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
835 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best day!
BethanKelly,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day! Anthony was a great guide and gave us time in each location to enjoy each experience and was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The koala sanctuary was amazing but the highlight was definitely the penguin parade, I would 100% help recommend ☺️
A nice holiday in Melbourne 😃
Mobile63651714475,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was very fun to be able to be so close with the little penguins and to see them coming home. It was raining pretty heavily so bring an umbrella and maybe check the weather forecast before packing for the trip.The koala reserve was also a nice place to see the koalas up in the trees.
Must do excursion
Shahin M,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful excursion and a must do. Phillips island is a quaint location and worth the short trek from Melbourne. Nice sightseeing spots for pictures and beautiful views. The penguins were the highlight of course. Take layers of clothing and a beanie hat. It was windy and a regular hat or cap will blow off your head. It can get quite chilly at night by the water.
Fiona’s bus is number 1!
R8367XHjessj,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful tour with a wonderful guide! Thank you Fiona for taking us on a beautiful trip!
Worth every penny
746tarur,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was really well planned - not too much waiting in between but still enough time to walk around, take photos and eat. Guide Fiona gave excellent tips how to best see the pinguins at Pinguin Parade and we were able to see them just 1 meter away!
Magical experience
neap2019,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magical experience overall! Thank you Fiona, you were such a great guide! :)
Fun Experience - Long Day - Enjoy if it's your thing!
randyfrym,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a long day, for some fairly brief experiences with koalas and penguins. The tour absolutely delivered all that was promised. We drove some distance out of Melbourne, explored a koala conservation park that hosts about a dozen koalas, stopped on Phillip Island in a community with some restaurant options for dinner, then drove out to the Penguin Parade site. We arrived probably 90 minutes prior to the start of sunset, you were encouraged to find your seat about an hour prior, and then wait until penguins come up. We were there during molting season, so the population was a bit more limited; we definitely were treated to a fun parade. Viewers are allowed to watch for about 40 minutes, and then the lights are shut off so as not to disrupt the penguins any further. We were offered a last minute upgrade (at our own expense) to the premium seating and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that. You get much better seats in a much better location. These sell out way in advance, the weather was crummy, so we were advised that it's rare for them to be available. Then it was a 2 hour ride back into Melbourne. It's a long day (1:30 PM pick up to 11:30 PM return) for 60 minutes at a koala park and 45 minutes of penguin viewing. Definitely a tour to do once, probably would not look to repeat. Tour guide was upbeat, positive, and well organized.
Amazing
290josephy,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The koala center was just okay, wish there was more time at Nobbies. The penguins were adorable but do your best to come during peak season for more Penguins.
Great Experience
A425UGjoaquinr,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Joel was great all trip long
Where’s the Parade?
Janet L,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00We were very disappointed on how few penguins there were. Long bus ride. Cramped seats. We were enthused by the title “Penguin Parade.” I think we saw ten.
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