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
425 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fiona the Goat
carsonp445,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Fiona as our tour guide and she truly made the experience unforgettable. She always made sure we were on time and as informed as possible! Would 10/10 recommend this for anyone.
An amazing day trip to see the march of the penguins.
TorontoGuyinUK,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver Fiona fetched us from the Immigration Museum in Melbourne on time. The tour starts with a 2 hour drive to the Phillip Island. Along the way you stop for 30 minutes to see Koalas in their natural habitat, then 1 hour for supper in a little town followed by the big show. We did ‘Penguin / Platform Plus and it was well worth the extra l. We saw over a 100 penguins. It’s starts off slow and then magic and they appear. Get a seat facing the ocean!!! Our driver Fiona was very knowledgeable and friendly. A+++ The tour isn’t a small group with over 30 people in a bus but it was manageable. If there were many old people this would have been an issue as the bus isn’t accessible. All in all we were very impressed. Note, once at the penguin parade no phones, cameras are allowed and this is strictly enforced.
Penguins, Koalas, Wallabies - oh my!!
Diane H,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Penguin plus seats are good, but the driver has to get you there early enough to get a good seat so you can see the penguins coming in from the ocean and then parade right in front of you - so cute how they muster and then take off in groups. Nice break from the bus ride stopping in Cows for dinner - great Chicken Parmesan at the restaurant bar next to the ocean; big enough dish to share.
Coco did a fantastic job today!
Larry K,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Coco did a fabulous job of taking care of everyone on the bus and ensuring all stops and tours were explained very well. I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone wanting to attend the Penguin Parade!
Penguin Tour
delroy11963,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Coco was an amazing tour guide. Full of information, helpful suggestions, clean directions and delicious restaurant rec at Masala Bay. Highly recommend asking for him to be your guide!
Great excursion
Bert H,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Enjoyed seeing koalas up close. And got great view of the little penguins. Unfortunately penguin numbers down this time of the year but still loved seeing the little guys. Our driver/guide was good…did his best to keep us on time and informed.
Wild country of Victoria.
Helen B,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Penguin parade is really something to see! Where warm clothes, its windy! Kuala were amazing to see. Our guide/driver Craig and Barry were super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Great experience
Jane C,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Fabulous experience although we went on a day when it was full capacity and I had no idea there would be that many people there. It’s a shame so many people were ignoring the no photo rule too, despite being asked not to. I really hope the penguins are ok with the phototogrqphy.
Great tour, thanks to...
Dan D,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, thanks to Anthony we saw a variety of wildlife Koala, Echidna, Bandicoot and of course Penguins
Brilliant experience with penguins and koala’s
47shelaghb,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day trip with Fiona as our guide. She was a great tour guide… Very friendly and personable, knowledgeable, wicked sense of humor, excellent driver! She encouraged us to shop local and gave lots of tips and guidance on getting around the small town on Phillips Island.
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Operated by Autopia Tours