Philip Island Tours

Take our Phillip Island Tour, and we’ll show you the best of Phillip Island. Phillip Island is on Victoria’s South Coast, home to 32,000 Little Penguins. Every night, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of penguins come out of the water and walk across the beach at the famous Penguin Parade.

This tour includes nature walks on the beautiful beaches and boardwalks of Phillip Island, where you can also meet some of the local animals. Our tour guide will explain the best spots in each Penguin Viewing Area for the best experience.

DAYS1
DEPARTS

13:45 /SUMMER

11:45 /WINTER

RETURNS

23:45/ SUMMER

21:45 /WINTER

PRICE$ 125 AUD

Highlights

  • Experience the captivating wildlife event known as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
  • Experience a ranger-guided tour through the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
  • Learn about the natural beauty, history, and significance of Phillip Island through exploration and discovery.
  • Travel along the dirt roads of Phillips Island’s coastal cliffs to catch glimpses of wallabies and birds of prey.
  • Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks.
  • Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre. 

What are the reasons to visit Phillip Island?

The Phillip Island Penguin Tours offer an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Phillip Island. The tour includes a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve, walks along surf beaches, and the chance to spot Kangaroos and Wallabies in the wild. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the famous Penguin Parade at the end of the day.

Description of the Route

Phillip Island is located 140 km southeast of Melbourne and has a population of slightly over 7,000 people. The island boasts over a hundred species of animals and contains areas of beauty with scientific, historical, and archaeological significance.
The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. When you arrive, a ranger from Phillip Island Nature Parks will greet you and guide you on a walk through the Koala Reserve. You will receive a presentation on koalas, the history and significance of the reserve, and the remaining natural woodland on the island.
The Bunurong people’s Yalloc Bulluck clan frequently visited Phillip Island for hunting, fishing, and foraging. They would go to the island during the Summer and ‘egging season’. The area was popular due to its abundant wildlife. Today, evidence of their foraging can be seen at the Penguin Parade and Summerlands National Park in the form of middens. Phillip Island Nature Parks is actively working to educate visitors and preserve these culturally significant areas.

When you arrive at Summerlands, there won’t be any houses. This area is a National Park. You’ll see artificial burrows where penguins hide when they’re not fishing. We’ll walk along ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks to look for Little Penguins in their burrows. You can also visit ‘The Blowhole ‘to see waves crashing onto volcanic rock. The caves and formations here make for dramatic photos.

Seal Rocks provide a backdrop; if it is sunny, you might see Australian Fur Seals. If you don’t want to walk on the boardwalks, go to the Nobbies Information Centre. There, you can shop, get a hot drink, or learn about the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. For an extra $18, you can visit the Antarctic Journey and learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a WWI attraction, so your entrance fee helps protect these creatures of the Southern Ocean. 

From the Nobbies, we begin our off-road journey with stunning views and chances to see Wallabies during the drive. Your guided tour will pique your excitement about encountering wild Little Penguins as it details their distinctive habits and characteristics. Did you know they have more than 3000 feathers?

The sunset, and it’s time for the Penguin Parade. Little Penguins come out of the water after sunset to avoid predators. Photography cannot protect the penguins’ eyes and prevent scaring them. Wildlife Tours supports this request. Witness the natural spectacle without distractions. Consider combining the Great Ocean Road and Penguin Parade for an overnight trip. Enjoy the journey without the hassle of planning and driving.

Details​

Pricing Options​

Fare prices: $165 Adult (13+) / $125 Children (0-12)

To organize your private tour of Phillip Island, contact our charters team at [email protected]. Follow our itinerary or customize your own; it’s up to you. Enjoy the convenience of a pickup and drop-off at your address, and relax exploring new places with loved ones. 

What do you need to bring?

  • Water bottle
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm and cool clothing
  • Rain jacket
  • Camera
  • A sense of adventure 

What's Included?

  • Penguin Parade entry
  • Inner city pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced driver/guide and tour commentary
  • Koala Reserve Entry Fees

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45 AM11:45 am (winter) / 1:45 pm (Summer).

  • Winter | Summer
  • 11:05 | 13:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
  • 11:10 | 13:10 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
  • 11:15 | 13:15 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
  • 11:20 | 13:20 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance, Melbourne
  • 11:30 | 13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St, Melbourne
  • 11:35 | 13:35 – The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
  • 11:45 | 13:45 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, on the corner of Market St, Melbourne
  • 11:50 | 13:50 – Crown Towers – 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
  • This tour is affected by daylight savings hours and departure time changes to maximize the sunset experience.
  • 02 Oct 2022 – 01 Apr 2023 summer  1:45 pm
  • 02 Apr 2023 – 30 Sep 2023 winter  11:45 am
  • 01 Oct 2023 – 06 Apr 2024 summer  1:45 pm.

*If you cannot find your desired pickup location, please get in touch with our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.

* You should arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, contact our office on 03 9393 1300. 

Online Bookings

FAQs

Yes, many Phillip Island tours include visiting the nearby French Island.

Wilsons Promontory and the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park are popular attractions near Phillip Island.

The duration can vary, but most rides earlier 8 to 20 minutes.

A windproof jacket, binoculars for birdwatching, and a hat to protect against the sun are essential.

No, Phillip Island also offers nocturnal tours to spot other wildlife.

Scroll to Top