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
856 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!
ArjaaS,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This guide was a larger one then expected however Fiona was great - super high energy as a solo traveller she made me feel as if I had a friend on the tour. I can only recommend doing this tour - and trying to get Fi as your guide. She had all the answers!
Awesome!
Trek33948608068,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the whole experience! It's usually not just what the sights have to offer for a great tourism experience. It's also the enablers who make this whole experience enjoyable. So I must thank Marlin-J for being a warm and companiable host, for playing an amazing road trip playlist and making this trip memorable. Thanks Autopia!
Highly recommended
Seaside49728339210,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Watching the koalas and penguines was an amazing exlerjence- Fiona's cheerful helpful character and her knowledgeable experience made first time tourists like us feel very comfortable and at ease. Great job, Fiona! And a big thank you!
Great Tour with a Great Guide
Dale T,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was exactly as billed, if not better. Vicky picked us up right on time and provided excellent commentary on our way out of town. There was an accident that slowed us down, but Vicky still got us where we needed to be at specific times. The lunch stop included several great options to choose from. The Koala stop was better than expected because several of the Koalas were really quite close. I was surprised how motionless they were for most of the time, but I found out that they sleep 20 hours per day! We did see a little motion here and there. We passed by the Penguin Parade and rode out to the point. On the way back to the Penguin Parade, VIcky stopped to point out one echidna and many kangeroos on the side of the road. Most importantly, Vicky gave us excellent instructions on where to sit for the parade and which boardwalk to take back to the visitor center to maximize the number of penguins that we could see in the evening. All in all, it was a great tour and great value for the money.
Great day tour to see wildlife near Melbourne
anastasiacV1856ER,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, highly recommend this provider
Fiona's Bus
683julew,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona's bus was super organized and good vibes
Anthony, our tour guide +...
Felina N,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Anthony, our tour guide + driver is friendly, resourceful and charming man who practiced safe driving, update us continously & helpful. The only unfortunate thing which is out of anyone's control is the unpredictable weather as it rains at Cowes and Nobies when we are not very done with the tour.
Fabulous day trip from Melbourne!
690shelleyg,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing time on this tour! Pick up location was easy and on time. Fi was our guide and she was wonderful, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly. We went first to Cowes and had fish and chips overlooking the ocean, then to the koala conservation centre - the koalas were so close and so cute! I also fell in love with the little wallabies. We then went to Nobbies which was breathtaking and then the best for last - the Penguin Parade which is an experience I will never ever forget (I upgraded to Premium and it was worth every penny). Overall a wonderful day with a wonderful tour guide - thank you Fi!
Highlight of Australia
101iz,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona was a fabulous guide and we absolutely loved the koalas in a very natural habitat. Her enthusiasm was infectious and her organisation was excellent. Timings were clear and we had the right length of time at each place. Her local knowledge was excellent and brought the trip to life. Penguins were an absolute highlight of the tour and also our lives! Highly recommend this trip and Fiona in particular
Great tour, definitely recommend
jurgenso2026,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, would thoroughly recommend to anyone considering. Didn't feel too rushed and got great tips form our guide Fiona throughout (especially on how to get the best view of the penguins). Make sure to spend enough time on the "happy penguin highway".
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Operated by Autopia Tours