Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Melbourne, Australia
- 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
- Close encounter with wildlife
- See native wildlife in their natural environment
- Small group ensures personal service
- Informative, friendly and professional guide
- Perfect for all ages and skill level
What's Included
- Admission to Phillip Island (Penguins plus viewing area)
- Admission to Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve
- Expert driver guide with live commentary spoken in English
- Travel in comfort and style of a large coach with air-conditioning
- Meals not indicated
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Immigration Museum400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Our main meeting point for this tour is Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne. Alternatively, if you wish to change your pickup location please contact our reservations team on +61 39393 1333.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Phillip Island Nature Parks - Koala Conservation Reserve
45 minutes ā¢ Admission Ticket Included
2
Phillip Island
45 minutes ā¢ Admission Ticket Free
Cape Woolamai (Pass By)
3
Cowes Beach
30 minutes ā¢ Admission Ticket Free
4
The Nobbies Centre
45 minutes ā¢ Admission Ticket Included
5
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
2 hours ā¢ Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Our vehicles are not wheelchair, prams or child stroller accessible please refrain from bring on tour.
- Only a small day pack per person with no more than 5 kg is permitted
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 39 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Juli
Absolutely add this day excursion to a trip to Melbourne!
So many wonderful things to see outside of this beautiful city.
Phillip Island is a treasure!
Craig and Barry were great guides.
Loved the koalas, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade!!!
Reviews
4.8
based on 449 reviews
Vicki_W, Apr 2026
Our driver was well organized must do.
We had stops along the way to stretch out and had lunch. Phillip Island nature reserve we had some free time there. Enjoyed that a lot. We saw a lot of koalas sleeping in the trees pretty much close up. Also saw an echidnas and we even came across a live snake. First time we stayed our distance from it.
Penguin parade was so cute they all started coming out of the water and waddling on shore. We were in the front row so they were right below us. The only sad part was we couldnāt take any pictures. They were people taking pictures which they shouldnāt have.
There was a QR code for the penguin parade
But we didnāt have a chance to get it. Which we were pretty bummed. If you know anyone who has it if they can send over some pictures would be nice. We got back pretty late cause the bus broke down. My husband and I heard a
Noise in the back which was pretty loud.
The bus started to loose speed so the driver was driving super slow for some where to pull off. We stayed there for about 20 minutes so the bus can cool down they added water to the bus. We then took off again but slowly lost power again but luckily she got us into the city
Where the terminal was. She was a very good tour operator unfortunately things happened.
We all got off bus we were only about 20 minutes from our hotel so we just walked it.
Other than that I think the tour was amazing we had alot of fun.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
It sounds like you had a truly memorable experience! Your driverās organization and the stops for stretching and lunch must have made the journey comfortable and enjoyable. Exploring Phillip Islandās nature reserve and seeing koalas, echidnas, and a live snake up close is fantasticāwhat a wildlife encounter! The penguin parade sounds adorable, especially being so close in the front row; it must have been amazing to see them waddling right below you. Itās unfortunate you couldnāt take pictures, but hopefully someone you know has some photos to share.
The bus breakdown must have been stressful, but itās great to hear the driver handled the situation well and everyone managed to get to the hotel safely. Despite the hiccup, itās wonderful that you still enjoyed the tour and had a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Antonia_W, Apr 2026
A fantastic trip to Phillip Island! Our guide was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the local area. The itinerary was very well organised. It was great to see the koala bears being looked after in the sanctuary and we even spotted a kookaburra! The penguin parade was amazing and it was wonderful to watch the penguins waddling out of the sea and into their burrows. A wonderful day trip from Melbourne!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the wildlife encounters, the well-organized itinerary, and the unforgettable penguin parade. Itās fantastic to know that you appreciated the care we take in preserving the local wildlife and providing our guests with memorable moments. We look forward to welcoming you back for another amazing day trip from Melbourne!
dave_b, Apr 2026
Would have rented a car and bought our own penguin tickets for less then half of what this tour costs and would not have had to put up with careless tour driver
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Weāre sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. Our goal is to provide a memorable and enjoyable tour for all our guests, and we regret if any aspect, including the driverās conduct, fell short.
We appreciate your suggestions and understand your perspective on the costs involved. We strive to offer a convenient and comprehensive experience, which sometimes includes guided tours to ensure safety and ease.
