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Melbourne · Victoria · Australia

Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas - Penguins General Viewing

Starting From From $130.21 per person Current Project Expedition rate
10 Hours 4.29 / 5 1 reviews Easy activity level Single Day Group Tour Operated by Autopia Tours (Victoria/New South Wales/Queensland)
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The Experience

What your day looks like

Experience one of Australia’s most spectacular wildlife events as hundreds of tiny penguins waddle ashore at Phillip Island! This unforgettable tour invites you to get up close to unique Australian wildlife while enjoying the breathtaking coastal scenery, culminating in this remarkable natural spectacle. 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! 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. 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. Keep an eye out for the Australian fur seal colony basking on the rocks, and you might even spot wild wallabies and a variety of native birds during our back road journey to the main event at the Penguin Parade. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach is one of the world’s most fascinating ecotourism attractions. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the world of penguins and wildlife conservation through engaging exhibits and informative displays. As the sun begins to set, the excitement builds as we prepare for the main event. 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! Meals: N/A Driving distance: 300km. Walking distance: less 1km. *This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, departure times may change throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience.

At a Glance

The experience, in brief

  • Witness the unforgettable sight of hundreds of Little Penguins returning to shore at sunset during the worldfamous Penguin Parade.
  • Enjoy stunning coastal views from Summerland Beach as the sun sets over Phillip Island.
  • Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve and stroll peaceful boardwalks through native bushland in search of koalas.
  • Explore The Nobbies and Seal Rocks for dramatic clifftop scenery, ocean views, and a chance to see penguin burrows and wild seals.
  • Learn about penguin conservation and Australian wildlife at the interactive Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.
  • Discover the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Phillip Island, from rugged coastlines to rich wildlife habitats.
Detailed Itinerary

The journey, in full

Depart from Melbourne Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve Stop in Cowes or San Remo for something to eat The Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks Phillip Island Visitor Center Summeland Beach Penguins Parade at sunset Return to Melbourne

Your Itinerary

Your day, step by step

Day 1

Melbourne

Sightseeing at Phillip Island.

Continued

Melbourne

Eco Tour at Phillip Island.

Before You Go

What to know before booking

Included

Penguin Parade general viewing entry Admission into Koala Conservation Reserve World-class wildlife encounter up close Onboard WiFi available Hosted by an experienced driver guide Modern air-conditioned coach travel Comprehensive local tour commentary Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)

Not Included

Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy lunch/dinner along the way. Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point. Personal travel insurance is highly recommended Spending money for personal items

What to Bring

Refillable water bottle Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses All-weather warm clothing windbreaker Comfortable walking shoes Small day bag 5-7kg Money for snacks and meals Camera to capture every moment Travel insurance is highly recommended

Restrictions

No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking. Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old.

Meeting & Pickup

This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, departure time change to maximise the sunset experience. COMPREHENSIVE PICKUP LIST: Winter|Summer 11:05 | 13:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne 11:08 | 13:08 – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane – 388 Lonsdale 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 – 54 Russell St entrance Melbourne 11:25 | 13:25 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St Melbourne 11:30 | 13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel – 189 Queen St Melbourne 11:35 | 13:35 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St Melbourne 11:40 | 13:40 – The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – 44 Spencer St Melbourne 11:45 | 13:45 – Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St corner of Market St Melbourne 11:50 | 13:50 – Crown Towers – 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St Southbank 11:55 | 13:55 – Mercure Melbourne Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay Southbank 12:00 | 14:00 – Pullman Albert Park - 65 Queens Road Albert Park 12:05 | 14:05 – Nomads St Kilda Beach - 17 Carlisle St St Kilda

Languages Offered

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Planning Notes

Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic

Traveler Impressions

What travelers are saying

2026-03-03 4.00 / 5

The tour was great. The bus driver was extremely accommodating. He knew a lot about the things we were seeing and was very willing to share. It would have been nice to know that we were stopping for lunch at a truck stop....so we would have brought our own.

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