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
379 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nature extravaganza outside of Melbourne
Juli,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely add this day excursion to a trip to Melbourne! So many wonderful things to see outside of this beautiful city. Phillip Island is a treasure! Craig and Barry were great guides. Loved the koalas, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade!!!
Great Experience with the Family
Vivvy1971,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely visit to the Koala sanctuary, dinner in Cows and then amazing views and penguin spotting at The Nobles. Great experience watching the Penguin Parade. Guide Fiona was very friendly and informative. I would advise to pack some warm clothes as gets very cold at night on the beach waiting for the penguins to come in.
Penguins, penguins, and penguins
SeaJonathan,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tomas was informative, helpful, entertaining, and a great driver. On the road to the first stop, we had to change our tour a bit based on a brushfire that closed the Koala reserve, but Tomas explained the situation and was sympathetic to our disappointment. The penguin parade was well worth the time, and Tomas’s tips as to where to sit and where to walk helped us out. No cameras allowed but you can take pictures before sunset! Highly recommended!
Tomas- Penguin parade
988bethc,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thomas/ Tomcat was well spoken, friendly, easy going personality. He gave us a lot of history along the way! I would highly recommend him for your tour guide!
Fun outing with the night time penguins parade as highlight.
88lingmc,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Tomas (nicknamed Tomcat) was very cool and shared much info. Unfortunately we had to skip the Koalas Reserve due to unexpected closure (bush fire nearby). But the rest of the trip was good. Penguins viewing was unique and very cool.
Top experience with great Driver
Kuno S,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with James Wheels Super driver, very frlendly and entertaining Would book this anytime again especially with James as the driver!
Phillips Island
marcia w,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was really great tour! Lots of scenic vistas! Loved the animals! Tour operator was very knowledgeable! Penguin parade was just amazing!
Animals great, operator disappointing
Byron S,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Experience with animals was great. Penguin parade - spend the extra for the upgraded viewing. The problem is with the operator. Detailed itinerary refers to guides at Koala area and elsewhere. That didn't happen. A professional bus driver should wear shoes and use two hands on the steering wheel. This driver drove without shoes and never had two hands on the wheel. Disregard for safety is inexcusable. The in-bus sound system suffered from squelch and user indiffernce/mumbling. She never shared her name.
Great tour
Yasmin I,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour - exactly as described, great stops. Our guide Peter was very good and knowledgeable (though a little hard to hear at the back of the bus). We saw lots of koalas in the sanctuary and lots of penguins at the parade. We were also lucky to see penguin chicks at the Nobbies. Lots of restaurant options at Cowes and nice beach. We were also lucky to see wallabies, possums, cape barren geese, and an Eastern barred bandicoot at the parade. Decent amount of time at each destination, didn't feel rushed at any point. Only thing we would change is to include a toilet stop on the way as it is a straight 2 hour drive from Melbourne!
Great for families
714elizabethk,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour! Saw loads of koalas up close. Great advice from our wonderful guide, Peter!! Comfortable bus, newer visitor centers had plenty of amenities. This is a must see experience! Even my tween and teen enjoyed it.
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Operated by Autopia Tours