Andrew_M, Mar 2026
Large bus tour that did what it promised as far as getting us to the island to see its wildlife, including the penguin march. Driver was very friendly and shared lots of information about the area and animals along the way, unfortunately the sound system in the bus was poor making it difficult for some in our group to hear her.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining our Phillip Island tour! Weāre glad you enjoyed the wildlife and friendly guidance. We appreciate your feedback on the bus sound system, it helps us improve. Weāre delighted the penguin parade and koala encounters made the day memorable, and weād love to welcome you again!
Douglas_W, Mar 2026
The unfortunate, rainy weather made the trip less enjoyable, but our tour guide was great! It rained for the entire journey, and it rained even harder during the highlight of the tour, the Penguin Parade. This made for a very cold, wet, and miserable hour waiting and watching the penguins and a nearly 2 hour ride home on a cold, air-conditioned bus, but the experiences were neat. If you get great weather, I highly recommend this trip. If you have more flexibility than we had, adjust your trip for a better weather dayā¦we did not have that luxury.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining our Phillip Island tour! Weāre sorry the rainy weather made things less comfortable, but weāre glad you still enjoyed the unique experience and appreciated your guideās efforts. Your recommendation means a lot, and we hope youāll return on a sunnier day for the penguins!
Kristina_M, Mar 2026
This was a magical experience and a must-do while in Melbourne! The Penguin-Plus upgrade is 100% worth it to be able to walk along the boardwalk with the penguins your whole walk back. It was truly incredible to witness in person!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! Weāre thrilled to hear that you had a magical experience in Melbourne and that the Penguin-Plus upgrade added so much to your visit. Seeing the penguins up close along the boardwalk is truly special, and weāre glad you were able to enjoy it. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
Rick_H, Mar 2026
Beautiful coastline views. Koala reserve had added bonus of wallabies. We were able to see the little penguins in their burrows at the Nobbies, as well as when they came out at sunset. Our guide Vicky was very knowledgeable about the animals and their habits. She had a great sense of humor and was fun to travel with. Be prepared for changeable weather.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. Weāre so glad you enjoyed the beautiful coastal views and the added bonus of seeing wallabies at the koala reserve. Itās great to hear you were able to spot the little penguins both in their burrows at the Nobbies and again at sunset.
Weāll be sure to pass your kind words on to Vicky-sheāll be delighted to hear that her knowledge and sense of humour helped make the day even more enjoyable. And thank you as well for the helpful tip about being prepared for changeable weather!
icwentzel, Mar 2026
Excellent tour! Loved being able to see the koalas, the beautiful coastline of Philip Island, and of course the little penguin parade was so wonderful.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Weāre delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour! Seeing the koalas, exploring the stunning coastline of Philip Island, and experiencing the charming little penguin parade must have been truly unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!
Weāre delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour! Seeing the koalas, exploring the stunning coastline of Philip Island, and experiencing the charming little penguin parade must have been truly unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!
Diane_H, Mar 2026
Penguin plus seats are good, but the driver has to get you there early enough to get a good seat so you can see the penguins coming in from the ocean and then parade right in front of you - so cute how they muster and then take off in groups. Nice break from the bus ride stopping in Cows for dinner - great Chicken Parmesan at the restaurant bar next to the ocean; big enough dish to share.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! Weāre glad you enjoyed the penguin viewing and dinner stop at Cowes. Your feedback on arriving early for the best seats is very helpful, and weāre delighted the parade was still a highlight. We hope to welcome you again soon!
Helen_B, Feb 2026
Penguin parade is really something to see! Where warm clothes, its windy! Kuala were amazing to see. Our guide/driver Craig and Barry were super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! The Penguin Parade truly is a magical sight, especially with the winds adding to the atmosphere - warm clothes are definitely a must! Itās wonderful to hear that you enjoyed seeing Kuala and that Craig and Barry made your trip special with their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness.
Weāre glad you had such a memorable experience. If youād like, I can help craft a more detailed review or highlight for others considering a similar trip!
Jane_C, Feb 2026
Fabulous experience although we went on a day when it was full capacity and I had no idea there would be that many people there. Itās a shame so many people were ignoring the no photo rule too, despite being asked not to. I really hope the penguins are ok with the phototogrqphy.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm glad you had a fabulous time, even though it was busy and there were some challenges with crowding and people not respecting the no photo rule. It's understandable that large crowds can detract from the experience and raise concerns about the well-being of the penguins. We share your hope that the penguins are not affected by the photography and that their habitat remains safe and undisturbed. Your awareness and concern are appreciated-it's important to protect these incredible creatures so everyone can enjoy them for years to come.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm glad you had a fabulous time, even though it was busy and there were some challenges with crowding and people not respecting the no photo rule. It's understandable that large crowds can detract from the experience and raise concerns about the well-being of the penguins. We share your hope that the penguins are not affected by the photography and that their habitat remains safe and undisturbed. Your awareness and concern are appreciated-it's important to protect these incredible creatures so everyone can enjoy them for years to come.
