Nobbies Centre

The Nobbies Centre is a fantastic stop on Phillip Island and well worth visiting, especially for the views alone. The coastal scenery here is dramatic, with rugged cliffs, powerful ocean waves, and long boardwalks that let you take everything in safely and easily. It’s a great place for photos and a relaxed walk, even if you’re not planning to stay too long. Inside the centre, there are informative displays about the local marine life, seals, and the surrounding environment. These are easy to understand and add context to what you’re seeing outside, making the visit more meaningful. It’s especially nice to have an indoor space to warm up if the weather is windy or cold, which it often is here. The souvenir shop is small but well done, offering penguin- and ocean-themed gifts, plush toys, magnets, and souvenirs that support conservation efforts. It’s a good place to pick up a small keepsake. There’s also a café area where you can grab a coffee or snack and sit down to chill while enjoying the views. It’s a convenient and comfortable break after walking the boardwalks. Overall, the Nobbies Centre is clean, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed. The combination of stunning scenery, short walks, educational content, and a place to relax makes it one of the highlights of Phillip Island. Definitely recommend stopping here before heading to the Penguin Parade.

An absolutely amazing centre with breathtaking views of the ocean and the rock beaches. I don't know what the actual nobbies centre is like inside because I haven't been in there, but I imagine it's great. It is currently closed for renovations, But the boardwalk is still open and the views are still breathtaking as always. It can get very very very windy down there, so I don't recommend wearing a hat because it might get blown away in the wind! And you'll be blown away by the amazing views of the oceans and rock beaches that don't compare to anything else. And also, keep an eye out for the little blue fairy penguins who lives in one of the many little huts on the hill. Oh, and watch out for snakes, they live here, too! So overall, the nobbies centre is a amazing place with breathtaking views of the ocean! Absolutely 5 out of 5! I 100% recommend and we 100% will be coming back in the future!

The viewpoints are open, but the main center is currently closed due to renovations. It’s best to visit in the late evenings, as many penguins nest here and return around sunset. Even during the afternoon, you may spot a few baby penguins resting in the shade. Be cautious, as snakes can be present in the area. You can also spot eagles and other birds. With good binoculars, it’s even possible to see seals. There is plenty of parking available, and no entry tickets are required to access the viewpoints. The Penguin Parade is also located nearby.

The center is currently close for renovations but the boardwalk is open. Huge ample parking and it appears most of the folks who go to see the penguinel parade drop by here first as the penguins appear right before sunset. Gorgeous free views and we saw penguins for free here!!!!

The Nobbies themselves deserve 5 stars, the visitors, not so much. I’ve been there several times in my life, however this was the first time I had seen people disrespect the area. I could not believe that people had the audacity to climb over the railing just to take pictures. I was so disappointed to not only be deprived of the scenery, but also for the animals who live there. I went on the 29th December 2025 in hopes of seeing this gorgeous place before the end of the year only to be so annoyed at these peoples atrocious behaviour.

WOW! Breathtaking views from every angle and best of all, free to view and capture photos of penguins returning to their nest. Be ready to be blown away 💨 as it’s windy as. Don’t forget to wear trousers and windbreaker and hold on to your hat 🌬️ worth the 1.5hr drive from the city. Would recommend to be on your list when visiting Melbourne

The walking path to the viewpoint is still fully accessible, but note that there are no toilets onsite. The closest facilities are at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, so it’s best to stop there first. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and worth the trip. No drones allowed unfortunately There’s plenty of parking on weekdays, but expect it to be busy or full on weekends.

One of my favorite places to come and walk about. We got to see penguins and their little homes in the hillsides. We walked the whole path and took a lot of photos. We had an amazing time. Would recommend checking this place out if you're in the area. It is very much worth the time.

What a great place, with so much information about the ocean, and the Antarctic research and ocean life. We learned a lot. We really enjoyed the coastal boardwalk! A 1.2 km loop that offered information and incredible views! We didn't need to communicate with any staff. There were hand sanitizers everywhere where one used hands on activities. Ben and Jerry's even has plant based ice cream for us vegans!

Everything is pricey here especially for a cafeteria-style restaurant, but the restaurant and view are very pretty. The food starts around $14, and the drinks are even pricier! It's no wonder everyone orders a $3.50 soda when the waters cost $3. Granted, they give you huge portions for the food. (I came here with a travel agency, and if you pre-order your food, it's cheaper and faster than ordering there). As for the quality, I didn't realize a chicken sandwich could be so plain. The fish and chips are okay, but I saw other people get the quarter chicken, and it looked deliciously seasoned! Would definitely try that next time. Everything is cafeteria-style with utensils and condiments being self-serve. They offer unlimited tomato sauce that everyone definitely takes advantage of, but you have to pay for extra tartar sauce for fish and chips. The line isn't the fastest, and you have to bus your tray at the end. That being said, the establishment is gorgeous. The glass windows and view are pretty, the ceilings are high, and there are a few souvenir shops right there since it's a touristy place.

I've heard that in business there are three important rules and that is location, location, location. Sadly these guys, though being situated on a beautiful location seems to take things for granted, the food is extremely expensive, bad and just plain wrong. If you are in the area, enjoy the scenery and go to the main business district as there are some decent cafe's and choices available to you.

They have nice Broadway to walk around the area and the little penguin homes are along the 2 sides. Sometimes you will able to see penguin close to you. The views are gorgeous. Highly recommend to visit if you are first-timer on Melbourne and like penguins!

The Nobbies Centre is lucky they have wonderful views of the Nobbies and Bass Straight because $15 for a tiny desert and two watery coffees was probably the worst value I have ever experienced. That it took close to twenty minutes to serve is another reason never to come here again. I can get much better coffee and food at just about any other place on Phillip Island for less money. They also have a flawed serving system where we were given a buzzer and had to return to the counter to collect our purchase. So they buzz me when the desert is ready but I then have to wait another ten minutes or so for the coffees. When they come they are in takeaway cardboard cups and are not much better than the instant coffee I can make at work. We will come to the Nobbies foreshore for a walk again as that's spectacular but we'll bypass the cafe in the future. The one star is for the view.

this location is great for a dinner, though it has bad attitude waitresses, expensive price and not good foods.