Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koala Conservation Reserve Visit
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available options
Penguins General Viewing
Abundance of Wildlife<br/>Duration: 12 hours<br/>Medium group size: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort.<br/>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<br/>Duration: 12 hours<br/>Medium group size: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort.<br/>Tour + Penguins Plus Viewing: A day tour to Phillip Island showcasing a Koala Park, and Penguin Parade with exclusive penguin plus viewing access.
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)
Detailed itinerary
1
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!
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
Crossing over the bridge in San Remo arrive to Phillip Island and make your way down to Cape Woolamai Surf Beach. Breathe in the sea air and taking a walk along the beach provides stunning views of this volcanic coastline. Look for Pyramid Rock in the distance!
4
Grab a tasty bite, explore the vibrant and quirky town of Cowes, or snap some epic seaside shots—there’s fun and flavour around every corner!
5
Stop 5
As the sun begins to set it is time to make your way to the Penguin Parade, the Little Penguins only come out of the water after the sun has gone down so that they can be sure to stay out of the way of any predators in the air above them.
The Penguin Parade ask that no photography is taken from this point on, this is to protect the sensitive eyes of the Little Penguins and ensure they are not scared, Wildlife Tours fully supports this request and we believe you will enjoy getting to witness such an amazing natural spectacle without the distraction of getting the ‘perfect photo’ – allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience!
6
Stop 6
As you enter Summerlands you will notice the absence of any housing, this is the part of the island which is all National Park. You will see the small wooden man-made burrows in which penguins who have not gone out fishing for the day are hiding. We will take a walk out around the board walks of ‘The Nobbies’ and have a look to see if we can spot any Little Penguins in their burrows, follow the walkways around to view ‘The Blowhole’ where waves come crashing up onto the dark volcanic rock, the caves and formations at this naturally craggy peninsula make for many dramatic photos, with the backdrop of Seal Rocks – on a sunny day you might be lucky enough to see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun.
If you do not fancy braving the boardwalks then step inside the Nobbies Information Centre where you can peruse the gift shop, grab a hot drink or discover the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’ (time permitting and at own expense).
7
As we roll back to your pick-up point, sit back, relax, and relive the magic of the day—full of epic sights, laughs, and unforgettable moments. What an adventure!
What's not included
All Meals
Personal expenses
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
ZH-TW
PT
KO
CMN
JA
IT
FR
NL
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
137 reviews
5★
97
4★
20
3★
14
2★
1
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.5
114 reviews
5★
84
4★
15
3★
8
2★
4
1★
3
Important information
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.
Meeting point
The default meeting point for this tour will be Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45am (winter Apr - Sep) and 1:45pm (summer Oct - Mar).
If you wish to change your pickup location to one of our other pick up locations, contact our team on +61 3 9393 1300
Important notes
If a child fare has been purchased, please advise us of the age of the child as we provide child-protective seats for infants and children 4 years of age and under.
Our default pickup location for this tour will be Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne at 11:45am (Winter) and 1:45pm (Summer).
If you wish to change your pickup location or reconfirm your pickup time please contact our friendly reservations team on +61 393931300.
Please ensure you arrive to your nominated pickup location at least 5-10 minutes prior to departure time.
What to Bring: Water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothing, comfortable shoes, camera, spending money and a sense of adventure!
About Melbourne
Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.
Top Attractions
Federation Square
Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
Cultural
1-3 hours
Free (some attractions may have entry fees)
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.
Nature
1-3 hours
Free
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.
Sports
1-3 hours (longer for events)
Free to enter (tours and events have fees)
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.
Scenic Drive
Full day or overnight trip
Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.
Market
1-3 hours
Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.
Art
1-3 hours
Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Avocado Toast
A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.
Breakfast
Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)
Lamb Rump
A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.
Dinner
Contains meat
Pavlova
A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.
Dessert
Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)
Flat White
A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.
Drink
Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges
Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley
Kayaking on the Yarra River
Spa and wellness retreats
Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending live performances and events
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
- • Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center
By train
Southern Cross Station
By bus
Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fitzroy
St Kilda
Carlton
Southbank
Brunswick
Day trips
Yarra Valley
60 km from Melbourne • Full day
The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.
Mornington Peninsula
80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight
The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.
Phillip Island
140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight
Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.
Festivals
Australian Open • Mid-January
Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August
Pro tips
- Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
- Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
- Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
- Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
- Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
