Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koala Conservation Reserve Visit
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your day the best way, with a visit to a Koala Reserve! Learn about the furry koala and why it's so unique and loved by Australians. Enjoy stunning coastal walks and the pristine beaches of Phillip Island.
Prepare for cuteness overload as we visit the home of over 32,000 Little Penguins! Each night, hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of these adorable penguins emerge from the surf and waddle up the beach at the world famous Penguin Parade. But it’s not all about them!
You’ll also have the chance to make some new koala friends, as well as taking in the stunning beaches and boardwalks that Phillip Island has to offer.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not wheelchair, prams or stroller accessible. Please do not bring on tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hosted by an experienced driver guide with comprehensive local tour commentary in English
All National Park entry fees
Admission to Phillip Island Koala Reserve
Air-conditioned vehicle
Select inner city Melbourne pickup and drop off
Admission to Penguin Parade (general viewing)
All Meals
Personal expenses
What To Expect
Melbourne
Get ready—our adventure begins soon! The bus is on its way, so grab your gear, feel the excitement, and let's hit the road!
Phillip Island Nature Parks - Koala Conservation Reserve
Only a 2 hour drive from Melbourne directly to Phillip Island, you will stop along the way to visit a Koala Conservation Reserve for a guided ranger tour.
Options
Penguins General Viewing
Abundance of Wildlife
Duration: 12 hours
Medium group size: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort.
Tour + General Viewing Access: A day tour to Phillip Island showcasing a Koala Park, and Penguin Parade with general viewing access.
Penguins Plus Viewing
Abundance of Wildlife
Duration: 12 hours
Medium group size: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort.
Tour + Penguins Plus Viewing: A day tour to Phillip Island showcasing a Koala Park, and Penguin Parade with exclusive penguin plus viewing access.
Reviews
250 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great experience!
Anisha C,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00It's a wonderful experience! Our tour guide let us in on tips of which route was best for the penguins to be seen, etc. It was a nice cohort and depsite travelling solo, it was nice to be able to chat with other travellers from across the world visiting. We stopped off at locations: the koalas conservation, the beach & drove around the peninsula where wallabies hopped around, & the final destination being the penguin parade. If you want to head home sooner, definitely get back to your tour guide & bus when advised. Take snacks and lunch/dinner with you if you want to save spending, if not there is a restaurant at the penguin parade. You're not allowed to film the penguins with flash light, be mindful of them as they are conserved and protected.
Did someone say little blue penguins?!
Nicole D,
Jul 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00This day activity was more exciting than the Great ocean road. If you’re a person that doesn’t think like “Journey is better than the destination” then this is for you. Only One and half hour away from the city, you get to see animals at conservation center which also had cool souvenirs (fees from your purchase goes towards raising the koalas and little blue penguins. Must read the tags to see which products) You also get to see some wallaby and geese known to live in the Summerlands. You must! Be very patient if you would like to see the little blue penguins parading at the beach and from their burrows. number 1 rule when visiting the penguins: No photography after sunset and flash as these will damage the eyes of the animals. Consequence is 365 days of blindness for these little guys. I love seeing native animals of Australia and would like to see more of them. We had friendly Vicky as our host , knows a lot about the area and gave us extra time to see the penguins
Amazing and worth the price for the transportation alone!
Scott K,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00So much fun and the guide was so sweet! Loved how knowledgeable she was about the animals and sights.
Little Penguins and Koalas
Daniel P,
Apr 18, 2025
- Viator
4.00I wish I could remember our tour leaders name cause she did a great job. Very knowledgeable and available to answer questions and point out koalas. My 3rd trip to Penguin Parade and I was disappointed by the masses of tourists. Extremely rude, ignoring the staffs instructions about flash photography. This is such a wonderful place they need to either limit the amount of people coming in and staff adequately so people who violate the rules are asked politely to leave. March was a little late to go since there are fewer penguins. Always opt for the Premier seating area. The tour company did great. My criticism is strictly about the visitors at the Parade.
Perfect!
Veronica C,
Mar 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was an amazing experience! Everything was on time and just as described on the website. Visiting the koala sanctuary and seeing the penguins was lovely! Highly recommended.
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Operated by Wildlife Tours Australia