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‘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.
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.
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
597 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Adorable Penguins!!
jaf755,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a whirlwind adventure! We saw amazing landscape views, cute koalas, and of course, little penguins! I would recommend getting the VIP ticket as you will be much closer to the penguins when they make their way up the beach.
Was a great use of our...
Jeff U,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Was a great use of our time and we'll recommended! It was amazing to see the koalas and the penguins and we'll were surprised how much we saw out of the water as well.
Nature
Bev H,
Aug 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing time with nature. Something in our country we don’t always see. A must do for young and old.
Philip Island penguins
Robert L,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
3.00If you’re considering booking this trip during the winter please think twice about this company’s itinerary. We departed Melbourne at 1145 as planned but then rather than stopping on Philip Island for lunch to support local community as the itinerary suggested we stopped for 45 minutes at a motorway service station. This could have very easily been a 10 minutes toilet stop allowing extra time to stop in one of the other resorts on Philip Island that are missed in the winter. The parade of the penguins were extra special and we saw hundreds arrive but again we only had very limited time. The penguins arrived around 6pm and we had to be back on the coach at 645pm so it all felt very rushed. We would have liked more time for experiencing the visitor attraction too and watching more of the penguins walking back to their nests.
Day trip to the penguins
Dave S,
Jul 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00It can get cold in the winter so take layers, about a 1hr 45 min journey from Melbourne but the time passed quickly, stunning scenery and informative guidance from Jacob along with his friendly Aussie banter which added to the trip
Related Experiences
Operated by Autopia Tours