Dan_D, Feb 2026
Great tour, thanks to Anthony we saw a variety of wildlife Koala, Echidna, Bandicoot and of course Penguins
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and had the chance to see such incredible wildlife. Anthony is truly passionate about sharing the beauty of nature, and we're glad he could make your experience memorable. We hope to welcome you back again soon for more adventures!
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and had the chance to see such incredible wildlife. Anthony is truly passionate about sharing the beauty of nature, and we're glad he could make your experience memorable. We hope to welcome you back again soon for more adventures!
Jennifer_B, Feb 2026
Our guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. The tour was outstanding. It was so nice to see koalas and wallabies in their natural habitat. The penguins were adorable. We paid extra for prime seating and it was worth it. One of the highlights of our trip in Australia.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! š§ Weāre delighted you had such an outstanding experience with the wildlife and penguins. Itās great to hear the prime seating was worth it and that the tour became one of the highlights of your trip. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Elizabeth_S, Feb 2026
From start to finish it was an AMAZING experience. Thee was a knowledgeable and professional driver/guide. The koalas were up close and personal and the penguinsā¦well no words can describe the Penguin Plus encounter. WOW!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for joining our Phillip Island tour! Weāre thrilled you had such an amazing experience from start to finish. Itās wonderful to hear you enjoyed the koalas up close and that the Penguin Plus encounter left you speechless. Our guide will be delighted to know their knowledge made the day extra special!
thomas_w, Feb 2026
Vicky was very informative and had a light airy personality. She answered all our questions and more. We had plus tickets and highly recommend them. This was a once in a lifetime experience.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that Vicky's informative and light-hearted personality made your tour memorable. It's great to know you enjoyed the plus tickets and felt it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We truly appreciate your high recommendation and look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Elaine_h, Feb 2026
It was a wonderful day! Saw koalas and wallabies; a beautiful beach (early dinner breakāNatās fish and chips was excellent), a coastal area with penguin nesting boxes, and of course the fairy penguins.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! Weāre so glad you had a wonderful day on the Phillip Island tour, from spotting koalas and wallabies to enjoying the beach and delicious fish and chips. The penguin parade is always such a magical highlight, and weāre delighted it made your experience extra special. Your kind words mean a lot to us!
George_S, Jan 2026
Multiple stops that were very interesting. The driver/guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Would definitely recommend (especially the platform seating). Dress for being outside at night!!!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your kind words! Weāre delighted you enjoyed the multiple stops and found the driver/guide both knowledgeable and entertaining. Itās wonderful to hear the Penguin Plus platform seating made the parade extra special. Great tip about dressing warmly for the evening. Weāre so glad the experience was memorable!
Catherine_V, Jan 2026
Great trip to see koalas and penguins. Also saw echidna at koala sanctuary. If you can afford premium plus viewing at penguin parade itās worth it as they walk up right in front of you and there are chicks in burrows there too. Get there early for seats at front.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your kind review! Weāre so glad you enjoyed seeing the koalas, penguins, and even an echidna at the sanctuary. Itās wonderful to hear the Penguin Plus viewing made the parade extra special, with the penguins walking right in front of you. Your tip about arriving early is great advice, and weāre delighted the experience was memorable!
Sharon_G, Jan 2026
Was a long day but well worth it. Koalas, Wallabies and Blue Penguins were amazing to see in their environments
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We're glad to hear that! It sounds like you had an amazing experience. Seeing such incredible wildlife in their natural environments must have been truly unforgettable for you.
John_G, Jan 2026
Definitely pay the the platform plus viewing to maximize seeing the penguins. Lovely day with Fiona.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your feedback! Itās wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your day with Fiona and that upgrading to the platform plus viewing made such a difference for seeing the penguins. We appreciate your support and look forward to hosting you again!
Juli, Jan 2026
Absolutely add this day excursion to a trip to Melbourne!
So many wonderful things to see outside of this beautiful city.
Phillip Island is a treasure!
Craig and Barry were great guides.
Loved the koalas, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade!!!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your day trip to Phillip Island and that Craig and Barry made it even more special. It's fantastic to know you loved the koalas, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade - they're truly highlights of the region. We hope your trip to Melbourne continues to be unforgettable, and we look forward to helping you create more amazing memories!
