Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 38 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition worth booking?
Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition is a 12.5-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $170 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 38 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (38)
- Duration
- 12.5 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Spend the day with us Island hopping from French Island to Phillip Island getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s cutest and cuddliest native wildlife. Take in the breathtaking ocean views and join us for a day that will be hard to forget for years to come.
What you get
About this experience
Spend the day with us Island hopping from French Island to Phillip Island getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s cutest and cuddliest native wildlife. Take in the breathtaking ocean views and join us for a day that will be hard to forget for years to come.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance to the Penguin Parade
- Ferry Crossings
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
We start off our journey with a short trip across Western Port Bay to French Island. Crossing the Crystal Blue Sea to our first destination taking in the picturesque scenery of the day.
30 minutes here · Admission included
French Island National Park
Arriving on this hidden treasure of wilderness that is French Island, we will be participating in a guided tour around the island where our tour guide will share their knowledge of the natural environment whilst we observe the Koalas and array of wildlife that inhabit the island. We stop at a local farmgate and experience how a local lives.
180 minutes here · Admission included
This next leg of our journey we’ll see us travelling to world renowned and locally enjoyed Phillip Island and one of Australia’s most amazing locations. Home to some of the greatest surf conditions, amazing beaches, native Australian wildlife and the world-famous motorbike circuit.
30 minutes here · Admission included
The Nobbies Centre
We take off on a short adventure to Point Grant also known by the locals as ‘Nobbies’ where we’ll take in the remarkable natural sights and home to a seal colony, dramatic sea bluffs, and panoramic ocean views.
30 minutes here
Penguin Parade
To finish of our journey be inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding landscape, get up close and personal with some cute little penguins and have expert ranger commentary on the lives of these delightful creatures.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait outside the main entrance of 688 Bourke St at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please wait outside the main entrance of 688 Bourke St at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Options you can book
Penguins Plus
Upgrade to Penguins Plus: Superb up-close viewing from the tiered seating in Penguins Plus.
General Viewing
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Australia Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 38 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
38 verified traveler reviews for Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rainy day but wonderful trip.
Wonderful trip! We didn’t have great weather but tour guides helped us make the most of it. Wild animals, fabulous lunch, history of the area. Enjoyed the day.
via Tripadvisor
FRENCH ISLAND and PHILLIP ISLAND TOUR
We were picked up in downtown Melbourne near Her Majesty's Theater which was just a block away from our hotel. Our driver and guide, Lucky, was on time and very friendly! It was a really windy and chilly day for this tour and Lucky told us that potentially the ferry to French Island might not be running due to the wind. Fortunately when we arrived in Mornington the weather cooperated and we went to French Island with our guides Scott and Nathan. As Scott drove us around the island looking for wildlife he explained the unique aspects of French Island and its residents as well as some of its history. We were able to stop and photograph some echindnas and koalas! After a couple hours we stopped at Mandalay Estate for lunch that consisted of potatoes, beef "sloppy joe", cole slaw, and bread. It was delicious! We even had a glass of wine with our food! There was a resident peacock that wanted to come in and eat with us... One of the proprieters, Lee, took us on a tour of the property to see some resident koalas in oak trees. Weird that they weren't in eucalyptus right? We also saw some Capr Barren Geese and even a Kuckaburra! We left from there to catch the ferry over to Phillip Island. At Phillip Island we met back up with Lucky where we took a little tour of Cowes before we drove into the country for the Penguin Parade. In the country we saw wallabies and the volcanic rock formations called Nobbies. What a beautiful area! We saw more Cape Barren Geese and wallabies before heading to the penguin parade. We had seats in the Penguin Plus area for the sunset parade of penguins returning from the sea to feed their young in hillside burrows. It was certainly a grand parade to observe and it totally made our trip to Australia! One thing to note is that there is NO PHOTOGRAPHY or VIDEO after sunset so as not to confuse the penguins on their way to their homes in the hills. All in all this was an OUTSTANDING experience! I can't say enough about our guide Lucky. He was very knowledgeable and friendly as well as so much fun to be around!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We are thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience exploring both French Island and Phillip Island. It sounds like you had a truly memorable day filled with wildlife, stunning scenery, and great company. We are so glad the weather cooperated and that you were able to enjoy everything from spotting echidnas and koalas to the magical Penguin Parade at sunset. Lucky, Scott, Nathan, Lee, and the team will be delighted to hear your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and your lovely details about the day. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
A Brilliant Tour to French and Phillip Island
This was a great trip. Matt (our main guide for the day) was very friendly and clearly wanted to give us all a great trip. He was very knowledgeable of the area and pointed out all the spots! Going to French Island was really cool too, we saw koalas and had lunch with the locals!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you enjoyed the Phillip Island & French Island Wildlife Expedition and that Matt made the day so enjoyable with his knowledge and friendliness. It is wonderful you had the chance to spot koalas and experience French Island with the locals!
via Tripadvisor
The wilder side of Melbourne
Its was supernice to see a wilder side of Melbourne. French island is wonderful and full of cute coalas. The host where we ate lunch was supernice and showed us more birds and koalas on the property. The Nobbies is a wondeful surprise. Very nice to come there during the golden hour and get nice photos of the roaring sea and rocks. No photos during the penguine parade. But you can get closer and get pictures later when they are closer to the nest. You can hear them sing. We also saw some nocturnal animals like the possum and bandicout. Just need to be silent. recommend strongly
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are delighted you enjoyed exploring the wilder side of Melbourne on the Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition. French Island truly is a hidden gem, and it sounds like you had some wonderful close encounters with koalas and birdlife – how special that your lunch host helped you spot even more wildlife on their property! The Nobbies at golden hour is absolutely magical, and we are so glad you got to experience that stunning moment. The penguin parade is always a highlight, and it is great to hear you stayed quiet and patient enough to spot some of the nocturnal locals like the possum and bandicoot – such a rewarding part of the evening! Thank you for the strong recommendation. We hope your photos and memories last a lifetime, and we would love to have you join us again on another adventure.
via Tripadvisor
FRENCH ISLAND WILDLIFE TOUR + VINERY
Daisy was a Top Guide ! Extremely knowledgeable on the Wildlife, Fauna & Geology. + A Great driver too , highly recommended
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that Daisy made your experience on the French Island Wildlife Tour and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition so memorable. Her knowledge and driving skills are certainly a highlight! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $170 to $319
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Explore Australia Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.2.
See everything Explore Australia Tours runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition cost?
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Prices start at $170 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition take?
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Plan for about 12.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.
Is Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 38 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 12.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Melbourne?
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On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate tour, Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition?
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Included: All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; Entrance to the Penguin Parade; and Ferry Crossings. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Melbourne. Be ready about 40 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition?
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Across 38 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Penguins Plus, General Viewing. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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