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
784 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best tour!
rosssC1247TM,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour and a great tour guide! Anthony (ant-man) was amazing!!!
Amazing experience
N2025LCdanielles,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience seeing the Koala’s and penguins! Our guide Fiona was really friendly and knowledgeable, would definitely recommend.
Fabulous guide and wonderful trip
Kate O,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day admiring Australia’s wildlife with our tour guide Fiona. She was great from start to finish, providing us with plenty of information and recommendations. We had plenty of time to enjoy each spot without feeling rushed. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone!
Cool Koalas and Penguins
harrycF1638NG,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was very cool to see the koalas up close at the sanctuary and also the penguins too, Ant the tour guide was very good too
Koala 👍, penguins 👎
Tuvia B,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The koala habitat was very nice The penguin parade was very disappointing (We saw about 12 penguins)
Great, Fiona!
beausch,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona’s bus was well organized, super fun and good info about the penguins and koalas. With the nice weather we had a very nice day!!!
Excellent tour
indianacato,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Love Koalas and the penguins. This is a great tour. Joel is a very good guide. Watching the penguins emerge and run across the beach is fun. Seeing them in bushes on the hill is even better
Philip island visit
nimaw2017,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Terrible guide with poor voice projection and information ability.In spite of telling him a few times we couldn’t hear, he continued with low voice projection and stated mic was not good. The itinerary was not very good for the money spent. Thanks goodness we upgraded our tickets to premium, we were at least able to watch several penguins waddle around out of the water. Nobbies was without any fur seals and very crowded on boardwalks. I won’t recommend this tour to anyone, Autopia guide / driver wasn’t good, late for pick up, poor information and insufficient instructions.
Helpful friendly kind caring staff
allwyng2026,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joel was great throughout the full day. Very friendly and helpful with his passengers whenever they had any queries or questions.
Lovely Daytrip
X7873ACkatrina,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed the tour. Our lovely tourguide Fiona did an amazing job. She gave us valuable tips and was very courteous. On every spot we had enough time. The whole tour was very relaxed and we still could experience a lot. My highlight was definitely Nobbies Lookout and of course the penguins.
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Operated by Autopia Tours