With beautiful beaches, wildlife, conservation centres and amusement parks to leave you with spectacular memories to take back, the question should really be, why not take a Phillip Island tour? But here are some reasons that might actually convince you.
Watch adorable little penguins waddle back to their homes at the beach every night on the Penguin Parade. After a tiring day of swimming and hunting, the inhabitants of the Little Penguin colony head back to the beach at sunset, where you can catch a glimpse of them.
Phillip Island offers a remarkable range of wildlife encounters. Kangaroos and wallabies roam the grassy landscapes and seals and whales can be spotted in the blue waters. There’s also an exclusive bird-watching spot at Swan Lake with harriers, eagles, swans, swamp hens, and more!
The Koala Conservation Reserve doesn’t just let you observe adorable little koalas up close but also take enchanting tree-top boardwalks. Other wildlife to look out for include wallabies, a variety of native birds, and echidnas.
Be mesmerised by the rugged beauty of the Nobbies, a cobblestone rock formation home to the island’s fur seals. Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalks, breathe in the fresh sea air, and marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Phillip Island has some of Victoria's most pristine beaches. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot like Cowes Beach or a secluded stretch of sand like Red Rock Beach, you'll definitely find a beach that you’ll love.
From milking cows to blacksmithing, from colourful birds to ancient mangroves, Churchill Island has a lot to offer. With farming activities continuing since the early 1800s, this little island just off the coast of Phillip Island is a window to Australia’s ancient heritage.
Go for: Cruises, specific park ticket
Price: less than AU$50
Duration: 1 hour to all day
Recommended tours:
Go for: Cruises, Penguin Parade, specific park ticket
Price: AU$15 to AU$98
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Recommended tours:
Go for: Cruises, wildlife parks, specific park ticket
Price: AU$15 to AU$1170
Duration: 1 to 12 hours
Recommended tours:
Go for: Penguin Parade, A Maze’n Things, Antarctic Journey, wildlife cruises
Price: AU$15 to AU$159
Duration: Up to 4 hours
Recommended tours:
Go for: Guided tours, tours starting from Melbourne
Price: AU$149 to AU$1170
Duration: Up to 12 hours
Recommended Tours:
Go for: Fully guided tours, guided cruises
Price: AU$30 to AU$1170
Duration: 1 hour to all day
Recommended Tours:
Go for: Guided tours, all-inclusive tours, park pass
Price: AU$30 to AU$1170
Duration: 10 hours to all day
Recommended tours:
Go for: Combo tours, Phillip Island + other attractions
Price: AU$51 to AU$1170
Duration: Flexible durations, all day
Recommended tours:
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, a thrill-seeker, or someone seeking tranquillity by the beach, Phillip Island has something for everyone. Here are some of the things you can do on Phillip Island.
Highlights: Largest colony of Little Penguins in Australia
Duration: up to 4 hours
Home to one of the largest colonies of penguins in Australia, the Penguin Parade is a spectacular sight adored by all. There is a penguin viewing area that offers a 180-degree elevated view for you to enjoy the penguin getting back home.
Phillip Island Penguin ParadeHighlights: Tree-top boardwalks, bird-watching
Duration: up to 1 hour
Nestled within the natural splendour of Phillip Island lies the remarkable Koala Conservation Reserve—a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and protection of Australia's beloved koalas. Watch them go about their daily activities on a tree-top boardwalk and also spot many colourful native birds.
Koala Conservation ReserveHighlights: Centre for farming since 1800s
Duration: up to 2.5 hours
Churchill Island stands as a testament to Australia's rich heritage and offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Explore the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a working farm that showcases traditional farming practices and offers a range of interactive experiences.
Churchill IslandHighlights: Explore Antarctica from where you are
Duration: up to 1 hour
This unique attraction takes you on an unforgettable voyage through the captivating landscapes and biodiversity of Antarctica. Offering a blend of education, interactive exhibits, and sensory delights, the Antarctic Journey at Phillip Island promises to transport you to the wonders of the icy continent.
Antarctic JourneyHighlights: Award-winning theme park
Duration: up to 3 hours
With lots of awe-inspiring puzzles and contraptions within, A Maze’N Things offers a fun day out for all ages. Marvel at optical illusions, solve a puzzling maze, and if you’re daring, harness up for an obstacle course set 10 metres off the ground!
A Maze’N ThingsHighlights: Largest chocolate fountain in the world
Duration: up to 3 hours
A paradise for chocolate lovers, learn about how it’s made through fun workshops, demonstrations, and games. Enjoy an unlimited supply of chocolate samples, try to lift a one-tonne block of chocolate with friends, and even take back some sweets from the shop.
