Things to do in
Phillip Island

Our most recommended things to do in Phillip Island

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

1. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

Penguin Parade: General Viewing Entry Ticket

2. Penguin Parade: General Viewing Entry Ticket

Discover the magic of watching penguins in their natural environment with this general viewing entry ticket to the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. With general admission, enjoy tiered seating from grandstands that overlook the picturesque Summerlands Beach where the penguins make their daily march to their burrows.  Arrive an hour before sunset and find out more about these creatures at the visitor center. Have the chance to see them come right up to the window to say hello. Hungry visitors can visit the onsite café serving coffee, snacks, drinks, and full meals.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

3. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

Discover some of Australia's most well-loved creatures on a bus tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the beloved Penguin Parade. See the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, getting up close to its animals and learning about them. During the day, get up-close-and-personal with the friendly residents of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala, and learn about the conservation of these lovable native animals. While at the sanctuary, see some lesser known, but equally adorable, endangered species, including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. Visit the stunning Cape Woolamai surf beach (time permitting) and the Nobbies before arriving at Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and through the sand dunes to their burrows. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife of Phillip Island and make this a journey to remember.

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

4. From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

Enjoy two top experiences with this day trip from Melbourne. Travel from Belgrave to Emerald lake onboard the nostalgic Puffing Billy Railway steam train and be mesmerized by waddling sea birds at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.  Be picked up from a central Melbourne CBD location and travel in air-conditioned comfort to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Hop onboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train for a ride from Belgrave to Emerald through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. Stop at Emerald Lake where you can take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Emerald Lake and have the opportunity topurchase your own lunch at a charming local eatery. Stop at the The Nobbies Lookout and visit the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre to find out about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Take pictures of glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this spectacular lookout. Walk the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Head off to watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way home into their burrows at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Buy a nice dinner at the Penguin Parade while you watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Return to Melbourne CBD with unforgettable memories at the end of your tour.

Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise

5. Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise

Set sail from San Remo Jetty in the morning and cruise towards Cape Woolamai. Along the coast, enjoy the serene beauty of Phillip Island, with its granite cliffs and caves framed by turquoise waters. Pass under the iconic Phillip Island Bridge during your journey. Keep an eye out for marine life such as dolphins and seals, known to frequent the area. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate spotting cormorants, gannets, and wedge-tailed eagles. During the cruise, listen to informative commentary about the local wildlife and scenery. Return to San Remo around midday, just in time to witness the daily feeding of the pelicans.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

6. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Maru Koala and Animal Park and coastal views at Brighton Beach, Nobbies Boardwalk, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Start the day by being picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Brighton Beach. Explore the area and take photos of the iconic Brighton beach boxes. From here, you can also see views of the Melbourne skyline. Next is a visit to Maru Koala and Animal Park. Here you can see a variety of species of Australian animals who live on the property. There will be time to purchase lunch here before driving to the next location. Stop at Nobbies Tourist and Information Center to learn about Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then walk along Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy coastal views. After a relaxing walk along Nobbies Boardwalk, visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Purchase dinner before watching the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. From here, head back to Melbourne and be dropped off at your accommodation.

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

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

Admire the rich diversity of Australia's wildlife on a guided bus tour to Phillip Island Nature Parks from Melbourne. Continue to Philip Island to watch the Penguin Parade and relax on the shores of Woolamai Beach. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in central Melbourne and hop aboard an airconditioned bus. Relax on your journey out through the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne to the small country town of Tooradin. Continue above the top of Westernport Bay and stop at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Get up close to local koalas in their natural bushland habitat. Take a short drive to Phillip Island to enjoy sweeping views of Cape Woolamai and Woolamai surf beach. Walk along the beach, dip your feet in the cool water, or unwind on the beach. Make your way to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take in views on the far western end of the island of Australia's stunning and dynamic coastline. See the remains of an ancient volcano called The Nobbies. Go along the coastline looking for wallabies in the wild on the way to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Settle yourself into the little penguin’s environment as you watch them come ashore for the night, waddling next to and underneath the boardwalks. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour.

