Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

Overview

Available languages

German

Portuguese

Korean

Chinese

Japanese

Cantonese

English

Italian

French

Dutch

Spanish

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

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.

45 minutes • Admission Included

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

4.84

693 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

626

Phillip Island+ much more
Freedom776230,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a fantastic tour. Tom with Autopia tours was the best guide. He was very knowledgeable and so friendly. We learned a lot about the different animals on the island and the entire tour was easy going and fun, despite the rain!
Koala & pinguïn 3 out of 5
Angela M,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
For the ammount of money (175 AUS dollars) 80 euro I think the price is to high of what you see or have seen. The driver Tom did a great job. The ammount of 100 is a way better price.
Great organisation, fantastic tour guide
christinp125,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Had a lovely time on the trip. It was very well organised and a diverse group of people. Tom was a legend. He was super knowledgeable and made this a fun experience for everyone. Great taste in music too.
Lovely time in Philip Island
Jeanne D,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The koala reserve was a lovely surprise. Wouldn’t have missed the penguin parade! Our guide was so knowledgeable and informative!
Fun day trip from Melbourne
sarahwB8667CK,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommend this day trip from Melbourne. Vickie was our guide and she was really engaging with the information she provided as well as the general vibe. The koala conservation was well worth the stop. The koalas are so cute and the eucalyptus smell was lovely. Nice early dinner stop in Cowes. The weather turned cold and rainy before we saw the Penguins, but it was still incredible to watch them waddle up the coastline to their little burrows. Total time from Melbourne and back was about 9 hours.
Wonderful experience! I...
Alina v,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful experience! I enjoyed the koalas and the sanctuary, walking on the boardwalk at the Nobbies, and the penguin parade!
Bad trip
amirbb11,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
The 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
5.00
Had 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
5.00
When 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
2.00
The 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.