How do I get from Melbourne to Phillip Island Circuit?

By hire car: South Gippsland Highway from Melbourne CBD — 140 km, approximately 2 hours. On race Sunday, allow 30–60 minutes extra for bridge traffic — arrive before 9am. By race weekend coach: express buses depart from Southern Cross Station and Federation Square directly to the circuit — the stress-free option for race day. Check Phillip Island Circuit website for coach bookings.

Which airport is best for the Australian MotoGP?

Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) — Australia's second-busiest airport with the widest international connections. Direct from London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and all Australian capitals. Melbourne Avalon (AVV) is mainly domestic Jetstar — useful if that fits your routing but MEL is strongly preferred. From MEL to the circuit is 170 km (Melbourne city is 140 km from circuit).

What should I do on Phillip Island beyond the racing?

The Penguin Parade (little penguins returning to shore at dusk — book well in advance at penguins.org.au), koala spotting at the Koala Conservation Reserve, fur seals at The Nobbies viewpoint, and the island's coastal walks and beaches. For a day trip from Melbourne before the race: the Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay (70 km west of the circuit) — the Torquay to Lorne coastal stretch is one of Australia's great scenic drives.

✈️ MotoGP · Phillip Island

Getting to Phillip Island

Grand Prix of Australia · 2026-10-25

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Phillip Island Circuit

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Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the primary international gateway — direct flights from London (21h, Qantas/British Airways), Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and all Australian capitals. From Melbourne, Phillip Island is 140 km south: approximately 2 hours by hire car on the South Gippsland Highway via the Phillip Island bridge. Race weekend coaches also run from Melbourne CBD and Southern Cross Station.

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Fly to Melbourne (MEL)

Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) has direct flights from London Heathrow (Qantas, 21h), Dubai (Emirates), Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Jetstar), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), Los Angeles (Qantas), and all Australian capitals (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar — 1h from Sydney, 3h from Perth). Second airport: Melbourne Avalon (AVV), 90 km west — mainly Jetstar domestic and some international. MEL is strongly preferred for connections.

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Hire car from Melbourne — South Gippsland Highway

From Melbourne CBD or Airport: South Gippsland Highway (M420 → Princes Freeway → South Gippsland) to Phillip Island via Lang Lang and the San Remo bridge — 140 km, approximately 2 hours without traffic. On race Sunday, the bridge to the island (single approach road) is managed by traffic control and can add 30–60 minutes — arrive early (before 9am) or use the coach. Return traffic on Sunday evening is heavy.

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Race weekend express coach from Melbourne

Direct express coaches run from Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station and Federation Square) to the circuit gates on race weekend — typically Friday through Sunday. Check Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit website and V/Line for bookings. The coach eliminates the bridge traffic stress entirely and is strongly recommended for Sunday race day. Departs early morning, returns after the podium.

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Stay on the island — walk or local shuttle

If staying in Cowes (Phillip Island's main town, 20 km from the circuit), local shuttles and taxis run on race weekend. Cowes has a ferry connection to Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula (removing the need to cross the San Remo bridge). Some visitors arrive from Melbourne via ferry to Stony Point → ferry to Cowes → local transport — worth considering for race day to avoid the bridge.

Getting to Phillip Island

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