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
811 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Great
tracysJ708UY,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day visiting Koala Conservation & Penguin Parade, lovely lunch in Cowes. Fiona our driver was very friendly & knowledgeable on the places we visited & Melbourne. She went out of her way to make sure we had a good spot to see the penguins.
Beautiful Little Penguins and More
D5974STjonr,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona made the whole trip fun and relaxed. The koala conservation visit was fantastic and the little penguins were beautiful. Great trip.
Loved Pengiuns Parade with Fiona!!!!
W8639ORashleyc,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time with Fiona! Lovely and infectious personality, she always had a smile and is very friendly and always checked we had a good time once getting back on the bus. She also has great knowledge of wild life and good food suggestions. I would highly recommend any trip on Fiona’s bus and especially the Penguin Parade!! The tour was a good length with perfect amount of time at each location!
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Operated by Autopia Tours