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- Phillip Island Tours
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Treat your eyes to the magical sight of little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk in the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
- Home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia, Phillip Island is located just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
- Take your kids along and let them learn about wildlife and nature while watching the cute, pint-sized penguins scurry about.
- Choose to enjoy your parade viewing time on the General Platform, the tiered seating, through an Underground Platform, on a ranger-guided tour, or on a secluded beach!
- Opt for the Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass for koala spotting at the Koala Conservation Centre and farm adventures at Churchill Island.
- Penguins will arrive at the coast at sunset. We suggest you arrive approximately 1 hour prior.
- The penguin homing usually lasts about 50 minutes.
- Photographs and video recordings are not allowed when penguins are coming home, because they are afraid that artificial light sources will stimulate the eyes of the penguins. The island implements light control at this time.
- Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.
- You can see penguins all year round, regardless of the weather. The Penguin Parade is outside, so pack a raincoat or umbrella if rain is predicted.
- All parks are wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Take a day tour from Melbourne to the famous and colorful Brighton Beach boxes
- Gear up for a unique Australian wildlife experience at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park with guided walks and hand-feeding native species
- Make way to Phillip Island and witness the cutest parade of Little Penguins as they waddle the way back to their burrows
- View and learn about an array of fascinating Australian wildlife, including koalas, wombats, dingoes, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Point Grant for stunning views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock.
- No photography is allowed during the Penguin Parade.
- It is recommended to wear warm clothes and carry a rain jacket during the winter months.
- It is advised to carry snacks and bottled water.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore 3 wildlife attractions in Victoria on this guided day tour from Melbourne.
- Encounter Australia’s native species, including kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and more at Moonlit Sanctuary.
- Select from ticket options to get the chance to see penguins flourishing in their natural habitat from exclusive viewing areas.
- Enjoy stunning coastal views of south Phillip Island at Nobbies Center
- Enjoy free wifi onboard the coach with insightful commentary by an expert guide
- No photography is allowed during the Penguin Parade.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Melbourne
Why go on a Phillip Island tour?
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.
Witness the waddling penguins
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.
Delightful wildlife encounters
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!
Take a tree-top boardwalk
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.
Stroll along the Nobbies
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.
Soak in the breathtaking beaches
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.
Experience farm life on Churchill Island
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.
What Phillip Island tour should I pick?
If you’re on a budget
Go for: Cruises, specific park ticket
Price: less than AU$50
Duration: 1 hour to all day
- Although Phillip Island tours are a little on the pricey end, cruises and penguin parade tickets are relatively affordable.
- Get spectacular views of the Victorian coast or watch the waddling ducks, within a budget.
Recommended tours:
If you’re short on time
Go for: Cruises, Penguin Parade, specific park ticket
Price: AU$15 to AU$98
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Phillip Island cruises and the Penguin Parade usually last up to 4 hours.
- Pick the park of your choice and get entry tickets only for it, saving yourself some time and also money.
Recommended tours:
If you want a nature escape
Go for: Cruises, wildlife parks, specific park ticket
Price: AU$15 to AU$1170
Duration: 1 to 12 hours
- Escape the city’s hustle-bustle and enjoy the raw beauty of Phillip Island at the Koala Conservation Reserve or Churchill Island.
- Encounter wildlife, go bird-watching, enjoy farming, and truly unwind amidst nature.
Recommended tours:
If you’re bringing along kids
Go for: Penguin Parade, A Maze’n Things, Antarctic Journey, wildlife cruises
Price: AU$15 to AU$159
Duration: Up to 4 hours
- With fun curated activities, Phillip Island is an amazing getaway for adults and children alike.
- Let your young one get closer to wildlife, learn about the Antarctic, or have a ball at the island’s theme park.
Recommended tours:
If you want transfers included
Go for: Guided tours, tours starting from Melbourne
Price: AU$149 to AU$1170
Duration: Up to 12 hours
- Get comfortable air-conditioned transfers from common landmarks in Melbourne or from your hotel.
- For hotel transfers, simply provide the name and address of your hotel while booking your tickets and a vehicle will arrive to pick you up at the start of the tour.
Recommended Tours:
If you want a guided experience
Go for: Fully guided tours, guided cruises
Price: AU$30 to AU$1170
Duration: 1 hour to all day
- Get an expert guide to give you in-depth information about the island, its inhabitants, its history, and more.