Chocolate FactoryTour Timings: The timings of your Phillip Island tour will depend on the tour you pick. If you're picking a short tour, it may last up to 4 hours, but a long tour can last up to 12 hours and include a variety of activities. Ensure that you check your tour timings on your tickets during purchase.
Each attraction within Phillip Island has its own operational hours.
Transfers: Most of your Phillip Island tour options include transfers to and from Melbourne CBD. However, if you wish to travel by yourself, here are the different ways you can reach Phillip Island.
From Melbourne to Phillip Island:
Note: Public transport within Phillip Island is limited, so it’s recommended that you either drive here or take a taxi for convenience.
The best time to visit Phillip Island is in the summer between the months of September and May. The weather is mostly pleasant and more penguins are visible during this time. Outdoor attractions are also more enjoyable.
Phillip Island is a vast area to cover, especially within a single day. If you want to visit all the attractions within Phillip Island, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days here.
Wheelchair accessibility: All the attractions within Phillip Island are equipped with accessibility features to ensure that everyone gets to experience the beauty of the island equally.
Most restaurants on Phillip Island are located at Cowes, but you can find a few eateries scattered around the island as well.
Pino's Trattoria: Enjoy delectable Italian cuisine through a variety of options including pasta, pizza, and salads paired with their signature cocktails.
Flametrees Restaurant, Cafe & Bar: Located in the heart of Phillip Island, this restaurant dishes from around the world, and also has a kiddie menu.
Cafe Omaru: Located just 3 minutes away from Flynns Beach, this restaurant serves an Indian cuisine of rice and curries with both veg and non-veg options.
Budget hotels: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island, The Island Accommodation, North Pier Hotel, Bar, Bistro & Accommodation
Mid-range hotels: Amaroo Park Phillip Island, Tropicana Motor Inn, Apartments at Glen Isla
Luxury hotels: Glen Isla House, Mud Hollow Barn, Beach House Getaway 2
Here are some other day trips from Melbourne that are definitely worth checking out.
Melbourne Skydive: Have an adventure of a lifetime as you take a plunge from 15,000 ft. A skydiving expert will accompany you through the tandem skydive, allowing anyone to enjoy it even without experience.
Yarra Valley: From wines and gourmet food to exciting hot air balloon rides, Yarra Valley has plenty to offer for anyone willing to go off the tracks for a unique experience.
Great Ocean Road tours: Take a calming walk along the pristine beaches of Great Ocean Road and cruise along Victoria’s Surf Coast. Encounter wildlife, discover the 12 Apostles, and enjoy a calm day out, without the crowds.
The price of your Phillip Island tour mostly depends on the inclusions in your tickets. If you simply want entry tickets to a specific park within Phillip Island, then the price starts from AU$15, but if you want an all-inclusive tour with an expert guide and transfers, the price can go up to AU$1170. Phillip Island cruise tickets are relatively cheaper (up to AU$98) as they don’t include access to the Nature Parks within.
There are three different types of Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets available for visitors: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets, Phillip Island Cruises and Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets.
The best way to book your Phillip Island tour is to do it online and in advance. Phillip Island tours are extremely popular and the tickets may get sold out quite easily. That being said, online booking also has other advantages.
- Free Cancellations: Enjoy great discounts and free cancellations on your Phillip Island tours.
- Advance Booking: Plan your tour in advance and don’t need to worry about them being sold out.
- Convenience: Get instant confirmation on your booking and get your tickets directly to your mobile.
From little waddling penguins to the biggest chocolate waterfall in the world, a tour of Phillip Island is sure to leave you with many fun memories to take back. With a variety of attractions and nature parks, you can indulge yourself in nature's rugged beauty as an escape from the city noise.
We suggest the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets to watch the penguins waddle back to their homes after a day at sea, a sight to enjoy with young children and grandparents alike.
Most of your Phillip Island tours include transfers from Melbourne. However, if you're travelling by yourself, you can drive, take a ferry, or take a V-line bus to get from Melbourne to Phillip Island.
Although you can plan your visit to Phillip Island Nature Parks throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the autumn and spring season. The weather is pleasant and not too cold for enjoying the outdoor activities.
We suggest definitely booking the Penguin Parade tickets to watch the little penguins head back to the shore after a day at the sea and also a visit to the Chocolate Factory to see the world's biggest chocolate waterfall. Discover other things you can do on Phillip Island.
Phillip Island tours are quite accommodating of those with limited mobility. The Nature Parks within are also mostly accessible by wheelchair with ramps and accessible toilets present all over the island. However, we recommend that you inform your tour operator in advance if you need any special assistance on your tour.