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Phillip Island Day Trip

Take our Phillip Island Tour to experience the best of Phillip Island. Phillip Island, located on Victoria’s South Coast, has a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins. Every night, hundreds to thousands of penguins come out of the water and walk across the beach at the famous Penguin Parade. This full-day tour includes nature walks on the beautiful beaches and boardwalks of Phillip Island, where you can also meet some of the local wildlife. Your tour guide will provide information on the best places to sit in each Penguin Viewing Area to enhance your overall experience.

DAY1
DEPARTS13:45 / SUMMER     11:45 / WINTER
RETURNS23:45 / SUMMER      21:45 / WINTER
Price$ 165 AUD    $ 115 DEAL

Highlights

  • Experience the stunning wildlife phenomenon known as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
  • Experience a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
  • Experience and learn about the natural beauty, history, and significance of Phillip Island.
  • Travel along dirt roads on Phillips Island’s coastal cliffs to spot wallabies and birds of prey away from the usual tourist routes.
  • Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks.
  • Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre.

What you can actually see!

What are the reasons to visit Phillip Island?

Phillip Island Penguin Tours offers a comprehensive animal-focused experience. Participants will embark on a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve, explore wild surf beaches, observe wild Kangaroos and Wallabies, and conclude the day with a visit to the renowned Penguin Parade.

Itinerary

Phillip Island is located 140 km southeast of Melbourne and has a population of just over 7,000 people. The island boasts over a hundred species of animals and encompasses areas of beauty with scientific, historical, and archaeological significance.
The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, a Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger will greet you and guide you on a walk through the Koala Reserve. During the walk, you will receive a presentation about koalas, the history and significance of the Reserve, and the remaining natural woodland on the island.

The Yalloc Bulluck, a large clan of the Bunurong people, used to hunt, fish, and forage on Phillip Island. They would visit the island during the Summer and ‘egging season’. The area was popular because of its abundant wildlife. Evidence of their foraging remains with middens at the Penguin Parade and Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is working to educate visitors and preserve these culturally significant areas.

When you enter Summerlands, there are no houses. This part of the island is a National Park. You will see artificial burrows where penguins hide. We will walk along the boardwalks at ‘The Nobbies’ to look for Little Penguins. You can also see ‘The Blowhole’, where waves crash onto the volcanic rock. The caves and formations here make for dramatic photos, with Seal Rocks in the background. If you don’t want to walk on the boardwalks, you can go to the Nobbies Information Centre.

 You can visit the gift shop there, get a hot drink, or explore the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience‘. For an additional $18 per person, you can learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. By visiting this WWFA attraction, your entrance fee helps protect and preserve these amazing creatures of the Southern Ocean.

After leaving the Nobbies, we will begin our off-road journey with stunning views and the chance to see Wallabies. Our guided tour will heighten the excitement of encountering wild Little Penguins, providing information about their distinctive behaviours and characteristics. Fun fact: Little Penguins have more than 3000 feathers.

The Penguin Parade happens after sunset when the Little Penguins come out of the water. Photography is not allowed during this time, as it could scare the penguins. Wildlife Tours supports this rule and believes you should fully immerse yourself in the experience. If you want to visit the Great Ocean Road, consider our 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour for a hassle-free trip.

Details

Pricing and package Deal Discounts

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

To organize your private tour of Phillip Island, contact our charters team at charters@gltg.com.au. 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

Pick up Times & Locations

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne, @ 11:45 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 Booking

FAQ

  • Dress in warm layers, as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen for protection.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for exploring the island’s attractions.
  • Have cash or a card for entrance fees and other expenses.
For beach activities, visit during the summer months (December to February). To witness the Penguin Parade, September to February is ideal. For a focus on wildlife and nature, autumn (March to May) is recommended.
Yes, there are various guided tours available, including the Penguin Tour, Wildlife Tour, and Coastal Tour, which provide transport and expert insights.
  • Close encounters with native Australian wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and little penguins.
  • Surfing at Woolamai Surf Beach, known for its excellent surf conditions,
  • Walking trails with breathtaking coastal views and historical insights at Churchill Island
  • The Penguin Parade at Philip Island Nature Parks, where you can watch little penguins return to shore at sunset,
  • Visit the Churchill Island Heritage Farm for a glimpse into traditional farming practises.
  • The Koala Conservation Reserve and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park are for native wildlife encounters.
  • Woolamai Surf Beach and Cape Woolamai have stunning beaches and coastal views.