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Tours Phillip Island

Experience the best of Phillip Island on our Penguins Tour. Phillip Island, located on Victoria’s South Coast, has a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins. These penguins emerge from the surf every night and cross the beach at the famous Penguin Parade. Our full-day tour includes nature walks along the beautiful beaches and boardwalks of Phillip Island. You will also have the chance to meet some of the local wildlife and, of course, witness the Penguin Parade. Our tour guide will provide information on the best seating areas in each Penguin Viewing Area to enhance your overall experience.

DAY1
DEPARTS

13:45 /SUMMER

11:45 /WINTER

RETURNS

23:45 (SUMMER)

21:45 (WINTER)

Price$ 125 AUD
Online Booking

Highlights

  • Experience the captivating wildlife phenomenon known as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
  • There is a guided ranger journey available at the Philip Island Koala  Conservation Reserve.
  • Experience the natural beauty, history, and significance of Phillip Island.
  • Travel along dirt roads on Phillips Island’s coastal cliffs to spot wallabies and birds of prey off the beaten track.
  • Visitors can explore the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks by taking a leisurely walk.
  • Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre.
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What are the reasons to visit Phillip Island?

Phillip Island Penguin Tours offers an exciting opportunity for animal lovers. Join us on a trip to Phillip Island, located south of Melbourne. During this trip, you will have the chance to visit the Phillip Island Koala Reserve, explore surf beaches, spot Kangaroos and Wallabies in their natural habitat, and end the day by witnessing the popular Penguin Parade.

The itinerary for the Phillip Island Tour

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. The island, although small, has areas of significant natural beauty and holds scientific, historical, and archaeological interests. 

The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, a Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger will greet you for a guided walk through the Koala Reserve. During the walk, you will receive a presentation about koalas, the history and importance of the Reserve, and the island’s last remaining natural woodland area.
The Yalloc Bulluck, a large clan of the Bunurong people, considered Phillip Island their favourite hunting, fishing, and foraging ground. They would come to the island in the summer and during the egging season to gather resources. The island’s abundant wildlife made it an attractive location. Today, evidence of the Yalloc Bulluk’s activities can be seen through middens at the Penguin Parade and Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is dedicated to educating visitors about and preserving these culturally significant areas.
When entering Summerlands, there are no houses. This area is part of the National Park. Penguins who haven’t gone fishing are hiding in wooden burrows. We can walk on ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks and look for Little Penguins in their burrows. There is also ‘The Blowhole’, where waves crash onto the volcanic rock. The caves and formations here make for great photos, with Seal Rocks in the background. On a sunny day, you might see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun. If you don’t want to go on the boardwalks, you can visit the Nobbies Information Centre. You can shop, have a hot drink, or explore the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. You can add on the Antarctic Journey Entry for $18 per person, which gives you insights into marine animals. By visiting, you are contributing to the protection of these majestic creatures.

From the Nobbies, we begin our off-road trip, offering breathtaking views and chances to spot Wallabies while driving. Your guided tour will create excitement in anticipation of encountering wild Little Penguins, providing details about their distinct behaviours and characteristics. Were you aware that they possess more than 3000 feathers?

The Penguin Parade happens after the sun sets. Little Penguins come out of the water at this time. They do this so they can avoid predators in the air. The Penguin Parade does not allow photography. This is done for the protection of the Little Penguins’ sensitive eyes. Witnessing the natural spectacle without taking photos is believed to be enjoyable. If you want, you can combine a trip on the Great Ocean Road with a visit to the Penguin Parade.

Details​

Pricing Options

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

To organise your own private tour of Phillip Island, contact our charters team at charters@gltg.com.au. Follow our itinerary or customise your own; it’s up to you. Enjoy the convenience of a pickup and drop-off at your address and relax exploring new places with loved ones. 

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) / 13:45 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 contact our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.

* It is strongly recommended that you arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. 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, then contact our office on 03 9393 1300.

What's Included?​

  • Penguin Parade entry
  • Inner city pick-up and drop-off
  • Experienced driver/guide and tour commentary
  • Koala Reserve Entry Fees 

What do you need to bring?

  • Water bottle
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm and cool clothing
  • Rain jacket
  • Camera
  • A sense of adventure 

Online Booking

FAQ

  • The Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where visitors can watch hundreds of penguins return to shore at sunset
  • The Koala Conservation Reserve offers a chance to see koalas in their natural habitat
  • Cape Woolamai and its stunning coastal trails and beaches
  • The Seal Rocks Lookout at Nobbies Rocks, where visitors can observe a colony of seals
  • The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park offers close encounters with a variety of Australian wildlife
Yes, there are various tour options, including guided group tours, private tours, scenic helicopter flights, wildlife tours, and specific attractions like the Penguin Parade tour and the Seal Watching Cruise.
  • Warm clothing, as temperatures can drop, especially in the evenings.
  • A camera or phone for photos, with an extra battery or charger.
  • Sunscreen and a hat for protection against the Australian sun.
  • If visiting beaches, bring a bathing suit, towel, and possibly beach shoes.
  • Snacks and water are especially important if you plan to explore the island independently.

Phillip Island is about 140 km from Melbourne, making it an ideal destination for a day trip, with most attractions accessible within a 90-minute drive.

Yes, visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the area can be cool in the evening. Photography of the penguins is not allowed to protect them. Check the specific tour departure times, as they vary based on sunset times throughout the year.
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