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
774 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice trip
52nalaw,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice trip. The koala preserve was very interesting. The scenery was beautiful. Our tour guide was very nice and informative. Unfortunately, the point of the trip for us was to see the penguin parade and the penguins were not very plentiful. That is certainly not the tour operator's fault, but it was a very long trip for a disappointment at the end.
Penguin Parade
Marsha B,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ella’s was a great tour guide. He was enthusiastic and informative. We saw several Koalas and I loved learning about the little penguins. Thoroughly enjoyed watching them march up the beach to their babies. Highly recommend.
the nature is beautiful
424chilia,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00I was really looking forward to this trip, but unfortunately, it felt like the tour was only 50% delivered. The biggest issue was the communication regarding the itinerary. After traveling a half way, we were told mid-way that due to a nearby fire, we wouldn't be seeing the koalas. Instead, we were taken to see cows. While I understand that safety comes first, this tour started after lunch. The company had half a day to check the fire situation, inform us before we departed, and ask if we were actually interested in "cow watching" as a substitute. We weren't. The penguins themselves were amazing to see, but the experience was soured by the environment. The staff spend the whole time pacing around and watching you like hawks to ensure no one takes a photo. It felt less like a wildlife experience and more like being in a prison with guards, which completely ruined the atmosphere. It’s a shame because the nature is beautiful.
Perfect vacation with family
garhwal2026,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiwi is so nice and we really enjoy his passion. We loved the penguins all the time, and even this is our second time to wait them come home, it still very impressive.
Great day seeing the wildlife of Australia
Brian M,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiwi was our tour guide and went out of his way to make the day as informative and enjoyable as possible at each stage of the day. He was cheerful and enthusiastic.
The tour with Fiona was a...
Olga B,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour with Fiona was a pleasure. We saw penguin parad, many koalas, birds and even echidna. Really good tour, well organized.
Waddling Wonders
Charles F,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a once in a life time experience. Watching the little penguins waddle out of the ocean was amazing. The rest of the tour included stops at a nature preserve where koalas and other Aussie animals reside and stops at various scenic locations. The seashore reminded us of the coast of western Ireland. Bring warm clothes! It was 85° in the day but when the sun set and the wind kicked in off the ocean it was chilly! Also, if you can upgrade to "Penguin Plus" do so. Our driver, Fiona, was a wealth of knowledge. We really enjoyed her.
Excellent trip to Phillip Island
jeanguyt2026,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing to see koalas and penguins in the wild. Fiona was our driver/guide and was wonderful and generous with her explanation. Recommend this day trip as a must do.
Fantastic Phillip island trip!
alexkO7183QY,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely fantastic time on this trip! Wonderful stop offs. Absolutely would recommend this tour! Fiona was fantastic! Driving was excellent and her enthusiasm for Australias wildlife was next to none. What a wonderful day!
Had a lovely day
annabelj405,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a lovely day doing the Philip island tour! The bus driver Fiona was really nice and explained everything very well. We learned a lot today! We recommend this tour by Fiona!
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Operated by Autopia Tours