Updated in November 2026, this Phillip Island sunset cruise guide covers ticket prices, departure times, parking, accessibility and what to see.
The Island Sunset Cruise is a 1¾-hour catamaran cruise across Western Port Bay from San Remo Jetty, with live music and a licensed bar. You pass Churchill Island, Reef Island and Elizabeth Island as the sun sets, then return under the Phillip Island bridge. You can book through GetYourGuide before you travel. As of November 2026, the cruise runs on Saturdays from September to March, and Wednesdays from mid-November. It departs from San Remo Jetty, not Cowes, and an adult ticket costs $79.
Quick facts for the Phillip Island sunset cruise
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure point | San Remo Jetty, 170 Marine Parade, San Remo, Victoria 3925 |
| Departure times | Saturdays from September to March. Wednesdays from mid-November. One hour before sunset |
| Duration | 1¾ hours |
| Adult | $79 |
| Concession | $72 |
| Child (3 to 15) | $59 |
| Infant (0 to 2) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | $235 |
| Included | Fruit and nibbles platter, live music and light commentary |
| Phone | (03) 5952 9500 |
Why book tickets for the Phillip Island sunset cruise?
- 🌅 Sunset across Western Port Bay: The cruise times the bay’s colours for the hour around sundown.
- 🎸 Live music on board: A local musician plays while you cruise.
- 🍓 A fruit and nibbles platter included: Fresh fruit, pretzels and lollies come with every ticket.
- 🦭 Seals and birdlife: Australian fur seals and seabirds often appear around the bay.
- 🍷 A licensed bar: You can buy a drink on board, and Eftpos payment is available.
Ticket prices for the Phillip Island sunset cruise – and how to book
All prices are in Australian dollars.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $79 |
| Concession | $72 |
| Child (3 to 15) | $59 |
| Infant (0 to 2) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | $235 |
| Sunset Cheese Platter (add-on) | $30 |
| King Prawn Bucket (add-on) | $35 |
The cheese platter has salami, olives, hummus, Camembert and feta. The prawn bucket holds wild-caught king prawns from Queensland. Cruises run subject to minimum numbers and weather. Extra cruises run in peak periods, and bookings are required. Booking direct carries no booking fees or surcharges. You can book through GetYourGuide before you travel.
Departure times for the Phillip Island sunset cruise
The cruise leaves one hour before sunset, so the time changes through the season. It runs on Saturdays from September to March, and on Wednesdays from mid-November. Extra cruises run during peak periods. Arrive 30 minutes before departure to allow for parking and delays.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Saturday cruises | September to March |
| Wednesday cruises | From mid-November |
| Departure | One hour before sunset |
| Duration | 1¾ hours |
Check the booking calendar for the exact time on your date. Cruises leave on time, so call (03) 5952 9500 if you are running late.
How to get to the Phillip Island sunset cruise
The cruise departs from San Remo Jetty at 170 Marine Parade, San Remo. San Remo is at the mainland end of the bridge to Phillip Island. By car, drive to San Remo and follow the signs to the jetty. The cruise returns to the same jetty under the Phillip Island bridge.
Parking at the Phillip Island sunset cruise
During busy periods such as school holidays and weekends, allow extra time for parking at the jetty. Arrive 30 minutes before departure so you have margin for unexpected delays.
How long to spend at the Phillip Island sunset cruise
Allow about two and a quarter hours in total. The cruise lasts 1¾ hours, and check-in and parking take about 30 minutes. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.
Accessibility at the Phillip Island sunset cruise
Not all vessels have wheelchair access, and boarding at San Remo Jetty involves a stair set to the boarding platform, with up to 15 steps on some jetties. Contact the office before booking if a passenger needs wheelchair access. There is ample room for prams and walkers on board.
Only service or assistance dogs are allowed on board. All vessels have standard marine toilets, and the Brianna Lee has a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Companion Card and Carer Card holders receive discounted tickets, so contact the office to book.
What to see on the Phillip Island sunset cruise
The sunset over Western Port Bay. The bay’s sheltered eastern waters fill with colour as the sun goes down. A sea breeze and calm water set the mood.
The islands. The route gives views of Churchill Island, Reef Island, Elizabeth Island and the southern side of French Island. Guides add light commentary as you pass.
The wildlife. Look for local birdlife and Australian fur seals that frequent the area.
The live music. A local musician plays during the cruise. The music and the commentary keep the mood relaxed.
The platter and the bar. A fruit and nibbles platter is included with every ticket. A licensed bar sells drinks, and you can add a cheese platter or a king prawn bucket.
The return under the bridge. The cruise returns to San Remo under the Phillip Island bridge. The town begins to light up as you arrive.
Practical visitor tips for the Phillip Island sunset cruise
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | Cruises run on limited days. Book tickets in advance to secure your seat. |
| Arrive 30 minutes early | Allow time for parking, and boarding starts 15 minutes before departure. |
| Bring a jacket | Conditions are cooler on the water, especially after sunset. |
| Pre-order your add-on | The cheese platter and prawn bucket are extras. |
| Check the front deck rule | The bow is restricted to passengers over 1 metre tall. |
Frequently asked questions about the Phillip Island sunset cruise
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where does the sunset cruise depart? | It departs from San Remo Jetty at 170 Marine Parade, San Remo. |
| When does the sunset cruise run? | On Saturdays from September to March and on Wednesdays from mid-November. It leaves one hour before sunset. |
| How much does a ticket cost? | Adults pay $79, concession holders $72 and children aged 3 to 15 pay $59. A family ticket costs $235. |
| What food is included? | A fresh fruit and nibbles platter is included. A cheese platter ($30) and a king prawn bucket ($35) are extras. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | Bookings are required for extra peak cruises, and advance booking is recommended for all departures. |
Things to do near the Phillip Island sunset cruise
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: A chocolate attraction at Newhaven on Phillip Island.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm: A working heritage farm on a small island linked to Phillip Island by a bridge.
Penguin Parade: A viewing area where little penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach on Phillip Island.
Cape Woolamai: A granite headland with surf beaches and walking tracks on Phillip Island.
San Remo foreshore: A fishing village waterfront at the mainland end of the Phillip Island bridge.
Alternatives to the Phillip Island sunset cruise
Phillip Island Seal Cruise: A cruise from Cowes Jetty to the fur seal colony at Seal Rocks.
Phillip Island Cape Cruise: A coastal cruise from San Remo Jetty to Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island.
Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise: An amphibious boat cruise to Skull Rock from Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Arthurs Seat Eagle: A gondola ride to the summit of Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula.
Puffing Billy Railway: A heritage steam railway through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Why it’s worth stopping at Eagles Neck near Inverloch in Gippsland.
- The best places to see penguins in Victoria.
- Enchanted Adventure visitor guide: Mazes, giant slides and tree canopy walks, all in one place.
- Cooks’ Cottage visitor guide: What to see in the house, transported brick by brick to Australia Captain Cook’s parents lived in.
- Explore the spooky side of Melbourne’s port suburb on a Williamstown ghost walk.
