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
683 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bad trip
amirbb11,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The trip was ruined pretty much before it started. A baby on the bus started screaming and didn't stop for at least 30 minutes. The driver seemed oblivious and kept on with his talk about the sights we were going to encounter on the tour. The bus was full of older tourists. We couldn't hear the driver's comments over the incessant screaming. Isn't there a minimum wage on these tours? Who thought it was a good idea to allow babies on a tour designed for adults?
Wonderful day trip to Philipp Island!
Marie M,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful day trip to Philipp Island! Thank you Vicky for this amazing experience, it was a well organized and beautiful day!!!
Jean
jean w,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00When we booked it, it showed a kind of burrow with a glass front that we were to be in...there was nothing like that there
Noisy and unpleasant bus
168justep,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The bus was huge. Terrible noise and vibration. Speakers were of terrible quality so if you go with this operator always sit at the very front. Driver was blabbing all the time. At the stops he would talk while the engine was still running so again, almost impossible to hear. The bus was not marked in any specific way so many people had hard time returning in the dark after the parade.
Fionas amazing bus!
Daydream27983052710,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my friend had the best day at Philip Island! The penguin parade was an experience I Will remember. We also had the sweetest guide, Fiona, who was so good at telling stories about the things we experienced!
AMAZING experience!
Gita s,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an unforgettable experience. Totally recommended for everyone! The penguins, the landscape, and our driver, Tom, were great storytellers!
Very unique experience
yungyc2025,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good setting and meet my expectations. Nice view from sea sunset. One thing disappointed is no photos after sunset, we understand the reason. However, there are people ignored the warnings and repeatedly violated the rule. They also got away from that, which totally unfair to those who followed the rule. May be there is a better way to manage that to ensure everyone is treated fairly.
The penguins were SO ADORABLE
Chloedh9,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great. A must do when visiting Melbourne. Tom was a brilliant tour guide. So knowledgeable and informative explaining all about the wildlide and landscapes. Thank you so much
Dear tour guide. All well organized. The Penguin Parade totally overrun and not their hype value.
Shawna S,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Organisation and guide did their best. But the tour isn't really worth it. Disappointed by the parade.:(
A Must Visit.
J D,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was very knowledgeable, he made our trip very enjoyable. He told us the best seat. This is a “Must Do” for anyone visiting Melbourne..
From A$175.00
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Operated by Autopia Tours