Byron_S, Jan 2026
Experience with animals was great. Penguin parade - spend the extra for the upgraded viewing. The problem is with the operator. Detailed itinerary refers to guides at Koala area and elsewhere. That didn't happen. A professional bus driver should wear shoes and use two hands on the steering wheel. This driver drove without shoes and never had two hands on the wheel. Disregard for safety is inexcusable. The in-bus sound system suffered from squelch and user indiffernce/mumbling. She never shared her name.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for providing your detailed feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the animal encounters and the penguin parade, especially with the upgraded viewing experience. However, we're very sorry to hear about the issues with the operator and safety concerns. Safety is our top priority, and we take your comments about the driverās conduct very seriously. We will address these concerns with the team to ensure proper safety protocols are followed and improve the overall experience. We appreciate your honesty and will work to make necessary improvements. Thank you again for your feedback.
Megan_F, Jan 2026
This is an extremely long day with too many stops, would have been better leaving later and going straight to Penguin location, a long wait to see Penguins and very very commercial driven. Not the experience I had hoped for. Also travelled with family and the long drive down and stops we were unable to sit together and that should have been allocated by bus company.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We appreciate your thoughtful review. While weāre pleased you were able to enjoy the Penguin Parade, we regret that the length of the day, number of stops, and seating arrangements impacted your experience. Your feedback is valuable and will help us improve both scheduling and guest comfort. Thank you for choosing to travel with us and for sharing your perspective.
ViaTour123, Dec 2025
The whole trip was marvelous!
We had the "plus" tickets for the penguin viewing so we were able to see the penguins swim in, gather in group(s), then, saw them up close, waddle up towards their nests. Loved the experience!
DRESS VERY WARMLY! Bring your own food for supper if possible (long line-ups at the food stands at Penguin Parade)
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! Weāre delighted you loved the Penguin Plus experience and those special closeāup moments. Great tip about dressing warmly, it truly makes the evening even more enjoyable. š§
Carrie_B, Dec 2025
Just a beautiful day! Although the first stop was a gas station, the tour only got extremely better with each stopāending at the amazing penguin parade. The pace of this tour was spot-on and I learned a lot about the history and places we traveled. The recommendations about fish and chips and overall kindness and good humor were much appreciated on the tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! Weāre so glad you enjoyed the pace of the tour, the history shared, and of course the penguin parade. Your kind words about the recommendations and good humor mean a lot. š§
James_K, Nov 2025
The penguins are SO CUTE! We took advantage of the ā premium plus ā viewing area and it was well worth the added cost. Truly we were just a few feet from seeing the hundreds of penguins waddling up from the beach. Vicky our driver / tour guide made the drive enjoyable as she added her knowledge of the area along the way! Another wonderful day!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for the lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed the penguins up close and had a great day with Vicky.
Trudy_L, Oct 2025
Itās cold in the evening when the penguins come out of the ocean so bring warm clothes. Itās a fabulous experience and loved the penguins, the koalas and other wildlife. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Weāre glad to hear you had such a fabulous experience! Itās great that you enjoyed seeing the penguins, koalas, and other wildlife, and that your tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Thanks for sharing your tips about bringing warm clothes-sounds like an amazing adventure!
Barry_K, Oct 2025
A great experience. A must while traveling to Melbourne.
Only issue was we were picked up across tge street from our hotel but dropped off across the river late and night and did not know how to get back yo our hotel.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks for sharing your experience. We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and Penguin Plus viewing. Sorry to hear about the drop-off confusion. We appreciate the feedback and will look into it.
Michelle_K, Oct 2025
The Penguin viewing is excellent but the visit at Cowes is super boring and nothing to do. It is suggested to include places in the tour which is more interesting and memorable. The tour guide John is very helpful and friendly. He introduced a lots about the places during the tour. Overall, the trip was good.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks so much for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the penguin viewing and appreciated John's friendly guidance. Your suggestions about Cowes are noted, weāre always looking to make the experience more memorable.
Beverley_G, Aug 2025
A very enjoyable trip with a fabulous ending when we got to watch the little penguins. Our guide Fiona was very informative. The koala sanctuary was great too. It was well worth getting the premium plus ticket for the penguin parade as we had an excellent view of the coming up the beach and into the banks.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! I'm delighted to hear that your trip was so enjoyable and that the penguin parade was the perfect, fabulous ending. Itās great that Fionaās informative guidance added value to your day, and that the koala sanctuary was a highlight as well. Opting for the premium plus ticket clearly paid off with such an excellent view of the penguins coming up the beach and into the banks. Wishing you many more memorable adventures-thanks for letting us be part of this special moment! Cheers!
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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform
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