Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option
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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
4.8/5
Based on 40 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option worth booking?
Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option is a 13-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $128 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 40 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (40)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $128 per person
The perfect Phillip Island day trip for nature lovers and ocean seekers, combining a scenic wildlife cruise, and the world-famous Penguin Parade—all in one relaxed, small-group adventure. Departing from Melbourne with y
What you get
About this experience
The perfect Phillip Island day trip for nature lovers and ocean seekers, combining a scenic wildlife cruise, and the world-famous Penguin Parade—all in one relaxed, small-group adventure. Departing from Melbourne with your friendly local guide leading the way, our first stop is in San Remo where sweeping coastal views and pelican sightings await. Then board a 2-hour seal cruise around Phillip Island—where you’re guaranteed to spot hundreds of playful fur seals in their natural habitat - OR - choose to remain in Cowes and visit the Wildlife Park. Spend time in Cowes exploring boutique shops, beachside bars, or opt for a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve—where koalas roam freely in the trees. As golden hour falls, discover Phillip Island’s wild southern edge - where rugged boardwalks and secluded beaches come alive with native wildlife and sweeping sea views. Cap off your evening at the iconic Penguin Parade, watching thousands of Little Penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
What's included
Included
- Authentic Small Group travel with an engaging Local Guide
- Nobbies Golden Hour Experience & Scenic Wildlife Boardwalk
- Koala Reserve Entry (non-cruise option)
- Entry to the famed Phillip Island Penguin Parade at Sunset
- Time in San Remo to explore and watch for wildlife
- 2 Hour Wildlife Coast Cruise (cruise option)
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner - time will be provided to get your own
- Cruise Ticket unless Cruise Option Selected
What you'll see and do
Melbourne
It will take us 2 hours each way to get to and from Phillip Island from Melbourne. At Local Way Tours, our Premium Ticket inclusions are designed to elevate your travel experience to the highest level. Enjoy the comfort of guaranteed window seats and travel in style aboard our modern, well-appointed vehicles. Our authentic small group tours ensure personalised attention from our engaging local guides, making every journey memorable. Stay connected with onboard WiFi and take advantage of convenient charging ports, all while relaxing in a setting that prioritizes your comfort and enjoyment. With our Premium Ticket, you receive more than just a tour; you gain a superior travel experience tailored to exceed your expectations.
240 minutes here
San Remo
Take some time to explore the idyllic village of San Remo - from its golden beaches, to the larger-than-life Pelicans that frequent here, and of course the famed Phillip Island bridge
60 minutes here
Koala Conservation Reserve
This is an optional extra in place of your time at Cowes. Our guide will drop you off here, and you'll be able to wander among the beautiful native Australian bushland, where you are guaranteed to spot Koalas in their natural habitat, as well as plenty more native Australian Wildlife. Please be aware, it is now illegal to touch or hold a Koala. We include entry here for those who aren't doing the Cruise Option
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Cowes
This is where you board your Wildlife Cruise for 2 Hours! Enjoy seeing thousands of seals, dolphins, birdlife, and plenty of other beautiful sights! Or for those not doing the cruise, you will have some time to enjoy Cowes. Cowes is Phillip Island's main commercial hub, and is a bustling location of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and boutique shops. Here you will have time to explore in your own time. Our guide will point out the notable spots, and then allow you some freedom to wander. Visit the ever popular brewery, take a seat at the pub overlooking the waterfront, take part in some retail therapy, take a stroll along the jetty, or even go for a dip in the sparkling blue waters. The time is yours!
120 minutes here
Flynns Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on Phillip Island, and iconic of golden sands and glistening waters found in these areas. You will have a chance to walk in the soft sand, admire the beautiful horizon, and soak in the sea-air of this local beach - one that Chris Hemsworth himself has enjoyed since a young boy.
15 minutes here
The Nobbies Centre
This is already one of Phillip Island's main attractions, simply for the sheer beauty it possess - however, we visit this stunning spot right on Golden Hour, allowing us a perfect sight over the glistening waters and rocky cliffs. Enjoy this moment with a Glass of Sparking Wine as you enjoy the views and take a walk along the boardwalk, taking in spectacular sights, and glimpses of native wildlife. We depart from here along the back roads, providing us unparalleled views over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, with even more wildlife to spot.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Penguin Parade
A "must do" whilst in Melbourne/Victoria, the Penguin Parade has long been the star attraction of Phillip Island. We arrive here early enough so as you can take some time in this world-class visitor centre, and grab a bite to eat from the cafe should you wish. You will then make your way out to the Penguin Viewing Platform, awaiting the arrival of the stars of the shows - the Little Penguins. As the sun begins to set, your ranger-guide will provide you information on these cute little creatures, and then you will see literally thousands of them make their way onto the beach and up the hill side. Walk along the boardwalk as you get within inches of these native Australian Penguins, admiring their uniqueness and cuteness alike. Once we have had our cuteness overload, we board back on the bus - making our way back to Melbourne...with plenty of good memories to accompany us for the journey back
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Meet us at the Melbourne Arts Centre (outside the Protagonist Cafe) and relax - easy to access by tram or train or foot, with free museums, public toilets, and a coffee on us at Protagonist Café (show your ticket). End-of-tour drop-offs to select Melbourne city hotels are available too!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet us at the Melbourne Arts Centre (outside the Protagonist Cafe) and relax - easy to access by tram or train or foot, with free museums, public toilets, and a coffee on us at Protagonist Café (show your ticket). End-of-tour drop-offs to select Melbourne city hotels are available too!
