Top Phillip Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

(IMPORTANT NOTE: Penguin Parade Watch is NOT included on these dates: Aug 18/19/24/25/26, 2026 due to the late Puffing Billy train departure) Two Icons in One Day – Puffing Billy steam train + Penguin Parade. Flexible Itinerary – Adjusted to train & penguin schedules. Close-Up Wildlife – Kangaroos, koalas & more at a local sanctuary. Scenic Variety – Beaches, rainforest, coastlines, and Phillip Island. Stress-Free Package – All highlights in one full-day trip.

Discover a hidden gem on Phillip Island, with this cruise around the cliffs, caves, and historic sites of Cape Woolamai. Listen to informative commentary from the captain as you keep your eyes peeled for sightings of marine life such as dolphins, Australian fur seals, and seabirds. Snap photos of the dramatic coastal scenery and turquoise waters during this family-friendly cruise, which includes light refreshments and activities for children.

Skip the hassle of planning the logistics of a night out at Phillip Island's penguin parade. This guided tour includes pickup from your Phillip Island accommodations and gets you to the boardwalk in time to see the penguins waddle across the beach under the magical light of the golden hour. There's also time to enjoy the visitor center and wildlife-spotting at the Nobbies.

Get up close to the wildlife of Phillip Island and discover Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals on this catamaran cruise. Watch seals lounging on the rocks and swimming in the bays; spot seabirds swooping overhead and look out for dolphins, whales, and penguins as you float around the island. Finally, tuck into afternoon tea on board as you listen to the live commentary and learn more about the island’s varied wildlife.

There is no other boat like this in Australia. The Thundercat doesn't just power through the water, it jumps it. Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, your 30-minute ride takes you along the wild coastline of Cape Woolamai to places simply unreachable by land: the granite quarry, the dramatic sea caves, and Bird Rock. From time to time you'll also spot seals lounging on the rocks or playing in the surf. Your Captain delivers live commentary on the island's landscape and history. What stands out is how personal it is. Not happy with full throttle? Your Captain reads the group and adjusts. Young kids or someone nervous? Start slow, build up, and by the end they'll be asking for more And here's the part that surprises most people: you won't get wet. All the speed, all the adrenaline and you step off completely dry. Tick it off in the morning and spend the rest of the day exploring the island. This half-hour trip fits neatly into any Phillip Island itinerary, morning, midday, or afternoon.

This is a wine-focused tour of Margaret River with a difference. Travelers who feel a bit intimidated by the posh air around wine will appreciate the approachable, relaxed approach of the guides on this tour. As well as wine tastings at three top wineries and lunch at one, you’ll have a go at mixing your own wine in a fun wine blending activity.

Enjoy the Melbourne attractions and activities that interest you most with this flexible attractions pass. There are multiple options to choose from to suit your schedule—select a pass that offers unlimited attractions for a set number of days, or select a flexi pass that offers a set number of attractions within a longer time period. Then explore Melbourne however you wish, choosing from numerous experiences such as the zoo, Melbourne Skydeck, a river cruise, or entry to Healesville Sanctuary.

Discover Phillip Island your way with the Island Explorer Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — the easiest and most flexible way to experience the island’s top attractions without the need for a car. Enjoy unlimited access to our small-group sightseeing loop connecting you to must-see locations including the Chocolate Factory, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island, The Nobbies, local wineries, beaches, and more. With regular departures and convenient stops throughout the day, you can hop on and off at your own pace while our friendly local drivers provide helpful tips and insights along the way. Designed specifically for visitors to Phillip Island, this service offers the perfect balance of freedom and local expertise — all with the premium service standards that Local Way Tours is known for. Whether you’re staying on the island or visiting for the day, Island Explorer makes exploring Phillip Island effortless, comfortable, and completely flexible.

Unlock the best of Melbourne in 2 or 3 days and save up to 75% on access to unmissable experiences. From stunning skyline views at the Skydeck to thrilling wildlife encounters in Phillip Island Nature Parks, the Melbourne Unlimited Pass offers a perfect mix of adventure and culture. Explore historical landmarks, enjoy family-friendly activities, and immerse yourself in interactive exhibits that bring the city's vibrant spirit to life. With a free digital destination guide, map, and multimedia self-guided walking tour included, navigating Melbourne's best attractions has never been easier.

Witness the spectacular coastal scenery of Australia on a 4-hour whale watching cruise around Phillip Island. Climb aboard a stylish vessel with a professional guide and scour the sea for sightings of rare wildlife. See thousands of fur seals at Seal Rocks; keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds like the shy albatross and little penguin; and marvel at dolphins diving out of the water with incredible grace. With luck, enjoy the unforgettable experience of watching humpback whales in their natural environment on this exhilarating cruise.

Experience the best of Phillip Island in one unforgettable afternoon, combining award-winning wine, gourmet food, dramatic coastal scenery, and the world-famous Penguin Parade. Begin at Phillip Island Winery with guided tastings of six premium wines paired with a regional grazing platter, followed by a gourmet feast of woodfired pizzas, salads, and fries. Explore The Nobbies' dramatic coastline on scenic boardwalks during golden hour, spotting wild wallabies, seabirds, and Australian fur seals. Toast the spectacular sunset with sparkling wine before heading to the evening's highlight. Witness the magical Penguin Parade where thousands of Little Penguins—the world's smallest penguin species—emerge from Bass Strait and waddle to their burrows each evening. Travel in premium comfort with WiFi, charging ports and a local guide in our small-group coach. With convenient pickup and return from Phillip Island accomodation, this tour perfectly blends wine, wildlife, and coastal beauty.

Spotting whales off Phillip Island means getting out onto the open water at the right time of year, which is hard to arrange yourself. Head out on a winter cruise along the migration route past Cape Woolamai, where humpback and southern right whales pass through. Watch for whales breaching offshore, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the way.

Join the most unique day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island for a day of surfing, go-karting, and wildlife encounters. Enjoy a traditional Aussie beach barbecue and see the famous Little Penguins Parade. More than just the Little Penguins, Phillip Island has some of the most amazing surf in Victoria, an exhilarating and spectacular go karting experience, the opportunity to hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus. No other tour gives you the opportunity to learn to surf, race go karts and feed Australian animals all in one day! You will have the opportunity to experience a traditional Australian barbeque at the beach, play beach cricket and learn how to kick a footy. These are some very unique Australian experiences, which is unique to this tour. Finally the tour takes you to the most famous of all Phillip Island sights, the nightly Little Penguin Parade. You will have the best fun filled, action packed day exploring all the most amazing activities in Phillip Island!

Cape Woolamai was shaped by millions of years of violent ocean swells and fierce Antarctic winds. On this coastal self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how this dramatic granite headland became the setting for one of Australia’s most successful conservation programs. You’ll also explore sea caves carved by hydraulic action, pink granite cliffs that supplied stone for Melbourne’s Parliament House, and the nesting grounds of seabirds that migrate 15,000 kilometres from Alaska each year. The tour starts at Woolamai Surf Beach, a designated National Surfing Reserve known for its powerful waves and dangerous rip currents. Along the way, you’ll hear about how George Bass landed his open whaleboat in 1798, naming this fish-shaped headland after the Eora word for snapper, and explore the ruins of the granite quarry that once supplied stone for Melbourne’s iconic buildings. The tour ends back at the Woolamai Surf Beach car park where you began your journey.