Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take in the spectacular Phillip Island Penguin Parade as you watch the colony of Little Penguins crosses the shoreline from the ocean. Heading out to Penguin Parade, we begin our day at a Koala Reserve to meet some furry Australian favourites. Take a tour and get up close and personal with our native Australian wildlife. Travel to Phillip Island Nature Parks, known for its natural beauty, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and unique wildlife experiences. The island is home to a colony of around 32,000 little penguins. Phillip Island Tour is one of the popular and must-watch tourist attractions in Victoria.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin.
Child and infant fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Child protective seats are free of charge, subject to availability and must be requested at time of booking.
Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person. Our vehicles are not wheelchair, prams or child stroller accessible please refrain from bring on tour.
Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Experienced local driver guide to assist you throughout the day
Air-conditioned premium coach travel and comfort
Comprehensive live commentary in a fun and social atmosphere
Admission to Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve
Admission to Phillip Island Nature Park with Penguin Parade (general viewing)
Meals not included, guests will have an opportunity to support locals and buy lunch along the way.
Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
Travel insurance is highly recommended
Personal expenses
What To Expect
Melbourne
Our coach will depart from Melbourne City and head southeast for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with our first stop being the Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island.
Phillip Island Nature Parks - Koala Conservation Reserve
At the Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island, guests will have 45 minutes to explore the lush surroundings and stroll along the elevated boardwalks that wind through the treetops. Here, you’ll have the chance to get up close to koalas in their natural habitat, spotting these iconic creatures as they rest in the eucalyptus trees. The knowledgeable staff will provide fascinating insights into the conservation efforts that protect these beloved animals. It's a peaceful and educational experience, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Australia's wildlife.
Options
General Viewing Admission
Australian wildlife experience
Mid-range seat in coach travel
Duration: 9 hours: This tour operates on a seasonal departure schedule, pick up times change when daylight savings clocks are adjusted.
Roundtrip to & from Melbourne
24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa Bus: This vehicle makes for a safe & comfortable journey (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views.
Reviews
673 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Penguin parade is charming
Gary P,
Nov 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00It’s a long drive from Melbourne to see this beautiful place and well worth the time. Plan on something to do to occupy yourself on the bus. Make sure you have a wire for your phone (usb, not c). The bus rows do not allow for a great deal of leg room. The penguin parade is charming and will delight all age groups
Wonderful little penguins
Betty N,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time. Our tour guide was wonderful . She was very helpful. She gave us dinner recommendation and it was good. We got back to the city at a reasonable time.
Penguin parade tour is an amazing thing to do
Padmi K,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was great. We managed to see some animals in their natural habitat The penguin parade tour is one of the best in Melbourne
Brilliant day
Maseh G,
Oct 31, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Anthony was very polite and made us a wonderful tour day by showing us all the little secrets at the spots we should focus on to get the best experience!
Once in a lifetime march of the penguins!
J3260PYtriciab,
Oct 27, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Anthony was a great driver and guide. Chill and competent. The koala sanctuary was a nice little stop on the way to the main event, the Penguin Parade. The overlooks were scenic. Pay extra for the “Plus” experience. Get to the viewing platform as soon as you get there to get the best seat-wish we hadn’t stopped to eat, as we could have gotten a better seat. But as people leave you can move up to see more penguins and you get up close with them on the path, too, on the way out. Anthony didn’t rush us out, plenty of time to see the penguins on the slow walk back up the hill.
Great tour
AndreeAnne L,
Oct 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing experience. I would recommend to anyone. Our guide was super nice. I loved both the koalas and the pinguins.
Penguin parade
211vipulj,
Oct 25, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Joel was incredible. He kept the whole group engaged. We went as a family. He was very patient and informative with my kids and the whole family. Would highly recommend him and the tour.
Aussie Animal Awesomeness
Megan B,
Oct 24, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Vicky had so much helpful info on the bus ride and she was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly throughout the trip. Loved how many animals we saw at the Koala Conservation Center: recovering koala close up, releasable koala high in the trees, wallaby, echidna, galah, cockatoo- definitely worth walking around quietly to let nature reveal itself. The penguins were easy to see; stunning and I didn’t even have the premium pass. Be prepared for a late night. Return to Melbourne was at 11:15 (in October) because you operate on the penguins schedule.
Penguins 🥰
Maps17726936030,
Oct 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect Tour with JOEL 😃! We had a wonderful day : Penguin Parade is very impressive! We can recommend this tour without restriction! JOEL even sang me a birthday serenade and is the perfect guide ! We will never forget this day! Thanks JOEL 😃
A great day out on Philip island
michellewM5852AI,
Oct 21, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience on the coach with Fiona. She gave a lot of really good information and the penguins and koalas were awesome 🤩
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