Phillip Island Tour
Join us on our Phillip Island tour, where you will experience the sweetest Australian animals in their late-night return home—the Penguin Parade and much more! Our Phillip Island Tour highlights native wildlife, coastal scenery, and uncovers wonders of nature. This day trip is perfect for nature lovers and families alike, as we offer expert guides, air-conditioned transport, and a range of extraordinary activities!
Indicative driving route; stop order may vary. Cowes marks the town centre. Walking paths are not plotted; your guide confirms access and stopping points.
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Gallery
Highlights
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Witness hundreds of the world’s smallest penguins come ashore at sunset
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Sunset at the Penguin Parade with spectacular coastal views from Summerland Beach
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Visit Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve and stroll along the boardwalk trails
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Explore The Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks, with spectacular clifftop views. *The boardwalks are open while the Nobbies Centre is closed for works.
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Discover the majestic coastline and natural beauty of Phillip Island
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A family-friendly Australian wildlife discovery experience
Trip Inclusions
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Penguin Parade general viewing entry
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Admission into the Koala Conservation Reserve
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World-class wildlife encounter up close
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Onboard WiFi and USB charging ports
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Hosted by an experienced driver guide
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Comprehensive local and entertaining tour commentary
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Modern air-conditioned comfortable coach travel, reclining seats and spacious legroom
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Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points available, for additional locations call our reservations team
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Multilingual translation app available in 20 languages, including 10 with full audio + text support. Please note: personal headphones are required and are not supplied onboard.
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Your sense of adventure
- Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker
- Water bottle
- Comfortable hiking shoes (closed-toe)
- Warm clothing as sunset is on the beach, exposed to the elements
- Money for snacks and meals
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
Google & TripAdvisor Reviews
Trip Itinerary
Journey to Phillip Island & Koala Sanctuary
Our journey starts with a scenic one-hour and forty-five-minute drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island. Our first stop is the Koala Conservation Reserve, where there is a guided walk that you will enjoy and learn about these lovable animals. As you walk along wooden pathways, you can learn all about koalas and so much more. The Koala Conservation Reserve not only serves as a sanctuary for these iconic creatures but also as an educational experience that offers insights into what it takes to protect these furry creatures. Next, we go around Phillip Island, which covers ten thousand hectares of land and houses over one hundred different species of animals. This vibrant area has approximately fifteen thousand inhabitants during peak tourist seasons. It consists of Cape Woolamai, New Haven, and Cowes as its main settlements. Each area has its own unique attractions, making Phillip Island diverse and interesting, thus a perfect place for exploring. Our next destination is the picturesque seaside village of Cowes, nestled beside the tranquil waters of Westernport Bay. Named after Cowes in the Isle of Wight, this town is famous for its amazing scenery and laid-back atmosphere. Walk around the streets visiting individual stores or dine in some great restaurants. Cowes offers countless opportunities to relax and soak up the coastal scenery, whether you want to take a leisurely stroll along the beach, shop for local crafts or enjoy a delicious meal with an ocean panoramic view.
Coastal Landscapes & The Nobbies
At our next stop – Phillip Island Nature Park, you can appreciate amazing views of rugged cliffs, stunning coastal landscapes, and more than thirty-two thousand little penguins. The park’s primary goal is conservation while still allowing people to experience Phillip Islands’ natural beauty up close. Whether you decide to walk along sandy shores, marvel at cliffs or spot wildlife – Philip Island Nature Park is an important part of our visit here. From there our tour proceeds to the Nobbies Rocks where we may take you down the boardwalks if you so wish in order to witness the rocky coastline and spot penguins nesting in their burrows. The Nobbies Centre has great views of Seal Rocks, which is home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Combining breathtaking coastal views with the opportunity to observe these magnificent sea mammals in their natural habitat, this is a must-see location on Phillip Island!
The Sunset Penguin Parade
As daylight fades away, we drive along Philip Island Penguin Habitat back roads admiring stunning coastal cliffs before finally reaching the Philip Island Penguin Parade. At sunset each day, hundreds of Little Penguins come out of the water and walk up the beach into the sand dunes where they have their nests. Hundreds of visitors are always captivated by this daily ritual that is popularly known as a Penguin Parade. Driving distance: 300km. Walking distance: less than 1km.
The Grand Finale: Phillip Island Penguin Viewing
As dusk envelopes the horizon, gear up for the Penguin Spectacle. Little Penguins only emerge post-sunset, ensuring aerial predators don’t spot them. The Penguin Spectacle maintains a strict no-photography policy from this juncture. This protects the Little Penguins’ sensitive vision and ensures they remain undisturbed. We at Great Ocean Road Tour wholeheartedly back this. Absorb the awe of this natural marvel without the quest for the ‘ultimate snapshot’. Immerse in the moment! Considering the Great Ocean Road as another pit stop? Pair it with this journey for a two-day adventure. Let us manage the logistics while you savour the experience.
