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
724 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fine trip, but could be so much better
Darrin K,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00This could have been a much better experience. We made it to places but were rushed everywhere. We DID have enough time to have dinner without a big rush. SO many people at the penguin parade (to be expected) and we did get to see some in the burrows before it got dark.. Our driver, David with Autopia, was just going through the motions. Very gruff, strict rule NOT allowed to eat or drink anything in the coach (fabulous when we're in it for 5 hours) and no sense of humor. Kept telling parents and their kids to "zip it" when he was talking. You can't just say "please be quiet when I'm speaking"? He clearly doesn't enjoy his job anymore. He also did not let us know there were burrows along the boardwalk section at the Nobbies. Says he did, but we didn't hear that, nor did the rest of the families we spoke with. We also spent an extra half hour waiting for a couple that had the upgrade with the ranger talk. They should have made other travel arrangements or we shouldn't have been told to be back right at 10pm if he knew they were going to be late. In his defense, he didn't think it would be a full half hour, but more time stuck on the bus.
Stress free and fun tour
Priyanka A,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience on the guided bus tour to Phillip Island with our guide Cray. The tour was very well organized from start to finish, making it a relaxing and enjoyable day without having to worry about driving or planning logistics. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, sharing interesting facts about the island’s history, wildlife, and local culture throughout the journey. The bus was comfortable and clean, and the itinerary was thoughtfully planned with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The highlights were definitely the stunning coastal views and the famous Penguin Parade, which was an unforgettable experience. Everything was clearly explained in advance, so we knew exactly what to expect and where to be. Overall, this tour is a great option for anyone visiting the area, especially families or first-time visitors. It’s excellent value for money and a stress-free way to see one of Victoria’s most iconic destinations. Highly recommended!
A really great tour and...
Amanda R,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A really great tour and experience with a very knowledgeable guide who gave lots of detailed information about history of area and wildlife
Penguins and Koalas- the perfect day out
janesZ5318CF,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour and Vicky was very knowledgeable about Melbourne and Phillip Island. We made it to all of the locations even though the traffic was horrendous. Great advice on where to sit to see the penguins and very personable which always makes a tour so much better.
Not so great.
Dorise F,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We saw about 30 penguins in total. I think it should be highlighted that there’s a chance and how frequent this happens. Other that this, all the arrangements are great.
It was a good experience...
Sankalp D,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a good experience with the icing on the cake being able to see a wake up Koala 😁 walking past close to us. The Penguin parade was a bit of disappointing as we were seated far away and were not able to view them up close. It was very windy and cold and would recommend carrying extra warms clothes to better enjoy the day. Time management could be improved.
Great wildlife tour
LCBourneEnd,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, varied program and Liwi was an excellent and knowledgeable guide - highly recommended way to see the wildlife on penguin island
Once in a life time experience
Curiosity26571,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was magical. The penguins are sooooo cute. Totally worth it. Highly recommend. It was very very cold. Dress in layers
EXCELLENT 👌👌😁
202vanishak,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was very kind and funny. His vocals were EXCELLENT 👌. He gave us very good advice for the penguin parade. (I loved how he kept saying g’day g’day and he was asking trivia questions throughout the trip. 😁
Great day
B4328JWtatianab,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the trip, very convenient timing - thanks to great organisation we avoided crowds at Penguin parade. Thanks to our guide Anthony, he is a great presenter
From A$175.00
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Operated by Autopia Tours