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
748 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day, memorable trip!
J7007HElindal,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joe was a great guide and very safe driver. Enjoyed the ride and overall experience. Loved learning about the history of Phillip Island and Melbourne.
Mother nature at her best!!!
306simonag,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marlin-J was great!!! We saw koalas, the greatness of the ocean and....lots of little penguins!!! I will remember this experience for the rest of my life!!!
Penguins!
Q1560PLphilipj,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time today and saw so much wildlife! We saw 10+ Koalas (really close up on forest walkways), Wallabies, Eagles, Echidna, a possum, and of course hundreds of penguins! Joel our driver was great, gave some commentary whilst driving the local area, was really clear about timings and what to do and when. Would recommend!
Wildlife tour
I6248BLracheld,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Joel. He was super helpful and clear. Loved seeing the penguins so close and the koalas! Great views and the drive and LOADS of wildlife
Excellent tour
807lidak,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was excellent. We saw koalas and so many little penguins! We also enjoyed really wonderful views of the Nobbies. Our wonderful Guide Anthony made the tour a Great experience. He was really kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. Definitely book this tour!
Great trip experience with our guide Ant man
sophiepY6195XN,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good trip. Our guide is the best to show the essentiel in one day. Timing is perfect Every spots are a nice choise. Thanks you very much.
Great tour
Ashish D,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience, loved the koalas and penguin parade. Anthony was super nice and an amazing guide, gave us enough time to see everything
Phillip Island tour
Z7544RHlouisea,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The itinerary was great and had a good pace. Saw lots of animals and the coastlines were stunning . James was a great host and very confident.
Amazing day with Fiona
sashar973,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona is an incredible guide, so kind and knowledgeable and positive. She shared so much which enriched this tour, and made sure to give us suggestions and tips which helped us maximize our time. This felt like an incredible amount of value for the time and price -- I have done full day tours that less impactful than this one. Would absolutely book again, especially with Fiona. She knows so much about wildlife and conservation, and when we had questions for her she had all the answers!
Great Trip to se the Penguins
Fred H,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were hosted on this trip by Fiona who was a delight! She was very knowledgeable and friendly but was also clearly passionate about conservation. She really made the difference. Got to see koalas up close at the reserve and saw the amazing penguin parade! Remember to take some warm clothes!
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Operated by Autopia Tours