PHILLIP ISLAND
PENGUIN PARADE TOURs
Join us on our Phillip Island Penguins Tour! Located on the south coast of Victoria, Phillip Island is home to a large population of approximately 32,000 penguins. Every evening, penguins, reaching hundreds or even thousands of species, march across the sands, creating the well-known Penguin Parade.
Escape the city on a Phillip Island tours
Welcome to Phillip Island Natural Parks! Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, this island in Victoria offers spectacular coastal views and plenty of Australian wildlife. Attend the Penguin Parade, spot koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve or let time fly at Churchill Island.
- Departs / Arrives
- 11:45-21:45
- Starts / Finishes
- Melbourne
- Duration
- 1 day
- Style
- Original
- 129 AUD
- Departs / Arrives
- 7:35-20:30
- Starts / Finishes
- Melbourne
- Duration
- 1 day
- Style
- Original
- 95-110 AUD
- Departs / Arrives
- 7:35-19:30
- Starts / Finishes
- Melbourne / Adelaide
- Duration
- 3 days
- Style
- Original
- 695-1210 AUD
- Departs / Arrives
- 07:35-17:30
- Starts / Finishes
- Melbourne
- Duration
- 2 Day
- Style
- Original
- 475-715 AUD
- Departs / Arrives
- 11:30-23:00
- Starts / Finishes
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Style
- $110-115 AUD
- Departs / Arrives
- 07:35-19:30
- Starts / Finishes
- Melbourne / Adelaide
- Duration
- 2 Day
- Style
- Original
- 475-715 AUD
What our customers are saying about Phillip Island Tour
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The best day! Amazing day! Anthony was a great guide and gave us time in each location to enjoy each experience and was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The koala sanctuary was amazing but the highlight was definitely the penguin parade, I would 100% help recommend ☺️read moreread less
BethanKelly4/09/2026
A nice holiday in Melbourne 😃 It was very fun to be able to be so close with the little penguins and to see them coming home. It was raining pretty heavily so bring an umbrella and maybe check the weather forecast before packing for the trip.The koala reserve was also a nice place to see the koalas up in the trees.read moreread less
Mobile636517144754/09/2026 -
Great tour! Anthony was a great tour guide/leader, informative and brought good vibes and everything went smoothly during the day. The koala sanctuary and penguins were both phenomenal even with some rainread moreread less
Benjamin K4/09/2026
Zippity-do-dah! It was a fun day. Koala sanctuary was cool. Our visit to The Nubbins was windy and felt a bit otherworldly! The Penguin Parade was interesting, but we caught some medium rain at the end. All in all a good time was had by all!read moreread less
Hal A4/09/2026
Penguin Plus made for a great vacation centerpiece Had a great experience! Seeing the little penguins coming out of the sea and making their way inland was an amazing sight. Fiona was an amazing guide, full of all kinds of interesting information and insider advice. She really helped make this an extra special event for my family and I. The Penguin Plus was really worth it, but you have to get to the stand quickly to get a good view.read moreread less
alnsmith4/08/2026 -
Ottima esperienza Sicura e controllata Ottima esperienza sicura controllata e con panorami fantasticiread moreread less
pierluigi d4/06/2026 -
Magical experience Magical experience overall! Thank you Fiona, you were such a great guide! 🙂read moreread less
Nea P4/06/2026
Worth every penny The trip was really well planned - not too much waiting in between but still enough time to walk around, take photos and eat. Guide Fiona gave excellent tips how to best see the pinguins at Pinguin Parade and we were able to see them just 1 meter away!read moreread less
Taru R4/06/2026 -
Tour of the year! Chris was absolutely professional, informative & charming! Great guide to a great tour. It truly is worth the price for such a relaxing and calming experience that I would do over and over again . Instructions were clear, well organised, received everything that was stated under included . Truly amazing!read moreread less
Ricardo D4/05/2026
Hot Springs trip I just wanted to share about the wonderful experience I’ve just had at the peninsula hot springs… I’ve done it several times before and never been disappointed, even if it rains, like it did today! The transportation / pick up from Melbourne all ran smoothly. Only about an hours drive. The guide (Chris) was super and even gave us some history on the drive down. He also gave us all the information we needed to enjoy our baths to the max. I recommend 100% Many thanks Sammy Solo travellerread moreread less
Sammy H4/05/2026
Fun Experience - Long Day - Enjoy if it's your thing! This was a long day, for some fairly brief experiences with koalas and penguins. The tour absolutely delivered all that was promised. We drove some distance out of Melbourne, explored a koala conservation park that hosts about a dozen koalas, stopped on Phillip Island in a community with some restaurant options for dinner, then drove out to the Penguin Parade site. We arrived probably 90 minutes prior to the start of sunset, you were encouraged to find your seat about an hour prior, and then wait until penguins come up. We were there during molting season, so the population was a bit more limited; we definitely were treated to a fun parade. Viewers are allowed to watch for about 40 minutes, and then the lights are shut off so as not to disrupt the penguins any further. We were offered a last minute upgrade (at our own expense) to the premium seating and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that. You get much better seats in a much better location. These sell out way in advance, the weather was crummy, so we were advised that it's rare for them to be available. Then it was a 2 hour ride back into Melbourne. It's a long day (1:30 PM pick up to 11:30 PM return) for 60 minutes at a koala park and 45 minutes of penguin viewing. Definitely a tour to do once, probably would not look to repeat. Tour guide was upbeat, positive, and well organized.read moreread lessFrymet Hare4/05/2026 -
