Bass Coast info

If you're a visitor to Phillip Island or the surrounding area during your schoolies break then you'll find this local info a great help for making your stay safe and enjoyable

Summer Safety Program

There's heaps of free activities for registered schoolies at Cowes foreshore during the schoolies break. You can register online or at the Youth Caravan.

Check out our Summer Safety Program (Word, 512kb) for a look at what's on. And if you need a Phillip Island Map, see below.

» Phillip Island map (PDF, 416kb)
» Phiilip Island Town Map (PDF, 408kb)

Local Laws

• Drinking or possession of alcohol in open containers is illegal in public spaces, and the council may change alcohol restrictions during events
• Camping/sleeping in cars in streets, car parks, public spaces is illegal
• Carrying of weapons is illegal
• Lighting of fires of any type is prohibited 
• Skateboarding is illegal unless in designated areas
• Musical instruments or stereos in public places are illegal

Community Safety Rangers will be working with members of the Victoria Police, volunteers and youth workers over a two weekend period for schoolies on foot patrols in the Cowes CBD area and around Phillip Island.

Local tips

Even during schoolies events, places like Phillip Island can still be very quiet: so enjoy it, don't spoil it. Here's some important things to know:

• Register at the Youth Caravan and collect your wrist band for discounts (must have student ID card)
• Security will be patrolling near the toilet block areas along the Esplanade, taxi and bus areas and walking the main CBD area
• Youth workers will be at the Youth Caravan near the main foreshore not far from the hotels, so if you are having any problems, feel unsafe, or even just have a question to ask, feel free to approach
• Many shops close early, so plan ahead with meals
• Most things generally cost a bit more
• Pack warm clothes, as it can be very cold and sometimes wet, even in December
• All licensed venues are strict on ID
• Bring a torch, it can be very dark at night due to limited street lights
• Mobile phone coverage can be very patchy
• Avoid drinking out of glass containers in all instances
• Avoid noisy parties as they will attract police (get Party Safe information from the Youth Caravan)
• Visit http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ (external link) for detailed information about Phillip Island and the surrounding area, and don't forget to check out the visitor information centres

Take responsibility

• Stick with your friends and look out for each other
• Call for 000 (or 112 if your mobile phone is out of range) if you feel unsafe or things get out of hand
• Avoid drink spiking by not leaving your drinks unattended
• Take care of your belongings to avoid theft
• Be certain your driver is sober, capable and trustworthy
• Be on guard to strangers or dodgy sorts
• Have a phone card and emergency cash with you at all times

Beach safety

Unknown beaches can be unpredictable, so:

• Check the beach number when you arrive
• Swim between the flags
• Swim with your friends
• Keep in your depth
• Don't drink and swim
• Watch out for rips and large swell
• Don't swim at night time
• Always SLIP, SLOP, SLAP

Plan ahead

• Plan your trip - accommodation, money, transport, food, warm clothes, wet weather gear and people you will be with
• Let someone at home know where you are going and when you'll be back
• Pack some fun stuff - guitar, cards, footy, frisbee
• When you plan your night out, think about how you will be getting home

Important contacts

Police, ambulance and fire
000

Red Frogs
1300 507 123

Poison Info line
13 11 26

Life line
13 11 14

Centre Against Sexual Assault
1800 806 292

V/line info (public transport)
13 61 96

24-hour drug and alcohol line
1800 888 236

Youth In Bass Coast Shire
http://www.yibs.net.au/home/ (new window)

Services Directory for the Bass Coast Shire
http://www.yibs.net.au (new window)