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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
875 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
great guide, great experience!
Seaside03143769921,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fiona is so knowledgeable and made the tour fun. She's very passionate and shared so many cool facts about Australian wildlife and the area! The penguin parade was an amazing experience and the koalas were so close to you.
One trip making a week of work feel like a vacation
hassog584,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out! I can absolutely recommend the trip. Our guide, Kiwi, is very knowledgeable about history, nature and how to assure that his guests are getting the most out of the trip.
loved the Koala habitat...
JanisE S,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00loved the Koala habitat and could have used another 15 minutes or so there! it was a foggy evening and we did not see the 450 penguins that were predicted to come out of the water to their burrows. we saw about 20, and that was at too much of a distance.
Nice day at Philip Island
956ad,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks to Joel (our guide) for a very informative and well organised trip. Got some good pictures at the Nobbies and saw a lot of penguins at Philip Island (sat in the general viewing area at the front).
Great day out!
gracefV4958OS,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day out! Joel was a fantastic driver and host, he was so informative and kind! Really recommend! The Penguin Parade can get quite chilly so I suggest bringing an extra jumper!
Great valued tour
Daydream25097669640,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip and Joel is a very experienced and nice guide
Phillip island penguin tour
F2300OTmarting,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Fiona for the great experience. She told us where to find the best viewing spots for the “Penguins Plus” option.
Fantastic Philip Island Daytrip!
Safari738450,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day trip to Phillip Island, including visits to the Koala Reserve and the famous Penguin Parade. The entire experience was well-organised, enjoyable, and perfect for visitors wanting to experience some of Victoria’s unique wildlife. A special thank you to our tour guide, Anthony, who was friendly, warm, and incredibly accommodating throughout the trip. He shared interesting information along the way, made everyone feel welcome, and was always happy to answer questions. Anthony also gave excellent recommendations on how to make the most of the Penguin Parade experience, His tips really enhanced the experience and helped make the evening unforgettable.
Penguin & Koala Day Trip
chris CAL1234,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out with an informative friendly guide (Joel😃)
Excellent Day Trip From Melbourne
michaelmI6236BR,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an enjoyable full-day tour. Kiwi was an excellent guide sharing lots of interesting facts along the way. The tour was definitely a good value for the money. The Koala sanctuary and the Penguin Parade were great experiences.
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Operated by Autopia Tours