Route details
Where to meet
Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45AM (winter) / 13:45PM (summer).
Winter|Summer
11:05 | 13:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne
11:08 | 13:08 – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane – 388 Lonsdale St Melbourne
11:10 | 13:10 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St Melbourne
11:15 | 13:15 – Space Hotel – 380 Russell St Melbourne
11:20 | 13:20 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance Melbourne
11:25 | 13:25 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St Melbourne
11:30 | 13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel – 189 Queen St Melbourne
11:35 | 13:35 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St Melbourne
11:40 | 13:40 – The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – 44 Spencer St Melbourne
11:45 | 13:45 – Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St corner of Market St Melbourne
11:50 | 13:50 – Mercure Melbourne Southbank – 9 Riverside Quay Southbank
This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, and departure time changes to maximize the sunset experience.
07 Apr 2024 – 05 Oct 2024 winter @ 11:45am
06 Oct 2024 – 05 Apr 2025 summer @ 13:45pm
06 Apr 2025 – 04 Oct 2025 winter @ 11:45am
05 Oct 2025 – 04 Apr 2026 summer @ 13:45pm
Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.
Our commitment
At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Melbourne Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.
Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.
Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
Traditional Owners
Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.
Wildlife Encounters
The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.
Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.
Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.
Protecting our National Parks
People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.
No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.
Waste Management
All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.
First Aid
All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.
Know before you book
What is a suitable age for this tour?
Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed. We are not obligated by regulations to provide child safety seats. Please note our vehicles do not have the storage to accommodate prams or strollers, these must be left at your hotel or accommodation.
What time do the penguins arrive?
Every day of the year, penguins arrive at sunset. Check our penguin arrival calendar to find out what time that is during your visit. We suggest you arrive one hour before the penguins start arriving so you can explore the visitor center displays, and grab a meal at the cafe, before heading down to the beach for the parade.
Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?
No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you not to use your cameras, camcorders, or camera phones at the Penguin Parade. Rangers will be onsite to ensure people adhere to this request.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.
How many people are on this tour?
We operate this tour with an average of 35 people onboard, our fleet consists of mainly 28-seater or 38-seater Yutong Coaches. These vehicles are designed for safe & comfortable on long journeys (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views and USB charging ports. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a larger vehicle on rare occasions, based on demand.
What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?
In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel on Phillip Island. The Penguin Parade is at sunset and outside, we highly recommend bringing all-weather clothing on this tour as temperatures can be cool and windy in the evenings.
Safe Travel Statement
For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. For more information click here.
Booking terms
Our Contract
All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962).
By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
Your booking is considered confirmed upon receipt of your booking confirmation
and/or invoice.
These Terms & Conditions are valid from 1 August 2025 until 31 March 2027,
though dates and itineraries remain subject to change at any time.
Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.
All bookings must be confirmed within 72 hours of departure via email to
[email protected]
Please ensure you:
- Understand the style, itinerary and physical demands of your chosen tour.
- Familiarise yourself with these Terms & Conditions and tour details.
- Disclose any medical conditions, dietary requirements or special needs.
We are not responsible for passengers who fail to review this information
prior to travel.
- Travellers are required to comply with all relevant government regulations
(Federal, State and Territory). - All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
In exceptional cases (e.g. serious medical issues, visa denials,
or regulatory changes), requests may be considered with supporting
documentation. Approval is not guaranteed. - To ensure the safety of all passengers, if you are feeling unwell during
your tour, you must notify your guide immediately. - If you choose to leave a tour early or join after it has commenced,
no refund will be provided and any additional costs incurred due to
late arrival or early departure remain your responsibility.
To confirm your booking, you must provide:
- Full name and contact details.
- Email address and dietary restrictions (if applicable).
- Nationality, country of origin or Australian postcode.
- Pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your travel.
- For Comfort Style Tours including domestic flight,
passport details (or government-issued photo ID
for Australian citizens) are required.
Failure to provide this may result in missed flights
and additional costs.
Please see our Privacy Policy for information
on how we manage your personal data.
Please advise us at the time of booking or no later
than 7 days before departure of any:
- Medical conditions.
- Dietary requirements / food allergies.
- Mobility or accessibility needs.
We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee
all requests, especially in remote regions.
We recommend bringing your own snacks for special dietary needs.
We strongly recommend all travellers obtain
comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.
Insurance should include cover for:
- Medical emergencies and repatriation
(recommended minimum AUD $300,000
or USD $200,000). - Personal accident, illness, loss of property and liability.
- Tour cancellation, flight delays and force majeure disruption.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Comfort Style Tours.
Proof of cover will be requested before departure.
If you do not provide adequate cover,
you may be refused travel and cancellation fees will apply.
If relying on credit card insurance,
please bring policy number,
insurer’s name and emergency contact details.
Check Availability & Book Now!
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