Day Trips from Melbourne to Phillip Island

Streamline your wildlife viewing and check off two of Phillip Island’s native species in just one day on this comprehensive, full-day tour from Melbourne. Instead of juggling separate bookings and reservations, head out by coach to view fairy penguins at Phillip Island Nature Park—home to the largest colony in the world—and see one of Australia’s most beloved marsupials, koalas, at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.

Getting out of Melbourne and down to Philip Island takes a couple of hours at the wheel, and doesn’t leave much opportunity to take in the sights en route. Leave the driving to a guide and check off two wildlife encounters in just one day as you travel there by coach. Watch the “penguin parade”—fairy penguins making their way to their burrows—from an exclusive viewing platform, and visit the Phillip Island Koala Reserve to see the Australian marsupial up close.

You don’t need to rely on Victoria’s patchy public transport to see Phillip Island’s spectacular wildlife. This small-group tour, with a maximum of 11 passengers, collects and drops in a convenient central Melbourne location. See the kangaroos and koalas at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, visit Cowes village for refreshments (own expense), spot seals at The Nobbies Centre, and watch penguins returning to their nests at the Penguin Parade.

Experience the best of Phillip Island with the flexibility of the Island Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and the iconic Penguin Parade—all in a single, relaxed, small-group day tour from Melbourne. Whether you're craving coastal strolls, wildlife adventures, or adrenaline-filled activities, this tour allows you to tailor the middle part of your day while we take care of the transport, comfort, and key experiences.