Stroll along Newhaven's waterfront and absorb the atmosphere of this picturesque seaside village. With plenty to keep you occupied, the choice is yours – cast a line and catch the family dinner or watch native birds in the wetlands, go for a swim, explore historic Churchill Island or set sail in Western Port. 

Nautical Charm

Snap your own postcard-perfect pic of the Newhaven Yacht Squadron then waste no more time and head out into the big blue. Launch a boat from the local ramp and sail across the calm waters of Western Port or head for the open sea around Cape Woolamai to experience the abundant marine life and stunning coastal scenery. For a bird's eye view of the rugged coastline, take a scenic flight over the island in a helicopter.

Fisher's Wetland, adjacent to the access road that leads to Churchill Island, is a must see for birdwatchers and photographers alike. Bring your camera or binoculars and see black swans, pelicans, Cape Barren geese, purple hens and ducks out on the water. 

Further afield is the Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve, with walking tracks overlooking a wildlife-filled world heritage Ramsar wetland.

Days Gone By

Retrace the steps of Victoria's first European settlers at nearby Churchill Island and time your visit to coincide with the monthly farmers' market to stock up on fresh regional produce and local delicacies. Drive, ride or paddle to this historic site, and treat the family to afternoon tea at the visitor centre. For insights into the lives of Victorians at war, stop by the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.

Cocoa Island

Spend a day in chocolate heaven at the chocolate factory then relax into an aromatherapy massage. Continue the Zen at Bonsai Island, hang loose at Islantis – the island's great shrine to surf culture, then finish the day amidst the warm hospitality of a local B&B or deluxe backpacker accommodation.

Hot springs are coming to Phillip Island in March 2023 - complete with bathing pools, salt treatments, cave pools and a swim-up wellness bar serving vitamin cocktails.

The hot springs will be set in Newhaven, next to The Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant. This project was originally meant to open in February 2022, but has since been pushed back to opening sometime in 2023.

Original plans for the project involved over 45 bathing pools of varying sizes from small ankle-deep podiatry wading areas to relaxation pools able to sit 10 people, day spas, treatment rooms and facilities, all within a stunning landscaped setting on the 130-acre property.

Now the Phillip Island Hot Springs has just received a huge funding boost with the updated plans of the project finally unveiled.

The Hot Springs will receive $4.7 million boost from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund will help expand the original Phillip Island Hot Springs development, with seven new pools added to the main bathing area, nestled amongst the natural landscape.

The Victorian government also announced an additional $500, 000 investment to support the project under the Enabling Tourism Fund.. Funding will go towards the planning stage for the development of the Cape Woolamai Lodge and hot springs. An additional three thermal pools will be constructed next to the Cape Kitchen restaurant, and feature sweeping views over the Bass Strait. Meanwhile, the restaurant will be transformed into a dining lounge, seating up to 100 guests.

The expansion is expected to create 35 jobs during construction and 68 full-time and indirect jobs when it’s completed in 2023, earmarked for a March opening date.

“Bass Coast is a stunning destination that needs new experiences, new offerings, and this wellness project does just that — all year round, immersed in nature, all about health and well-being and a great boost for our local economy that supports local jobs too,” said Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale.

The hot springs is expected to attract 73, 000 new visitors to Phillip Island in its first year, and contribute over $4.7 million to the local economy.