular part of the Superbikes weekend is Trade Alley, a marketplace with all sorts of products – some bike related, some not – it’s well worth a visit.⁴

MotoGP

The MotoGP offers a great lineup of events across three days, wrapping up – of course – with the big race.⁵

Whether you’re visiting with mates or you take the family, there’s a host of things to do. The Fan Forum Stage, for example, hosts riders in a series of interviews, while the Hero Walk invites fans to get up close to the riders.

Of course, there are all the usual food and drink outlets, and sponsors and organisers put on a whole load of activities to keep everyone entertained.⁶

How to get to Phillip Island

As it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, Phillip Island is best accessed by motorbike or car. But during busy events like the MotoGP and the Superbikes, you may prefer to take one of the many shuttle bus services that run to Phillip Island.

If you’re looking for a trip with a difference, why not take a ferry, and see the approach to the island from a whole new perspective? Take the train on the Frankston line from the Melbourne CBD, changing at Frankston for Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula.⁷

Each day, four to five ferries run from Stony Point to Cowes Jetty, Phillip Island.⁸ The trains from Frankston to Stony Point are few and far between, so it’s important to plan your journey in advance.

It’s worth noting that pushbikes are the only form of transport allowed on the ferry.⁹

Scenic motorbike rides to Phillip Island

If you’re travelling to Phillip Island by bike, why not take in some of the country’s most scenic rides?

Riding from Sydney

The Princes Highway along the coast offers some spectacular views and interesting towns to stop off at along the way. And the routes from the Hume Highway to the Princes Highway offer some brilliant stretches over the Great Dividing Range.¹⁰

Riding from Adelaide

Riding from South Australia to Victoria? There are plenty of interesting rides to consider. Some of the more inland routes will need careful planning, but if you want to get a good mix of scenery and aren’t in a hurry, the coastal route that takes in Tailem Bend, Millicent, Port Fairy, and Cressy gets the vote from those in the know.

Riding from Brisbane

Riding from Brisbane? Why not include the Oxley Highway, from Walcha to Wauchope in NSW, on your route? The combination of hairpin bends, rainforests and magnificent scenery make it an exceptional ride.

Where to stay on Phillip Island

If you’re planning on more than a day trip, Phillip Island has an incredible array of accommodation options. From apartments and cottages to glamping sites, holiday houses and resorts, there are places to suit all budgets.

Of course, if you want the true MotoGP or Superbike experience, camping next to the circuit is a must.

The natural beauty of Phillip Island is a key attraction, as are the little penguins and Australia’s largest colony of fur seals,¹¹ which attract visitors from across the world.

The island is also home to stunning beaches and fantastic surf conditions.

Before you go – consider motorbike insurance

Ensuring you have the right protection is important, so before you set off, make sure you’ve got the right insurance in place. QBE Motorcycle Insurance – Comprehensive cover will replace your motorbike if it’s less than two years old at the time of the incident. It also covers up to $4,000 for motorcycle apparel per incident.

Please note, QBE Motorcycle Insurance doesn’t cover the use of your motorbike in any form of racing.

Learn more about QBE Motorcycle Insurance

¹ Visit Phillip Island – Official Tourism Website
² Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Wikipedia
³ Round 5: Phillip Island – Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK)
⁴ Trade Alley – Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK)
⁵ Schedule | Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2024
⁶ Fan Forum Stage | Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2024
⁷ How to Get to Phillip Island By Car, Bus, Ferry or Tour (2024 Guide) – Everything Victoria
⁸ Timetable – Prices & Timetable – Western Port Ferries
⁹ How to Get to Phillip Island By Car, Bus, Ferry or Tour (2024 Guide) – Everything Victoria
¹⁰ A ride to Phillip Island – Australian Motorcycle News
¹¹ Nature & Wildlife | Phillip Island – Visit Phillip Island