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Philip Island Tours

Our Phillip Island Penguins Tour will show you the highlights of Phillip Island. Phillip Island is located on Victoria’s South Coast and has a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins. Every night, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of penguins come out of the water and walk across the beach at the famous Penguin Parade.

This full-day tour includes nature walks along the beautiful beaches and boardwalks of Phillip Island, where you will also meet some of the local wildlife. Your tour guide will provide information on the best places to sit in each Penguin Viewing Area for the best experience.

DAYS1
DEPARTS

13:45 /SUMMER

11:45 /WINTER

RETURNS

23:45/SUMMER

21:45/WINTER

COST$125 AUD
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 Highlights

  • Experience the spectacular wildlife event known as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
  • Experience a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
  • Experience the natural beauty, history, and significance of Phillip Island.
  • Travel along dirt roads on Phillips Island while observing wallabies and birds of prey along the coastal cliffs.
  • You can explore the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks.
  • Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre to explore. 
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What are the reasons to visit Phillip Island?

Phillip Island Penguin Tours offers a comprehensive wildlife experience. Explore the stunning Phillip Island, where you can enjoy a guided ranger journey through the Koala Reserve, stroll along picturesque surf beaches, and observe wild Kangaroos and Wallabies. Finally, witness the renowned Penguin Parade in the evening. 

Itinerary 

Phillip Island is located 140 km southeast of Melbourne and is home to over 7,000 people and over a hundred different species of animals. Despite its small size, the island boasts significant areas of beauty with scientific, historical, and archaeological interest. 

The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, a Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger will welcome you and lead a guided walk through the Koala Reserve. During the walk, a presentation will be given about Koalas, the history and importance of the Reserve, and the remaining natural woodland on the island. 

The Yalloc Bulluck tribe, a large clan of the Bunurong people, used to frequent Phillip Island for hunting, fishing, and foraging. They would come to the island in the Summer and during the ‘egging season’. The abundance of wildlife made the area a popular choice.

Today, evidence of their foraging can be seen as middens at the Penguin Parade and within the Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is dedicated to educating visitors and preserving these culturally significant areas. 

In Summerlands, there are no houses because it is all National Park. Penguins hide in artificial caves if they haven’t gone fishing. We can walk on ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks and look for Little Penguins in their burrows. We can also see ‘The Blowhole ‘, where waves crash onto the volcanic rock. The caves and formations make for dramatic photos with Seal Rocks in the background. We might see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun if it’s sunny.

If you don’t want to walk on the boardwalks, you can visit the Nobbies Information Centre. You can browse the gift shop there, get a hot drink, or explore the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. For an additional $18 per person, you can learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. Your entrance fee supports the protection and preservation of these majestic creatures. 

The Penguin Parade takes place after the sun sets. The Little Penguins come out of the water during this time to avoid predators. Photography is not allowed to protect the penguins’ sensitive eyes. Supports this request.

Witnessing the natural spectacle without distractions is recommended. Combine the Penguin Parade with the Great Ocean Road for an overnight trip. Let us handle the planning and driving while you enjoy the journey. 

The waterfall in Victoria Valley is well-known, and we hiked down to the base to admire the abundant water and the refreshing air spray. The hike consists of approximately 250 steps to the base and back. If you prefer a more relaxed and flat walk over the top of the falls, that’s perfectly acceptable. If Mackenzie Falls is not accessible to the public, a serene hike to Silverband Falls would be an alternative option.
A stop at Boroka lookout allows you to capture the breathtaking scenery. Alternatively, depending on the weather and visibility, you can walk along Lake Bellfield’s dam and experience the impressive mountain ranges.
In the town of Halls Gap, it is interesting that residents do not need to own a lawn mower, as kangaroos can be seen grazing on the grass in the evenings. You will probably observe various Australian bird species, including kookaburras and emus, during your visit to the Grampians. However, we guarantee that you will not depart without encountering a kangaroo. In the area, we expect to see echidnas and wallabies. Please remember not to feed any wild animals, but ensuring your camera is fully charged is always a good idea.
At some point, we will need to return to the city. The 3-hour journey from the Grampians includes a stop for dinner, which you will need to pay for yourself. After a day of exploring, take some time to relax and think. You will arrive in Melbourne around 8.30 pm and be dropped off at your original pickup spot or near public transportation options.

Details 

Fare prices: $165 Adult (13+) / $125 Children (0-12)

To organize your private tour of Phillip Island, contact our charters team at [email protected]. Follow our itinerary or customize your own; it’s up to you. Enjoy the convenience of a pickup and drop-off at your address, and relax by exploring new places with loved ones.

  • Penguin Parade entry
  • Inner city pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced driver/guide and tour commentary
  • Koala Reserve Entry Fees
  • Water bottle
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm and cool clothing
  • Rain jacket
  • Camera
  • A sense of adventure 

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne, 11:45 am (winter) / 1:45 pm (Summer).

Winter | Summer

11:05 | 13:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A’Beckett 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 – Russell St entrance, Melbourne
11:30 | 13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St, Melbourne
11:35 | 13:35 – The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
11:45 | 13:45 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, on the corner of Market St, Melbourne
11:50 | 13:50 – Crown Towers – 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank

This tour is affected by daylight savings hours and departure time changes to maximize the sunset experience.

02 Oct 2022 – 01 Apr 2023 summer  1:45 pm
02 Apr 2023 – 30 Sep 2023 winter  11:45 am
01 Oct 2023 – 06 Apr 2024 summer  1:45 pm.

*If you cannot find your desired pickup location, please get in touch with our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.* You should arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, contact our office on 03 9393 1300. 

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