Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy one of Australia's most incredible wildlife experiences on this magnificent Phillip Island tour. Witness the world famous penguin parade from the brand new exclusive penguins plus viewing platform, definitely the highlight of this day tour. Your day trip includes a visit to Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you can see the iconic Australian koalas up close.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our vehicles are not wheelchair, prams or child stroller accessible please refrain from bring on tour.
Only a small day pack per person with no more than 5 kg is permitted
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Phillip Island Nature Parks - Koala Conservation Reserve
It is only a 1hr 45min drive from Melbourne directly to Phillip Island. On arrival you will be greeted by Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger for a guided walk through Phillip Island’s Koala Reserve. You will be given a presentation about Koalas, history and relevance of the Reserve and the last area of natural woodland on the island. Guide to accompany the group and assist Ranger with the group.
Phillip Island
From the Koala Wildlife Park, it is a short drive to Phillip Island, a 10,000-hectare home to more than a hundred varieties of animal species. Phillip Island boasts a population of approximately 15,000 which is boosted during the busy tourist seasons. There are three main settlements being Cape Woolamai, New Haven & Cowes.
What‘s Included
Expert driver guide with live commentary spoken in English
Travel in comfort and style of a large coach with air-conditioning
Admission to Phillip Island (Penguins plus viewing area)
Admission to Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve
Meals not indicated
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Penguin Plus Viewing
Australian wildlife encounters: Guests will have a close-encounter experience with two of Australia's most popular wildlife the koala and the penguin.
Duration: 10 hours
Medium group sizes: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort.
Reviews
461 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Penguin parade!! koalas!!! Phillip Island!!
601mansin,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Phillip island day trip was just simply amazing! We were on Fiona’s bus. She was on time, informative and super helpful! Highly recommend! Even though we came for the Penguin parade, the Koala’s were the highlight too! Fiona was able to point many other local wildlife on the way! We loved our day! Opt for penguin plus- totally worth the extra bucks!! Highly recommend!!!
Great tour although the Penguin Experience was sold out so VERY crowded
Kate Y,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was good and was the best way to get to the Penguin Experience on Phillip Island. The meeting point was a little unclear as it gave the address and name of the Immigration Museum. However the bus was on the side street next to the museum, so it made it hard to find. The Koala sanctuary was great and I got to see many koalas up close. The Penguin Parade was sold out the night I went so there were hundreds of people there. The crowds did take away a little from the experience. And lots of people abused the no camera policy; I saw a lot of young people using their phones to take pictures and stick them in the penguins faces. I did enjoy seeing the penguins come to shore when I could see them through the other people. We left the Penguin place at 9 PM and it was almost 11 before we got back to Melbourne.
Amazing
Y8633OElucyp,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona was an incredible guide, so enthusiastic and informative! She is super knowledgable on the wildlife & also advised us on the best spots for the penguin parade. Could not have asked for better, 100% recommend!
Excellent!
giselecdn,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Anthony was a very good tour guide. Very helpful & full of valuable information
Top Notch and Anthony was sincere in making sure we enjoyed it
brentsX9374DV,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Anthony is an excellent driver, very nice and courteous and gave us great information on the animals we saw.
Very nice!
aurora13121989,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very nice, we saw koalas, wallabies, echidnas and the penguin parade. Our guide Anthony was great! We could’ve used a bit more time at the koala sanctuary, but overall everything was as expected.
Excellent Tour to See Penguins Parade!
Ronald C,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible live event to see all the small penguins parade in person. Would highly recommend that you book the penguins plus tickets to maximize your opportunity to see the most penguins. It was also a treat to see many koalas at the conservation park and wallabies/kangaroos along the way. Our guide Craig and his companion Barry were excellent hosts.
Great day out!!
Y7480VVrussells,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Fiona was great all day fun and informative obviously loved what she was doing!! Would thoroughly recommend this trip with Autopia!
Unforgettable penguin experience with a fantastic guide.
Karinn ka,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The penguin tour was an absolutely amazing experience. Our guide Fiona was fantastic – friendly, helpful, and explained everything really well. Thanks to her, we truly enjoyed the whole trip. The penguins were wonderful, and it was unforgettable to watch them coming out of the sea.
A Great Trip to Phillip Island.
Douglas R,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day seeing Koalas and penguins. We were surprised at how close we could get to the koalas at times. The penguin march was amazing. Didn’t care for the stop at Cowes. Everything was closed.
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Operated by Autopia Tours