Business Events Victoria (BEV) continued the 2025 familiarisation program with a one-day famil visit to Phillip Island on Friday, 31 October, bringing together eight potential buyers for an immersive showcase of the region’s venues, attractions, and unique event experiences.
The famil provided an opportunity for prospective event buyers to explore the diverse offerings of Phillip Island, beginning with the Koala Conservation Reserve, where attendees were spotting the island’s resident koalas in their natural habitat.
The next stop was the Phillip Island Apartments, featuring 31 spacious self-contained apartments in one, two and three bedrooms configurations. Conveniently located within a short walk to Berninneit, the island’s striking new cultural and community hub in the heart of Cowes, this town presents strong potential for business events. Berninneit, meaning “to gather” in the local Bunurong language, symbolises community, culture, and connection, represents Cowes as a destination that brings people together — for community, culture, and connection. With a range of nearby accommodation options within walking distance,  Cowes offers excellent potential for small to large size conferences and business events.
Lunch was hosted at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, catered by Create Catering, where guests also toured the impressive Visitor Centre and explored the spectacular boardwalk overlooking the coastal landscape. The attendees also learned about the upcoming Nobbies redevelopment, which will further enhance the visitor experience and elevate the island’s capacity to host premium business and incentive events. During lunch, Kim Storey from Destination Phillip Island joined the group to provide valuable insights into the island’s year-round appeal and key events that bring the community to life, including the Phillip Island Whale Festival—a vibrant winter celebration that draws visitors from across Victoria.
Following lunch, the famil continued to Churchill Island, where participants enjoyed a relaxed afternoon among the heritage farm animals and picturesque gardens, before concluding the day with a site visit to Silverwater Resort, offering expansive views and flexible event spaces in San Remo.
The famil offered a valuable opportunity to better understand Phillip Island’s growing appeal as a regional business events destination—combining natural beauty, evolving infrastructure, and a strong sense of place that continues to attract visitors beyond its well-known leisure profile.
Contact Business Events Victoria to discover how your next regional event can thrive and more.