Amazing Experience Chris was fantastic and provided great commentary. The bus had plenty of space and was modern and clean, all round an amazing experience.would defantly recommend.read moreread less
craig l4/05/2026
A Perfect Day Exploring the Grampians Our Grampians trip with Autopia Tours was absolutely amazing! From stunning views to great company, everything was perfect. And Joel? He’s a legend! Super funny, full of energy, and kept us entertained the whole way. Honestly…he made the trip 10x better. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!read moreread less
Prathamesh K4/05/2026
Well organised trip with lots of wildlife Great day out. Tour guide/ driver was excellent telling us lots, giving tips and pointing out animals. It’s a late return so much better to be driven! Koala sanctuary was lovely , dinner was scheduled with tips on where to eat and the penguin experience was great. We upgraded to premium which gave a great view of the penguins as they came onread moreread less
ann W4/05/2026 -
Joyful Tour with Vicky Dear Vicky may your cheerful & friendly personality bring you joy all the way; to all your team members who patiently rearranged my day-out and to the extraordinary journey♥️ oh not forget the great what’s app service 100/ 100 thank you ♥️read moreread less
ranaephoto4/04/2026 -
Outstanding! I had an excellent experience and would highly recommend this tour. Our guide/driver was incredibly kind and attentive. The quality of the information shared throughout the tour was outstanding, making it easy to stay engaged and learn something new at every stop. Overall, this was a memorable experience!read moreread less
Juliana A4/02/2026 -
Amazing Day Fionna throughout the trip to Phillip's Island and Penguin parade is an amazing driver and tour guide. Thank you for your detailed explanations of all the stops along the way. You made this day truly magical and special that I will cherish.read moreread less
Ida R4/01/2026
A Magical Day for me and my son Fiona was an excellent guide and made sure to provide details and excellent information about the animals, details, and general tips.read moreread less
Catherine C4/01/2026
You’d want to prioritise this activity! Had a lovely time with Ilkay as my guide. He was clear and engaging. Our transport was comfortable too. The time and sessions at the koala conservation and in Philip Island went well. Note: The time of stopover at the Philip Island beach area might be a little rushed depending on the day’s schedule and activities to buy dinner. I’d recommend to prep food beforehand though buying there is possible too. But being a tourist, if you’d like to explore around a bit, it might feel a little stressful making it in time with dinner and heading around to the shops.read moreread less
Claudia T4/01/2026 -
Great ocean Road trip Had a great trip lead by Ben. Great group. Accommodation first night was amazing and the bbq at YHA was really appreciated. The walks and knowledge shared along the road was informative. Got to see koalas, emus and kangaroos. Kiwi drove us back to Melbourne and really enjoyed being able to detour to Ballarat botanical gardens.read moreread less
Finola M3/31/2026
Great day trip from Melbourne with incredible views! Joe was great! Even though it was a full-day tour, he made it enjoyable that the time flew by. He took us to all the top sites and tried to steer us around as many of the crowds as possible. I would highly recommend!read moreread less85gmm3/29/2026 
Why go on a Phillip Island tour?
Aussie wildlife
Experience Australia’s adorable wildlife like never before on Phillip Island! Watch the famous little penguins waddle off into the sunset, get up close with thousands of Australian fur seals and hand-feed kangaroos, and watch the beautiful whales migrate in winter!
Reconnect with nature
Be amazed by Phillip Island’s natural beauty! Explore pristine beaches, coastal scenery, and remnants of natural bushland. Walk, bike, or drive and discover Phillip Island’s nature all year round.
Adventures
Experience a variety of activities and family-friendly attractions on Phillip Island for an unforgettable experience! Travellers can explore a maze, participate in go-kart racing, enjoy the panoramic views of Cape Wulamai cliffs, take surfing lessons, and see a chocolatier in action.
Culinary
Feel the diverse culinary offerings of Phillip Island, including local producers, cafes, restaurants, wineries, and breweries.
Top things to do in Phillip Island
Many activities for nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers are available in this coastal heaven. The island offers an amazing encounter with Australian animals set against a backdrop of magnificent landscapes. The penguin parade tour that is famous worldwide is just the beginning, you brace yourself for a trip full of mother nature, local delicacies, wine and fresh air from the sea.
Plan your visit to Phillip Island

