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.
| DAY | 1 |
| DEPARTS | 13:45 / SUMMER 11:45 / WINTER |
| RETURNS | 23:45 / 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's Koala Reserve
Discover Phillip Island's history and Aboriginal culture
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.
The Nobbies Rocks are in Phillip Island Nature Park
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.
Off-Road Wildlife Coastal Drive
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.
Visit the Phillip Island Tour Penguin Parade
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
How should I prepare for a day trip to Phillip Island?
- 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.
What is the best time of year to visit Phillip Island?
Are there guided tours available on Phillip Island?
What unique experiences does Phillip Island offer?
- 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
What are the must-see attractions on Phillip 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.