Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

Overview

Available languages

German

Portuguese

Korean

Chinese

Japanese

Cantonese

English

Italian

French

Dutch

Spanish

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‘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)

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.

45 minutes • Admission Included

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.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

4.86

328 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

301

Great trip to see koalas and penguins
NancyS9382,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Delightful tour led by a lovely guide. Fiona was very informative and gave clear directions so we could enjoy the wildlife to the full. The bus ride was comfortable and quick, and the stop in Cowes provided lots of options for a meal. I would recommend this tour to a friend - the little penguins are not to be missed!
Awesome experience of Coala conservation and philip island with FIONA
Drrahulpandey,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was awesome experience. The guide amd driver Fiona was well versed with her work. Her practical tips were useful all the way along
Amazing, a great experience
P5337LEalanc,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guild leader, Anthony is professional and friendly. He tells whatever he knows about environment and the animals. He manages the time of touring precisely, and flexible.
Fantastic Phillip Island
291fennyl,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an absolutely fantastic trip, Anthony is amazing, the arrangement is good, we have enough time to wandering around. Koalas very cute and we can see pinguins (a lot) in super close distance.
Good experience:)
259lysanneb,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great time with Marlin-J :). Very friendly and the penguin parade plus was amazing! Also de koala’s were good :). Very far drive but it was actually pretty doable!
Unforgettable Day at Phillip Island with a Fantastic Guide!
A740ZJbetho,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
From start to finish, this day trip was an absolute delight. Our tour guide, Tom, made the whole experience extra special such a lovely, friendly, and fun guy! He was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts about Melbourne’s history as we drove, as well as lots of interesting information about the local wildlife. Our first stop was the Koala Conservation Centre, which was fantastic. The raised boardwalk allowed us to get a wonderful eye-level view of the koalas in their natural habitat, such a peaceful and unique experience. Then it was on to Phillip Island for the main event. The penguin parade. Beforehand, Tom explained that photography isn’t allowed, as the flashes and lights can scare or disturb the penguins. I really appreciated this focus on protecting the animals. Watching the tiny penguins waddle up the beach at dusk was just magical, an experience I’ll truly treasure and remember forever. I can’t recommend this tour enough! it’s well-organized, informative, and full of special moments. If you’re visiting Melbourne, this is a must-do, and if you’re lucky enough to have Tom as your guide, you’re in for an amazing day!
A good 10 hour trip !
Maps22092547203,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice trip. Tomas was helpful, friendly and informative. We also got to see Koalas up close during the trip. The Bass Strait viewing stops were stunning. It was a bit windy and chilly at penguin viewing deck so bring your jacket.
Brilliant
C2374FYewaz,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fiona was an amazing guide. Enthusiastic and very helpful and informative and friendly. Trip itself was a great experience. Would definitely recommend.
It’s cold in the evening...
Trudy L,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s cold in the evening when the penguins come out of the ocean so bring warm clothes. It’s a fabulous experience and loved the penguins, the koalas and other wildlife. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
SKIP THIS expensive, massive waste of time.
cmccallion,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Its amazing the lack of info you are given about this trip before you book it. The penguins are amazingly cute, but the rest of the trip is just killing time till the penguins. I still don’t even know what kind of penguins they are. Some of the many things I did not know before I started the tour: you are not allowed to take pictures of the penguins. You cannot stand up to see the penguins better. You will sit around waiting for the penguins to arrive for 60-90 minutes (which is fine) but you need a winter coat, hat and possible face covering because the wind is so strong. If you just buy the general admission penguin ticket you will only see the penguins from afar, so this tour requires an upgrade, which cost an additional $53. You have to leave well before the penguins are done coming out of the water. Incredibly frustrating to travel half way around the world and end up on the overpriced, under-delivered tour that I did.