Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 266 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne worth booking?
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne is a 10-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $114 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 266 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (266)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $114 per person
Start your afternoon the best way possible with a visit to the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve, where elevated boardwalks wind through native bushland giving you the chance to spot koalas resting in the treetop
What you get
About this experience
Start your afternoon the best way possible with a visit to the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve, where elevated boardwalks wind through native bushland giving you the chance to spot koalas resting in the treetops. From here, discover the natural beauty of Phillip Island as you take in rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and sweeping ocean views. Visit The Nobbies, where dramatic clifftop scenery meets crashing waves, and keep an eye out for penguin burrows, and Australian fur seals offshore. As sunset approaches, prepare for cuteness overload at the world-famous Penguin Parade. Home to over 32,000 Little Penguins, this unforgettable wildlife experience sees hundreds—sometimes thousands—of the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the surf and waddle up the beach to their burrows. Watch this spectacle unfold at Summerland Beach and explore the interactive Visitor Centre to learn about penguin conservation before returning to Melbourne with memories to last a lifetime.
What's included
Included
- Multilingual translation app service available in several languages
- Admission to Penguin Parade (general viewing or penguins plus viewing upgrade)
- Travel comfortably in a modern, air-conditioned medium-sized coach and onboard wifi
- Experience world-class wildlife encounters up close
- Hosted by an experienced driver guide with live tour commentary
- Admission to Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve
Not included
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense.
- Spending money for personal items
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Melbourne
Get ready—our adventure begins soon! The bus is on its way, so grab your gear, feel the excitement, and let's hit the road!
10 minutes here
Koala Conservation Reserve
Our wildlife adventure begins at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve, the perfect first stop for animal lovers. Here, you’ll have the chance to stroll along picturesque boardwalk trails that weave through lush natural woodlands. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for koalas nestled in the trees—these iconic marsupials are a must-see!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Cape Woolamai Beach
Seasonal summer stop at Cape Woolamai Surf Beach, where extra daylight allows time to explore this dramatic volcanic coastline. Enjoy a refreshing beach walk, breathe in the ocean air, and take in sweeping views toward Pyramid Rock in the distance.
60 minutes here
Cowes
This immersive experience not only allows you to connect with these adorable animals but also supports local economies. You can purchase food and refreshments in Cowes or at the Penguin Parade, as meals are not provided during the tour.
60 minutes here
The Nobbies Centre
Phillip Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Our journey will take us to the Nobbies, located at the western end of the island. Here, you can admire the majestic rocky coastline and the dramatic sea views, all while learning about the unique flora and fauna that inhabit this area.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Penguin Parade
Witness the magical moment when the world’s tiniest penguins, known as Little Penguins, emerge from the waves to waddle ashore. This enchanting scene, filled with the soft sounds of nature and the sight of these adorable creatures, is sure to leave a lasting impression. Watching these little penguins make their way home after a day at sea is a heartwarming experience you won’t soon forget
120 minutes here · Admission included
Melbourne
As we roll back to your pick-up point, sit back, relax, and relive the magic of the day—full of epic sights, laughs, and unforgettable moments. What an adventure!
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
The default meeting point for this tour will be Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45am (winter Apr - Sep) and 1:45pm (summer Oct - Mar). Our bus will be parked on the east side of the museum on Market St for safe boarding.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The default meeting point for this tour will be Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45am (winter Apr - Sep) and 1:45pm (summer Oct - Mar). Our bus will be parked on the east side of the museum on Market St for safe boarding.
Options you can book
Penguins Plus Viewing
Abundance of Wildlife: Up-close encounters with Koalas and penguins! Duration: 10 hours Medium group size: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort. Tour + Penguins Plus Viewing: The Penguins Plus viewing platform offers visitors up-close viewing of the little penguins on popular pathway highway.
Penguins General Viewing
Abundance of Wildlife: Up-close encounters with Koalas and penguins! Duration: 10 hours Medium group size: Our modern vehicles range from 24-39 seats with air conditioning and seat belts designed for long-haul comfort. Tour + General Viewing Access: A day tour to Phillip Island showcasing a Koala Park, and Penguin Parade with general viewing access.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, zh-TW, pt, ko, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, nl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wildlife Tours Australia
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child fare prices apply to infants and children aged from 0 to 12 years old. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times.
- While we endeavour to operate our tours as planned, there may be occasions when rain or inclement weather affects our itinerary.
- This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers. If you require additional support please advise at the time of booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 266 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
266 verified traveler reviews for Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
So much wildlife!