Options you can book
Cruise Tour & Penguin Parade
2 Hour Seal Cruise Included Cruise Boat
Cruise Tour + Penguin Plus
Penguin Plus Upgrade: Enjoy an exclusive viewing platform at the Penguin Parade, closer to the beach and with fewer people.
Wildlife Tour - No Cruise
Cruise NOT Included: You will have the option to purchase your own Cruise Ticket OR enjoy other parts of Phillip Island Mini Bus
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Local Way Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 40 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
40 verified traveler reviews for Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cold in July, but still good for animal lovers.
Long ride out and back! Sue, our driver and guide was great. I definitely recommend her. Things I loved: The cruise and the dusk drive through the Nobbies. We saw thousands of seals, a pod of dolphins, tons of wallabies and geese. Just gorgeous. Things I did not love: San Remo stop was too short. We were told to grab lunch if we were getting on the cruise and we did which left us with no time to watch the pelicans. We were there around 40 minutes. Cowes was just yucky. Construction everywhere, lots of places were closed, and the weather was super cold. Pick a day that’s not in the winter if you really want to have a nice day. Things that were just okay: The penguin parade is crowded and I felt bad for the little guys. Not many people follow the rules and it’s hard to enjoy yourself. However, they are as cute as can be and I’m glad I got to see them. All in all, I would do this again but on a longer, sunny, spring or fall day. Sue really did make the best of it for us and I absolutely appreciated her.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review of your day with us. We're so pleased to hear that Guide Sue helped make your experience enjoyable despite the winter weather. She'll be delighted to know her friendly approach and dedication left such a positive impression. It's wonderful that you enjoyed the seal cruise, the scenic drive through the Nobbies, and all the incredible wildlife encounters are just amazing! We also appreciate your honest feedback about the timing at San Remo, and there is renovations happening at Cowes at the moment. Seasonal weather and local construction can certainly influence the day, and your comments are valuable as we continue to review our itineraries and guest experience. Thank you again for your recommendation of Sue and for sharing both the highlights and areas for improvement. We hope we'll have the opportunity to welcome you back on one of our tours in the future!
via Viator
Fantastic experience!
The experience with Sue was absolutely amazing. Who doesn’t like a tour guide who introduces you to the attractions you're passing and shares useful tips about spotting different animals and wildlife along the way? Sue was knowledgeable, engaging, and very considerate of everyone’s lunchtime, making sure the schedule was well planned and comfortable for the group. She provided interesting insights throughout the tour and kept the atmosphere fun and enjoyable with her great sense of humor. Her enthusiasm and professionalism made the entire experience memorable. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We love hearing about your amazing experience with guide Sue! She’ll be thrilled to know her sense of humour and thoughtful planning helped make your day so enjoyable and that you appreciated her knowledge, local insights, and passion for sharing information about the wildlife and attractions along the way. Thank you for your kind recommendation and for taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure with us in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent with...
Excellent with Michael!!’n thank you. Was inolvidable… we en joy very much …. The whole tour very well organized….
Response from the operator: We were happy to have you on tour and we love hearing that you had an excellent time with us to Phillip Island! Thanks for your review :)
via Viator
Penguin parade
Michael our guide was fantastic. He was informative and our visits to various locations wonderful. Loved seeing Koalas in the wild, the tiny penguin experience was outstanding. Loved the day.
Response from the operator: We were happy to have you on tour and we are glad you had a fantastic experience with Michael. We love hearing about you seeing the wonderful Koalas and Penguins!
via Viator
Great trip to Phillips Island
Well coordinated long half day trip picked up at 11:00AM, got back to Melbourne at 12:30AM the next day. Boat ride was cancelled by the third party involved but my credit was instantly given. Driver was our tour guide, Yuri. He did a great job. Penguins were scarce, we saw two groups come in, about 20 penguins. It was fun to watch though and listening to the baby calls from the nesting holes was impressive.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your feedback. Really glad you still had an enjoyable day overall and got to see the penguins up close, even if numbers were a bit low that night. Great to hear Yuri took good care of you throughout the long day.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $128 to $410
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option cost?
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Prices start at $128 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 Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 40 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 Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option?
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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 Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option?
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Around 14 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguin Tour with Cruise Option 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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