- Enjoy live commentary aboard the cruise of your choice and hear about the local stories of the island.
Recommended Tours:
If you want a long tour
Go for: Guided tours, all-inclusive tours, park pass
Price: AU$30 to AU$1170
Duration: 10 hours to all day
- If you’ve got an entire day to spare, go the extra mile and book a long tour that takes you all over the island, optionally including transfers.
- Take a 4 Park Pass at Phillip Island and take your time to all your favourite attractions within Phillip Island.
Recommended tours:
If you want to explore beyond Phillip Island
Go for: Combo tours, Phillip Island + other attractions
Price: AU$51 to AU$1170
Duration: Flexible durations, all day
- Discover other popular attractions in Melbourne like Moonlit Sanctuary, Brighton Beach, Healesville Sanctuary and more!
- Go light on your pockets with combo tickets which usually come with discounts.
Recommended tours:
Views at Phillip Island
See all photos
What’s on Phillip Island?
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.
Penguin Parade
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 Parade
Koala Conservation Reserve
Highlights: 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 Reserve
Churchill Island
Highlights: 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 Island
Antarctic Journey
Highlights: 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 Journey
A Maze’N Things
Highlights: 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 Things
Chocolate Factory
Highlights: 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 FactoryPlan your visit to Phillip Island
Timings
Getting there
Best time to visit
Facilities
Accessibility
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Tips
Tour 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.
- Penguin Parade: Every day at 4 PM
- Koala Conservation Reserve: Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Churchill Island: Every day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Antarctic Journey: Every day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- A Maze’N Things: Every day from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Chocolate Factory: Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM
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:
- By Bus: Take the V-Line bus from Melbourne to any of the towns on Phillip Island.
- By Car/Taxi: The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes 90 minutes. There’s parking available for all attractions within Phillip Island.
- Ferry: Take a ferry from Stony Point Jetty in Frankston to Cowes Jetty at Phillip Island. You can take a suburban train from Melbourne to Frankston and then the ferry to Cowes Jetty. The entire journey will take you 2 hours.
Note: Public transport within Phillip Island is limited, so it’s recommended that you either drive here or take a taxi for convenience.
Summer months - September to May
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.
- How long to spend at Phillip Island?
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.
- V-line shuttle: There is a V-line service that can bring you to the island if you don't have your own transport. However, the service is unavailable after the Penguin Parade.
- Toilets: There are resting areas and toilets available throughout the island.
- Parking: There are ample parking spaces in each facility on the island.
- Cafés: There is a café available at each facility that serves beverages, light snacks and also full meals.
- Shop: You can also find shops to buy trinkets and souvenirs.
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.
- There is accessible parking available at all the facilities.
- There are accessible toilets available throughout the island.
- Public areas and the boardwalks have ramps for easy access.
- There is a complimentary buggy service available to anyone with limited mobility.
- There is a designated viewing platform right next to the path of the penguins for those on wheelchairs.
- All the interactive displays are placed at accessible heights.
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.
- Fewer crowds on weekdays: Since Phillip Island is a popular attraction, plan your trip on a weekday to escape the crowd of tourists.
- Book your tour online: As the Penguin Parade is a popular attraction, buy your Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets online to book your slots in advance to avoid the concern of tickets being sold out.
- Be comfortable: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you may be required to walk quite a bit around the island depending on your ticket.
- Get rain protection: You can visit Phillip Island throughout the year, but do carry a raincoat or an umbrella. Penguin Parade is conducted outside and you might need protection from unexpected showers.
- Unmissable views: Enjoy the ultimate views from the famous blowhole lookout point that is located along the Nobbies boardwalk.
Frequently asked questions about Phillip Island tours
How much do Phillip Island tours cost?
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.
What tour options are available for a Phillip Island Nature Parks?
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.
What is the best way to book Phillip Island tours?
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.
Is it worth it to take a Melbourne to Phillip Island tour?
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.
What is the best Phillip Island Nature Parks tour for families?
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.
How can I get from Melbourne to Phillip Island?
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.
What is the best time to visit Phillip Island Nature Parks?
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.
What are the best things to do in Phillip Island?
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.
Are Phillip Island tours wheelchair accessible?
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.
