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 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.
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
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
814 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
First meeting with koalas
Dreamer47068821911,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Interesting tour and Joel is a very knowledgeable, easygoing and sympathetic guide. The koalas and wallabies were the highlight for the two of us, haven't seen them before.
Penguin parade perfection
Graham F,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joel was a great driver and a lot of fun. Definitely recommend this tour
Very stressful trip!
Gorgan81,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00This day trip from Melbourne would deserve a 5-star from me but I am sorry to say my final outscore is badly affected by the very annoying behaviour of those in charge of refraining tourists from taking pictures of the penguins. We arrived on the seashore one hour before the sunset. We were uncomfortably sitting on the sand just to hopefully have a better view of the penguins. Wardens kept continuously telling us not to take any pictures. It was like a mantra. At some point, it was really irritating. In honesty, I couldn't understand why they did not want us to take pictures. The official explanation was that penguins are sensitive to the on-camera flash. This is something I can understand. But nobody was willing to use flash. Furthermore, most of the times cellphones don't even have flash. We just wanted to take photos. I believe it is understandable. Watching penguins is not something that happens every day, is it?Anyway, they kept walking back and forth to threaten us to be moved away, in case we took or kept taking snapshots. However, I could see some tourists who managed to take some of them despite the warnings. As far as I am concerned, I don't understand this kind of policy. The warden should be more focused on refraining from littering rather than bothering tourists who have regularly paid their tickets. The paradox is that the personnel who work there can photograph penguins. They can, we can't. It is weird. Aside from this very negative aspect, the first part of the trip was really nice. We could encounter koalas with nobody telling us not to take photos of them.
Best animal trip ever
Passport32254599012,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so good to see all the Koala’s, wallabies and penquins. Amazing - even saw the rare Eastern barrd bandicoot.
Amazing!
jenniferdQ3347CQ,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour with our AMAZING guide Fiona! Fiona’s bus was the best. She was full of great information and helpful tips that made our day one we will always remember. So glad we picked this tour and was lucky enough to get such a wonderful guide!
Great time at Phillip Island!
S8644CCpatt,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great trip with Fiona! She provided valuable insights on how best to take in the Penguin Parade. Lots of Koala and Wallaby sightings earlier in the day. Great recommendations also at our dinner stop. Thanks Fiona!
Easy going trip
Adam F,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona was informative, professional, and a top notch driver to boot. Fun and easy trip with no hassles.
BRILLIANT animal experience
X8368KUamyw,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING fiona had all the insider trips. Penguins and koalas were adorable and i cannot rave enough
Great experience!
jonpC5887BS,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed this tour! Fiona was a great tour guide whose insights made a wonderful experience even more extraordinary!
Fantastic tour. Would recommend.
Daydream772945,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour to koala conservation and Philip island for the penguin parade. Sufficient time to stop at each activity & lots of tips shared by guide for each experience.
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Operated by Autopia Tours