From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

8. From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

This small group day tour departing from Melbourne will take you to some of the most popular nature spots in the region, including Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, The Nobbies boardwalk, and the world-famous Penguin Parade. At Moonlit Sanctuary, you'll get to encounter famous Australian wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles, Tasmanian Devils, and of course, Koalas! You may even have the opportunity to get up close to a Koala or wallaby. *Small fee applies At The Nobbies, you can explore the boardwalks and enjoy panoramic coastal views of Bass Strait, stroll along the clifftop boardwalks with views out to the Nobbies and Seal Rocks. You'll be able to take in an array of stunning sights as you explore the boardwalks, and if you're lucky, you might even see the blowhole in action! Experience the amazing sight of little penguins waddling home from the ocean to their burrows at Phillip Island. Home to the largest little penguin colony in the world, you can watch these amazing seabirds every night of the year from our viewing platforms and boardwalks. As darkness falls, see the little penguins dash across the sand to their nests. Then explore the boardwalks and discover these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. You might see them greeting their neighbours, mating, or caring for their chicks. While you're on your wildlife adventure, keep an eye out for other resident animals including swamp wallabies, Eastern barred bandicoots, Cape Barren geese, and short-tailed shearwaters This is a truly unique opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and wildlife!

Melbourne: Brighton Boxes, Puffing Billy, and Penguin Parade

9. Melbourne: Brighton Boxes, Puffing Billy, and Penguin Parade

Important:The exact departure time will between 8am to 12pm, the exact time provided 12 Hours before departing by SMS or E-mail. Enjoy a full-day trip from Melbourne to some of its must-see attractions in the company of your driver guide. Witness colorful beach huts, an old steam train, seals, and penguins as you make the most of your time without the stress of having to arrange your own schedule. Meet your driver-guide in the Melbourne Central Business District, then head for your first stop at the Brighton Bathing Boxes. Be enchanted by these vibrant, multi-coloured beach huts which make the perfect backdrop for selfies or group shots. Next, get ready to go back in time to the age of steam. Ride the hundred-year-old Puffing Billy Steam Train and feel as you are in a fairytale world as you puff through the atmospheric and scenic route. Next, Maru Koala and Animal Park(at your own expense). Maru is a family-run attraction where you can see koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australian birds, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus and even more! (Subject to the schedule of Puffing Billy Railway, not guaranteed to go) Next, take in the outstanding views at the Nobbies Centre, a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views. Look out for friendly ocean creatures at Seal Rocks, Australia's largest colony of fur seals. Complete your trip with a visit to Phillip Island Nature Parks. Settle into your chair in the tiered seating section to be awed by Penguin Parade, and watch these little creatures waddle home as you overlook floodlit Summerland Beach.

Philip Island: Seal Watching Cruise

10. Philip Island: Seal Watching Cruise

Enjoy a 2-hour scenic coastal boat tour to Seal Rocks, where you will drift among over 7,000 Australian Fur Seals. There are seals all year round, from young pups to adult bulls, there is always something exciting to see! Benefit from educational commentary on board, helping you identify the seals and the other diverse wildlife in this rich ocean, as well as pointing out the various historical sights visible from the boat. Relax in comfort with complimentary afternoon or morning tea, a warm undercover viewing area, as well as activities for children onboard. Visit the captain's bridge for an insight into how the boat operates!

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What people are saying about Phillip Island

Overall rating

4.6
(1,358 reviews)

It was such a fantastic day! Gina was an exceptional tour guide :) she had in-depth knowledge of the local area, yet knew extensive details regarding Australia’s history, including its native ancestors, and about the extraordinary local wildlife including the wallabies, koalas, penguins, and so much more. The tour itself was spectacular but Gina’s enthusiasm, her warm attitude and fa her expertise really pushed it over the top for me and helped make this trip memorable. Thank you again for an excellent tour!

Great tour. Our guide Sherif did a great job and provided a lot of interesting and useful information, and did it in a fun and entertaining way. Organisation was good. We saw a lot of animals during the day as well as the beautiful landscape of Phillip Island. The tour was definitely worth it.

It was excellent couldn’t get any better John are guild was lovely, funny and had so much information to give the perfect tour guild. The penguins were the highlight of the trip but the train was fantastic and seeing the nobbies was a lovely extra.

Our guide was a bubbly, cheerful woman that was helpful and very clear. She was easy to hear and presented great information.

Good trip, recommend highly, loved the fun facts our driver/tour leader gave us.