Phillip Island is a favourite for families. The small island near Melbourne has built a massive tourism industry on the back of tiny Penguins that come ashore every night, drawing hundreds of tourists to see them every night.
The YHA Phillip Island is the perfect Phillip Island family accommodation located on the island. When searching for this online, you may also find it called the Big Wave Complex, The Island Accommodation and the Phillip Island YHA.
- Where is the Phillip Island YHA?
- The rooms at YHA Phillip Island
- What facilities does this YHA have?
- Did we have to provide anything ourselves to the YHA?
- What essential services are near this Phillip Island hostel?
- Recommendations for things to do when you stay at The YHA Phillip Island
- Our favourite things at Phillip Island YHA
- Any room for improvement areas?
- More Explore Victoria inspiration
Where is the Phillip Island YHA?
The Phillip Island YHA is located in Newhaven, just a few hundred meters on the left at the Big Wave Complex after you cross the bridge from San Remo. The street address for your GPS is 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven, VIC 3925.
Phillip Island is easily reached from Melbourne CBD by car in under 2 hours. This makes a Phillip Island Victoria getaway ideal for any time of the week.
With the location at the entry to the island, this Phillip Island hostel has you within walking distance of shops at Newhaven and Sam Remo. The major sites on the Island, such as the penguins and the Nobbies, would require a car, tour or public transport.
The rooms at YHA Phillip Island
There are so many different room combinations at this Phillip Island accommodation that everyone is covered during their stay here. There are rooms for singles and bigger rooms for families. You will find lockers, heaters and fans in your room.
Being a 4-storey property (check-in and cafe on the ground floor, rooms on storeys 2 and 3, sun lounge on the top floor), there is a lift to get you to your room. There are toilets, showers, kitchen and communal rooms on each accommodation floor.
Dorm Rooms
The dorm rooms are multi-share rooms fitting 4, 6 or 12 people. Each person gets a bunk and a storage locker. All rooms come with linen that you already supplied.
Rooms for families
The YHA Phillip Island has a room configuration suiting families of 4 and 5 people.
- There are rooms with one queen – 1 single Bunk, and 1 x 2-person bunk with a shared bathroom.
- There are rooms with two sets of bunks and an ensuite bathroom.
As you can see, any size family can be catered to at the YHA Phillip Island, but if you are unsure about what sort of room would best suit your family, your best bet is to call the hostel directly.
Are you looking for inspiration? We have a great article with 23 amazing things to do on Phillip Island for your next holiday
What facilities does this YHA have?
Like all good hostels, the YHA Phillip Island provides you with a lot of home comforts. There are 2 kitchen areas, one available on each accommodation floor. The kitchen has all the necessary pots, pans and utensils.
There is 1 oven, 3 stovetops with hotplates, 2 microwaves, and 2 fridges, and the area has indoor and outdoor seating for your dining. There are cubes with plenty of places to store your dry foods, and perishables can be labelled and put in the fridge.
This Phillip Island hostel accommodation has 2 lounge rooms packed with comfortable, well-looked-after couches. There are wood fires to keep you warm in winter, ceiling fans and air conditioning to keep it cool in summer.
The rooms have a table tennis table, board games and books available. There are dedicated TV rooms where up to 8 people can relax and watch a movie away from the standard rooms.
On the ground floor is a cafe that opens each day, serving drinks and food. We had coffee twice, and both times, the coffee was of excellent quality.
You will find bathrooms on both floors of the building. The bathrooms were extremely well looked after and clean at all times. One big thing that holds families back from staying at hostels is the thought of communal bathrooms.
There is still a stereotype that hostels are only for backpackers. These days, hostel facilities such as bathrooms are kept extremely tidy to welcome travellers and holidaymakers.
Outside, you will find plenty of seating on the sun deck that is attached to the kitchen areas on floors 2 and 3, where you can sit and relax, eat and have a drink on warm summer days. There is also a rooftop deck area that has tables, chairs, and sun lounges.
From here you can get views of the water. You can fire up either of the 2 BBQs to cook a snag or chop for dinner.
Did we have to provide anything ourselves to the YHA?
We always bring our own towels with us when we stay in hostels. Hostels often have towels you can hire or buy during your stay. Unlike many hotels, you must provide your own toiletries when staying at a hostel. We also take a small container from home with us that has some essential snacks and breakfast items in it.
Do you love exploring coastal areas? Head to Port Fairy and walk to the Historic Lighthouse.
What essential services are near this Phillip Island hostel?
The YHA is located at what is called the Big Wave complex. The Big Wave complex comprises a Rip Curl retail outlet, A cafe (The Haven Wave), and a Chinese medicine practitioner.
San Remo is located just over a 10-minute walk away. In San Remo, you will find grocery stores, restaurants and takeaways, ATMs, the local pub and more. The walk encompasses the bridge that joins mainland Australia with Phillip Island.
Recommendations for things to do when you stay at The YHA Phillip Island
Most people visit Phillip Island for its nature parks and beaches. Today, Phillip Island has a burgeoning food and beverage scene with wineries, breweries and gourmet produce. The following sites should be on your list of things to do on the Phillip Island
- Churchill Island Framers Market
- Exploring the beaches
- Fishing at Rhyll Pier
Not sure where to explore? Plan an epic trip with our awesome 7-day Victoria itinerary
Our favourite things at Phillip Island YHA
Families stay in hostels because they are looking for suitable value accommodation. For that reason, the kitchen is one of the most essential parts of hostel accommodation. To be able to prepare your own food allows your trip to be even more cost-effective.
That being said, the kitchen was my favourite part of the hostel. It was clean and well-stocked, just what you need for cooking your own meals.
We quite liked the separate TV room away from the main communal area. This means that the TV is not annoying people, and people chatting are not disrupting those watching TV.
Any room for improvement areas?
Free Wi-Fi in rooms is a must, and that’s an area this hostel can work on.
We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular caravan parks and pristine beaches to drives along the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of Melbourne, Victoria, with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat, or the autumn colours of Bright and Northern Victoria, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.
Even if you love exploring Gippsland or driving the Great Alpine Road, Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to visit in Melbourne or more travel in Victoria destinations, Explore Victoria has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience.
If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at contact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com.
More Explore Victoria inspiration
Grampians YHA – Halls Gap accommodation
The ultimate locals guide to the Raymond Island Koala walk
Stunning towns on the Gippsland Lakes
The ultimate list of the best 30 things to do in St Kilda
Author Bio
Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.