Each tour has its departure time and operating days.
Phillip Island Tour: 1 Day, departs 11:45 Winter / 13:45 Summer, returns 21:45 Winter / 23:45 Summer
1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour: 1 Day, departs 7:35, returns 20:30
Melbourne to Adelaide Tour: 3 Days, departs 7:35, returns 19:30
Snow Trips Victoria: 1 Day, departs 8:00, returns 18:00
Yarra Valley Wine Tours: 1 Day, departs 8:45, returns 17:15
3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour: 3 Days, departs 7:35, returns 17:30
Otway Discovery Tour: 2 Days, departs 7:35, returns 18:30
2-Day Great Ocean Road Tour: 2 Days, departs 7:35, returns 22:30 Winter / 12:00 Summer
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour: 1 Day, departs 7:30, returns 20:30
Grampian Tour: 1 Day, departs 7:35, returns 20:30

The most convenient way of reaching Phillip Island is by car. A bridge links the island to the mainland, so it can be ideal road trip from Melbourne. Renting a vehicle on Melbourne’s airports will not be an issue.
Melbourne Airport (MEL), Tullamarine is nearest airport to Phillip Island.
Avalon Airport (AVV) is 192 km away from Phillip Island and operates both international and domestic flights.

Phillip Island is best visited during warm weather which usually begins in November until March. In mild weather conditions you can enjoy exploring hiking trails, beaches and encountering wild animals as well . It’s also great time when you can watch the penguin parade because they come up ashore after catching dinner from ocean.
Peak season: Summer (December – February)
Off-peak season: Winter (June – August)
Don’t miss seeing thousands seals during your coastal cruise! Young seals swim play and do hunting exercises throughout Autumn months (March-May).

Phillip Island offers excellent accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities, providing top-notch facilities.
Arrival: Melbourne Airport offers accessible services to ensure a smooth arrival. Disabled travellers can book a shuttle or wheelchair-accessible taxi to Phillip Island from here.
Getting there: You will find different resources that facilitate transport around including getting around maps, all-terrain wheelchair hire as well as Changing Places guide.
Accessibility highlights: Phillip Island Nature Parks is committed to giving everyone a chance of having wildlife experience. The well-known Penguin Parade and Koala Sanctuary are sensory integration certified venues with physical impairment or neurological disability facilities available there.

Most of the restaurants on Phillip Island are located in Cowes. Pino’s Trattoria offers a great selection of Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizzas, and salads, accompanied by signature cocktails.
Flametrees Restaurant, Cafe & Bar: Located in the heart of Phillip Island, this restaurant offers dishes from around the world and has a children’s menu.
Cafe Omaru: Located 3 minutes from Flynn Beach, this restaurant serves Indian cuisine, including rice and curries, as well as vegetarian options.
Budget hotels: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island, The Island Accommodation, North Pier Hotel, Bar, Bistro & Accommodation.
Middle-class hotels: , Tropicana Motor Inn.
Luxury hotels: Glen Isla House, Mud Hollow Barn, Beach House Getaway 2.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. Join us on our Great Ocean Road Tour for a complete adventure along this coastline. Visit world-famous surfing beaches, listen to the unique stories of the Shipwreck Coast, splash around in the Loch Ard Gorge, and, of course, visit the world-famous 12 Apostles. Along with all these Great Ocean Road attractions, this exciting new adventure offers the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat.
Grampian
Discover the world’s oldest and most scenic mountain ranges on our day trip to the Grampians from Melbourne. The area is home to native wildlife, including kangaroos, emus and birds, so keep your eyes peeled! Travel to the charming town of Halls Gap. Discover fascinating Aboriginal culture at the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. See the awe-inspiring Jaws of Death, the Balconies Lookout, and hike to the base of the magnificent Mackenzie Falls.
Yarra Valley Wine
Experience award-winning wines on one of our Yarra Valley wine-tasting tours. Choose from day tours of the Yarra Valley or private tours for groups.
Snow Trip
Pile the kids in the car and Victoria’s snowy fields for a day to remember! Play snowballs and build a snowman together. Many accommodation options are conveniently located next to car parks, allowing you to drive up to the snow within metres. Resorts such as Lake Mountain are so close to Melbourne that you can enjoy a full day in the snow and make it back for dinner!
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour Itinerary
Tour highlights
- Witness the enchanting Phillip Island Penguin Parade in its natural setting.
- Embark on a ranger-led tour through the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
- Uncover the scenic beauty, rich history, and importance of Phillip Island.
- Venture along the lesser-known dirt paths of Phillip Island's coastal cliffs, keeping an eye out for wallabies and raptors.
- Amble along the coastal pathways of the Nobbies and Seal Rocks.
Why Visit Phillip Island?
Embarking on the Phillip Island Tour is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts! Journey with us southward from Melbourne to the scenic Phillip Island. During our day trip, you’ll be guided by a ranger through the Phillip Island Koala Reserve, traverse untamed surf beaches, sight wild Kangaroos and Wallabies, and culminate the experience with the globally renowned Penguin Parade.