Explore beautiful coastline, wonderful views and one of the best wildlife encounters in Australia. This Phillip Island Penguin Parade and Koala Reserve day tour is not something you would want to miss.
At Phillip Island, one of Victoria’s top destinations, you will get to enjoy seeing Koalas in their natural habitat as you make your way through the forest of the Koala Conservation Reserve. Learn all about how a Koala spends their day and a bit of history about the reserve. When you head over to the western side of the island and take in the breathtaking coastal views of the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, make sure to keep your eye out for little penguins, wild wallabies, an Australian fur seal colony, and other native wildlife on this spectacular walk. It won’t be long before sunset arrives and you make your way to the main attraction, the Penguin Parade, to watch the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the surf. Also known as ‘fairy penguins’ these adorable creatures head home after a long hard day catching fish in the ocean, crossing Summerland Beach as they travel in small groups. This is a genuinely wonderful and unforgettable experience, and an absolute highlight of Victoria’s many incredible tours.
Your first stop on your day trip will be a self guided walk through the Koala Conservation Reserve. Learn about the importance of the reserve and meet the adorable Koala’s who call this place home.
Next, head over to Phillip Island, enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, and explore the quaint town of Cowes, with time to wander through the lovely shops and restaurants, and take in the beautiful views of the seaside town.
Next you’ll be heading over to the West side of the island to view the iconic Nobbies and Seal Rocks. Take a guided walk down the boardwalk and view the rocky coast, try to spot the little penguins nestling into their burrows, and even spot seals out at the rugged rocks.
Finally, you will travel through the backroads of the island and over to the incredible penguin parade. Watch hundreds of the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the surf as you enjoy the sunset view.
Inclusions & Extras
Included
Penguin Parade General Viewing Entry
Admission into Koala Conservation Reserve
World-class Wildlife Encounter Up Close
Experienced Driver Guide
Modern Air-conditioned Coach Travel
Comprehensive Local Tour Commentary
Excluded
Any Meals Not Indicated Within The Itinerary
Travel Insurance Highly Recommended
Personal Expenses
Tour Type & Availability
Phillip Island Penguin & Koala Tour - General Viewing
$180.00
1 Day Fully Guided Phillip Island Penguin & Koala Tour - General Penguin Viewing Entry
Phillip Island Penguin & Koala Tour - Penguin Plus Viewing
$250.00
1 Day Fully Guided Phillip Island Penguin & Koala Tour - Penguin Plus Viewing Entry
What to bring
1L refillable water bottle
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
All weather clothing, jumper or windproof jacket
Small day pack 5-7kg
Money for snacks and meals
Camera
Pick Ups & Departures
Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A’Beckett St
Melbourne Marriott Hotel, Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St
Space Hotel, 380 Russell St
Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Russell St entrance
Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St
The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St
Holiday Inn, 575 Flinders Ln
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St
Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
Customer reviews for Phillip Island Penguin & Koala Tour
Customer Rating
5.00 / 5.0
Based on 8 reviews
5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
Paul
03/04/2026
Really good trip to see the penguin parade recommended by the hostel and definitely worth doing when you’re in Melbourne. Guide Marlin-J really funny
Chloe Nguyen
28/10/2025
The coach was comfy and pickup from the CBD was easy. Total highlight of my trip.
Jonas H.
11/10/2025
Koalas, seals, wallabies, and penguins all in one day
Tara Schnabel
02/10/2025
It was a blast! Fiona did such a great job and was able to answer all our questions. I would recommend everyone that’s in Melbourne her Phillip Island Tour:)
Isla McKenzie
06/09/2025
If you're in Melbourne even for a few days, do this tour. The penguins are adorable
Tom van der Berg
29/08/2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from this Phillip Island tour but it exceeded all expectations. The coastal views at the Nobbies were stunning
Freya Mitchell
14/07/2025
Watching hundreds of little penguins waddle up from the surf at sunset was honestly one of the most special things I've done in Australia
Anna Quinn
07/02/2025
Best day ever! Fiona is amazing! Hundreds and hundreds of penguins!!! Highly recommend!!! I will remember this day for the rest of my life.
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Supplier Terms & Conditions
Autopia Terms & Conditions
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames.
Cancellation within 24 hours / no-show: 100% cancellation fee applies.
Cancellation with 24 hours or more notice: Full refund.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to reconfirm my bookings?
All bookings must be reconfirmed 48 hours in advance by contacting your tour provider directly using the contact information listed on your tour voucher.
What should i do if my trip is cancelled due to bad weather?
You may either re-schedule directly with the supplier or you can email our support team on [email protected] and include your voucher number, name of product you booked, planned departure date and your contact details. Once you’ve emailed us, you can drop us a line at +61 2 5633 1149.
Do you book tours with flexible dates? If so, how long are they valid for?
Yes, we do have open dated/flexible tickets available. Most tour vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, however please be aware that you may be subject to supplier price fluctuations. All ticket validity is specified on the tour voucher. If you are unsure of the validity of your voucher, just ask one of our wonderful staff.
What do I do if I need help with an existing booking?
Some tours have extra costs and you should be aware that there may be added expenses. These expenses will differ for each service provider, but some of the more usual extras are: EMC tax, stinger suit hire, luggage storage, sleeping bag hire, linen hire, national park fee, food, insurance, accommodation, equipment hire, petrol levy, etc. We will alert you to extra costs to the extent reasonably practicable. However, you must also check with each individual service provider when you re-confirm your booking.
Do I need travel insurance?
We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have travel insurance, please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.
Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100AUD deposit required).
How do I know if my trip is BYO?
Most tour vouchers will specify if your trip is BYO however we recommend asking your tour provider if your trip is BYO when you reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior to departure.
Really good trip to see the penguin parade recommended by the hostel and definitely worth doing when you’re in Melbourne. Guide Marlin-J really funny