5 Wildlife Tours in Phillip Island That Survive a Second Look

1.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Our pick

Spend about 12 hours exploring Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai, Cowes, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi, a guide, and entry fees included. Expect a late return, cold evening, and no photography at the penguin viewing area.

“Our tour guide Cloe was excellent. Very nice tour would highly recommend it for amazing experience.!”

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2.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with a guide such as Michael, Bluey, David, or Reuben. Meet kangaroos and koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore after dark. Expect a 12 to 14 hour day, a small group of up to 24 people, and a late return.

“Watching the penguins was a truly beautiful experience and having David our tour guide pace out the day with a focus on spending quality time at the key sites made it more relaxing and enjoyable even though this is a long tour day. David made this interactions with the group fun and shared a lot of tidbits about the area, the animals. birds and their behavior. We spotted several wallaby in the wild as well. Knowing that David had your back on this tour made it a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Thank you David and team!”

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3.Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 539 reviews · from $102Best value

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus, stopping at the Koala Conservation Reserve, Woolamai Beach, The Nobbies, and Penguin Parade. A local English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Jacob, or Graham leads the day, with audio translations available in several languages. Expect a long outing, cold evening air, and no photography at the penguin viewing area.

“Such an amazing day! Experiencing nature is a wonderful thing and seeing little koalas and penguins was the best.”

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4.Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wildlife and Beach Boxes Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 89 reviews · from $111

Spend about 12 hours visiting Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Pickup from selected Melbourne CBD hotels, transport, and admission fees are included. Guides such as Russell, Dirk, John, and Mars have earned praise for clear commentary and helpful timing advice. Bring warm layers for the chilly evening penguin viewing.

“Had a good time with Gavin the guide/driver! Awesome experience to see the animals. Wish I would have dressed warmer/drier for the penguins, however. I did learn that penguins can swim!”

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5.French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 38 reviews · 12 - 14 hours · from $155

Travel from Melbourne by ferry and road to French Island for a 2.5-hour 4WD wildlife tour, then continue to Phillip Island, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. Your guides may include Peter, Scotty, Daisy, Darren, or Matt. Expect wild koalas, ocean views, seasonal farm food, and a long day outdoors.

“A good occasion to spot Australian native wildlife and enjoy nature. Our guide was Matt, he is an amazing guy: funny and engaging!”

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