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1 Philip Island Tours

Philip Island Tours

Take our Phillip Island Penguins Tour to experience the best of Phillip Island. The island is located on Victoria’s South Coast and is home to a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins. Every night, hundreds, and 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 on the beautiful beaches and boardwalks of Phillip Island, where you can also meet some of the local furry residents. Your tour guide will show you the best spots to sit in each Penguin Viewing Area for the best experience.

Tour Information

Day 1
Departure 13:45 Summer / 11:45 Winter
Returns 23:45 Summer / 21:45 Winter
Price $ 165 AUD

Highlights

Experience the incredible wildlife phenomenon known as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
There is a guided ranger journey available through the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
Learn about 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 away from the usual tourist routes.
You can explore the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks by taking a leisurely walk.
Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre.

What you can actually see!

What are the reasons to visit Phillip Island

Phillip Island Tour offers a unique experience for animal enthusiasts. Participants will be able to explore the beautiful Phillip Island, accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger. Highlights of the tour include visiting the Philip Island Koala Reserve, strolling along picturesque surf beaches, and observing wild Kangaroos and Wallabies. The day concludes with a visit to the renowned Penguin Parade.

Itinerary

Phillip Island is located 140 km southeast of Melbourne and has a population of just over 7,000 people. It boasts a diverse range of animal species and features areas of beauty with scientific, historic, and archaeological significance.

Phillip Island’s Koala Reserve

The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by a ranger from Phillip Island Nature Parks who will guide them on a walk through the Koala Reserve. A presentation will be given about the koalas, the history and importance of the Reserve, and the remaining natural woodland on the island.

Discover the history and Aboriginal culture of Phillip Island

The Yalloc Bulluck clan of the Bunurong people used to frequent Phillip Island for hunting, fishing, and foraging. They would visit the island in the Summer and during the ‘egging season’. The area was popular due to its abundant wildlife. Today, evidence of their foraging can be seen with middens at the Penguin Parade and Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is working to educate visitors and preserve these culturally significant areas.

Nobbies Rocks is a part of Phillip Island Nature Park

When you arrive at Summerlands, you will see no houses. This area is part of the National Park. Penguins who haven’t gone fishing for the day hide in small man-made burrows. We can walk on ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks and try to spot Little Penguins in their burrows. You can also visit ‘The Blowhole’ to see waves crashing onto the volcanic rock.

The caves and formations on this peninsula 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 walk on the boardwalks, you can go to the Nobbies Information Centre. You can visit the gift shop there, get a hot drink, or learn about the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. You can add on the Antarctic Journey Entry for $18 per person to learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. By visiting this WWF attraction, your entrance fee will help protect and preserve these majestic creatures of the Southern Ocean.

Off-Road Wildlife Coastal Drive

From the Nobbies, we begin an off-road adventure that offers stunning views and the chance to see Wallabies. Our guided tour will enhance the excitement of encountering wild Little Penguins, providing information about their fascinating habits and characteristics. Did you know they have more than 3000 feathers?

Phillip Island Tour Penguin Parade is a popular tourist attraction

The Penguin Parade happens after sunset when the Little Penguins come out of the water. No photography is allowed during this time in order not to scare the penguins. Wildlife Tours supports this request. Enjoy the experience without worrying about taking the perfect photo. Combine the Penguin Parade with a trip on the Great Ocean Road for an overnight tour. Let us take care of the planning and driving while you sit back and enjoy the journey.

Details

Pricing and package Deal Discounts

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.

Aditional Information

What's Included?

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

What you need to bring?

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

Meeting point and departure

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.

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FAQ

What is the best time of year to visit Phillip Island?

Phillip Island is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see. The summer months (December to February) are ideal for beach activities and warmer weather. However, if you’re interested in seeing the penguin parade, it’s a year-round attraction, with peak viewing in the Australian winter months (June to August).

Are there any age restrictions for Phillip Island tours?

Most Phillip Island tours are suitable for all ages. However, specific adventure activities or tours may have age or health restrictions. It’s always best to check with the tour operator before booking if you have any concerns, especially for young children or elderly travellers.

How long does it take to get to Phillip Island from Melbourne?

Phillip Island is approximately a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Tour durations can vary, but a typical day trip includes travel time and several hours on the island. Check the specific itinerary of your tour for accurate timing.

What wildlife can I expect to see on Phillip Island?

Phillip Island is famous for its wildlife. You can expect to see little penguins, Australian fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, and various bird species. The specific wildlife you’ll see can depend on the time of year and the tour you choose.

Do I need to bring any special equipment for the tours?

Generally, no special equipment is needed. However, it’s advisable to bring warm clothing (as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings), comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a camera, and perhaps binoculars for wildlife viewing. Check with your tour operator if any additional items are recommended for your specific tour.