This was such a fun experience. The penguins were so cute and our tour guide Craig was the best, and so knowledgable. He was able to answer all of my questions. I enjoyed the bus ride, we spotted kangaroos, wallaby’s, Phalangeridae, camels, and so many birds, not to mention the koala, and penguins. We saw great views, surfers and got tons of memorable photos. Highly recommend this tour! The bus had wifi and usb charger ports under the seat, and we were able to eat and snack during the ride which was a bonus!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your fun-filled experience! We're thrilled to hear you loved the penguins, enjoyed the wildlife sightings, and appreciated Craig’s knowledge and friendliness. It’s fantastic that you captured so many memorable photos and enjoyed the great views, surfers, and snacks on the bus. We truly appreciate your high recommendation and are delighted that the amenities like WiFi and USB chargers added to your comfort. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more adventures soon!
via Tripadvisor
A Worthy Experience Especially With a Great Guide
Was a perfect sunny, warm weather day to enjoy the trip which was made all that much better by all of the great cultural insights and trip tips given by our fantastic guide Fiona. She’s probably presented all the information a million times before but still was able to do it all again with the enthusiasm and spirit of sharing it as if it was the first time which it was for everyone onboard…much better than someone sounding robotic and just going through the motions. Fiona also did a great job of organizing everyone to stay on time so all of the itinerary stops were fitted in with a comfortable relaxed manner. At the end of the trip we were left with many memories of the koalas, penguins, wallabies, puggle, and fantastic landscape and water views experienced. And most importantly, Fiona got us all home safe and sound and left us all with a very relaxed, trouble free experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that the perfect sunny and warm weather complemented your trip. It’s fantastic to know that Fiona’s cultural insights and trip tips made the journey even more special. Her enthusiasm and genuine spirit of sharing truly stand out, and it’s great to hear that it resonated with everyone onboard - making the experience lively and memorable rather than robotic. Fiona’s organization and ability to keep everyone on schedule in a relaxed manner seem to have contributed greatly to the smooth flow of the trip. It’s wonderful that you left with lasting memories of koalas, penguins, wallabies, puggles, and stunning landscapes and water views. Most importantly, we’re glad Fiona ensured everyone’s safety and provided a trouble-free, relaxed experience. Thank you for your kind words, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures!
via Tripadvisor
We enjoyed the bus trip,...
We enjoyed the bus trip, but unfortunately was very disappointed with the Penguin viewing. Lucky to see 20
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining our Phillip Island tour! We’re glad you enjoyed the journey, though we understand it can be disappointing when fewer penguins appear. Nature can be unpredictable, but we’re happy you still had the chance to see them. We hope your next visit brings even more penguin magic!
via Viator
Excellent day out to see the koalas, wallabies and penguins
Our guide Fiona was very organised, professional, friendly and full of knowledge. Thank you Fiona for making this trip exceptional, you are a great guide. We started boarded the bus by the Immigration Museum which is so easy to find. It is quite a drive to Phillip Island but well worth it. The coach was comfortable and had free wfi. Fiona explained things on the way (unless we were on the motorway then she couldn't speak). We spent 1 hr at the Koala Conservation area. Plenty of Koalas Wallabies to see. We made a stop at Cape Woolamai Beach, gorgeous, spectactular views. Stopped off at Cowes for 1 hr for lunch, plenty of cafe's, restaurants. The Nobbies Centre is really good. Walking on the boardwalks to see the little penguins under them. Different viewing decks. After that we set off to get in position for the penguin parade. The best viewing areas are sitting on the beach. You can only use cameras until it gets dark then no cameras are allowed but you always have those who don't listen! Taking advice from Fiona, after seeing a few penguins coming up the beach head off back towards the exit, stay left on the boardwalk and you will get a great, close up view of the penguins waddling up to their burrows. It gets really busy in that area. Fantastic day out, thank you Fiona for being so organised and sharing your knowledge with us.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear Fiona made your trip exceptional with her organization, professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. It’s great to know you enjoyed the highlights like the Koala Conservation area, Cape Woolamai Beach, the Nobbies Centre, and the penguin parade. We’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation to Fiona. Thank you for choosing us for your adventure-we look forward to hosting you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Please make note that...
Please make note that Wildlife Tours Australia and Autopia are the same company when meeting to get on the bus. I was waiting there for about 20 minutes while everyone was getting on their tour buses and I asked 2 other operators if the Wildlife Tours bus was coming and they said it should be and to just wait there. Another family also booked the same tour/company and was waiting. It wasn’t until the tour guide for Autopia started naming off our names and told us to get on those buses. Unfortunately that meant I was the last one on the bus in the back row and I get motion sickness. Sadly no one would trade with me though. Thankfully I brought snacks and water, motion sickness patches and Dramamine. I would advise the company to be more clearer for the meet up! Since I was one of the first people waiting, I could have not been in the back of the bus. This tour was great and Phillips Island was beautiful. There weren’t too many penguins sadly. I think I would have preferred a small group of 10 rather than 39 people on one big bus. We couldn’t even hear the tour guide in the back of the bus either.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed beautiful Phillip Island despite the challenges. We appreciate your feedback on clearer meet-up details and group size, and will use it to improve. We hope to welcome you again for more memorable adventures!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $114 to $235
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 93
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne cost?
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Prices start at $114 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 Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 266 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 Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne?
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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 Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne?
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Around 93 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne 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 Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour, Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting, 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.
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