Things to do in Phillip Island

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.

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation 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 Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Here you will experience the magic of Australia's native wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary, where you'll meet adorable koalas, playful kangaroos, and other fascinating creatures in a natural bushland setting. 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.

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.

Depart from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station and go straight to Phillip Island via the Bass Coast Highway with panoramic views of Western Port and French Island. Crossing onto Phillip Island at San Remo, your first stop is Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre to take a walk along the boardwalk and soak in the views back towards the Mornington Peninsula from Phillip Island’s most western point (during winter solstice this may be omitted). From September to late March, also have the chance to explore the township of Cowes & or the local Chocolate Factory. Head to Phillip Island for the penguin tour. Just after dark every night, the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. Be captivated as the stars of the show emerge from the surf and pass right before your eyes on their journey back to their burrows. An evening meal (at your own expense) can be enjoyed before or after the Penguin Parade depending on the season. Your return to Melbourne is direct via the Monash Freeway for an evening arrival back to Southern Cross Station and limited CBD drop-off points (Flinders St Station and Queen & Lonsdale st).

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!

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.

Get on a full-day Phillip Island Day Tour, where you'll explore diverse wildlife, breathtaking coastal views, and stunning landscapes. End your day with the unforgettable experience of watching the iconic Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle their way home at sunset! ↪ Moonlit Sanctuary: Visit the Moonlit Sanctuary, where you can get up close with Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and more in a peaceful, natural setting. ↪ Cape Woolamai: Discover Cape Woolamai, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking coastal views. ↪ The Nobbies: Visit The Nobbies, a prime spot for stunning ocean views and wildlife sightings, including seals (if you're lucky!). ↪ Penguin Parade: Witness the enchanting Penguin Parade, as little penguins make their way home to their burrows at sunset.

Embark on an enchanting afternoon and evening nature tour from Melbourne. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, walk along The Nobbies boardwalks, and see adorable penguins on Phillip Island. Start your journey through the verdant Dandenong Ranges aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Marvel at the lush landscapes and historic locomotive as it winds its way from Belgrave to Lakeside (or reverse) during an hour-long trip. At The Nobbies, enjoy panoramic coastal vistas of Bass Strait from the clifftop boardwalks and witness the awe-inspiring blowhole. As twilight descends, be captivated by the spectacle of little penguins returning to their burrows on Phillip Island, an all-year-round penguin-watching experience. Watch as they dart across the sand to their nests, or observe their charming interactions, from greetings to nesting and chick-rearing. Throughout your wildlife odyssey, keep an eye out for other native wildlife such as swamp wallabies, Eastern barred bandicoots, Cape Barren geese, and short-tailed shearwaters. This exceptional experience immerses you in the wonders of nature and wildlife, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Join the operator on a charming afternoon adventure aboard the iconic Puffing Billy Steam Railway as we embark on a journey through the verdant Dandenong Ranges. On this 25-mins to 1-hour-long adventure, you'll marvel at lush landscapes and historic locomotives as they wind their way between Belgrave and the Gembrook. At The Nobbies, you can enjoy panoramic coastal views of Bass Strait from the cliff-top boardwalk and witness the stunning blowholes. As the sun sets, you head out to Summerland Beach. Observe hundreds of little penguins come up to the shore, making their way across the beach to their homes in the sand dunes.

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!