Book Phillip Island Tours
Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise at Phillip Island
- Combine sightseeing with wildlife spotting on this ultra-popular seal-watching boat tour to the scenic Australian coast. Sip on beverages as you cruise to the largest colonies of fur seals.
- You'll get to drift over 7,000 fur seals that call Seal Rocks their home, other regular spottings include sea birds and dolphins.
- No matter the month, you’ll get to spot seals year-round - from young pups to adult bulls, and everything in between.
- Learn fascinating insights about these intriguing, intelligent creatures from the wildlife commentary onboard.
- Gaze out into the infinite blue as you sip on a cup of tea or coffee on board, and keep your eyes peeled for the adorable creatures!
Inclusions
- 2-hr scenic coastal cruise
- Seal spotting
- Regular seabirds & dolphin sightings
- Tea
- Licensed bar
- Free WiFi
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Tip: Keep a lookout for the famous 19th-century Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
- Guests prone to motion sickness are recommended to bring along appropriate medicine.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Phillip Island 4 Parks Pass: Penguin Parade, Koalas, Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey
- Do not miss out on this iconic, explorative, educative, immersive, and interactive journey through Philip Island's Nature Parks!
- A mere 90-minute journey from Melbourne's CBD, Philip Island is easily accessible and promises an all-inclusive and enjoyable tour for all ages.
- Explore Philip Island's rugged beauty, seascape views, and various wildlife attractions with access to 4 of its nature parks.
- The Penguin Parade's three ticket options (general viewing, penguins plus & underground viewing) for fun interaction with the amazing seabirds.
- Stroll through lush woodlands and treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve where you'll meet and greet adorable koalas.
- At Churchill Island, you'll get to experience daily heritage farming activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and whip cracking. Enjoy peeks into the lives of early Australian settlers here.
- Antarctic Journey promises insight into nature conservation, climate resilience, and the inhabitants of the Southern Ocean to Antarctica!
Inclusions
Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade viewing from the General Viewing Platform
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Penguin Parade Plus + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Up-close Penguin Parade viewing with tiered seating for a capacity of 250 - 300 people
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island Heritage Farm
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.
- You can see penguins all year round, regardless of the weather.
- All parks are wheelchair accessible.
- Click here to see the estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sunset Sightseeing Cruise at Philip Island
- Looking for the perfect way to spend a relaxing evening in Phillip Bay? Go on this twilight bay cruise on Kasey Lee, a 19-meter-vessel, and get a glimpse into Victorian country life by the seaside.
- Cruise along the sheltered waters of Western Port Bay and if you're lucky, you'll get to spot dolphins, sea birds, and more, in this mosaic natural environment.
- Buy yourself a drink from the licensed bar on board and savor complimentary appetizers on board as you start this serene journey at dusk.
- Your captain will tell you fascinating facts and interesting insider information about Phillip Island.
- Watch the day slowly turn into night as you admire the tropical sunset and enjoy the city lights glittering in the sky.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hr Twilight & Sunset Cruise
- Light appetizers
- Licensed bar
- Captain's commentary
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Guests prone to motion sickness are recommended to bring along appropriate medicine.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise at Philip Island
- Start your morning with a cruise from San Remo to Cape Woolamai along the stunning Phillip Island and munch on continental snacks onboard.
- You'll be privy to some of the island's most Instagram-worthy sights: picture granite cliffs, dramatic caves, and turquoise waters.
- As you cruise under the Phillip Island Bridge, listen to onboard commentary about the bridge and its history.
- Enjoy some cake and sip on coffee as you spot the friendly sea residents: dolphins, seals, and if you're lucky, whales!
- Spot various sea birds that call this island their home, popular among them being Cormorants, gannets, and wedge-tailed eagles.
- Pick up interesting facts and stories about the local wildlife and scenery here from the commentary onboard.
Inclusions
- 1-hr scenic cruise
- Regular dolphin, seal and seabird sightings
- Tea & coffee with cake
- Local commentary & stories
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Tip: Ask the staff on the cruise about the fascinating surfing history of Cape Woolamai.
- Guests prone to motion sickness are recommended to bring along appropriate medicine.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
- 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.
Inclusions
- Brighton Beach Boxes
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
- Hand feed wallabies, emus & more
- Entry to Point Grant and The Nobbies
- Access to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Tour + Penguin Plus Upgrade (optional)
- Tour + Underground Viewing Experience (optional)
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- 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.
Guided Tour of Phillip Island
- 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
Inclusions
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary
- Phillip Island tour - Nobbies Center Boardwalk and Seal Rocks
- Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Transfers to and from Melbourne
- Free Wi-Fi on board the coach
- Expert and informative guide
- Access to exclusive viewing area (optional)
- Access to private boardwalk (optional)
- Up-close viewing of penguins from underground viewing window (optional)
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- Animal feeding at Moonlit Sanctuary
- 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.
Guided Tour of Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Wildlife Park with Transfers
- Make your visit to Australia a special one with these tickets to the Healesville Sanctuary and a chance to enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade with hotel transfers included in your ticket.
- Take a walk around the Sanctuary to explore at your own pace or catch a live show or Keeper Talk to enrichen your experience.
- At Phillip Island, enjoy scenic views from the Nobbies as you walk the Boardwalk.
- Don’t miss your chance to explore the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout trail before attending the famed Penguin Parade.
Inclusions
- Hotel transfers to and from CBD
- Admission to Healesville Sanctuary
- The Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Exclusions
- Lunch and dinner
- Tip: While at the Healesville Sanctuary, you can attend Keeper Talks that are free and get to know more about some of your favorite animals like kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and more.
- Children aged 4 and above are permitted on this tour.
- The Healesville Sanctuary is pram/stroller and wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs are also available for hire for which a photographic ID is required.
- Assistance animals are allowed except at the kangaroo walk-through, Koala Forest, all walk-through aviaries, flight arena shows, and close-up encounters.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Full-Day Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife & Brighton Beach Boxes
- Soak up the Aussie way of life, mingling with native wildlife and snapping vibrant beach hut shots on this full-day tour complete with a multi-lingual audio guide.
- Snap away at the picturesque Brighton beach boxes, each bursting with color and charisma.
- Embrace the exhilaration of the Nobbies blowhole and be wowed by the marine spectacle on display.
- At the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, you can see the smallest species of penguins, known as little penguins, waddling back to their burrows at dusk.
- With both bus and private car tour options, you choose how you want to explore this Aussie paradise.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour in AC bus or private car
- Brighton Beach boxes visit
- Wildlife Animal Park visit
- Nobbies Tourist Information Centre visit
- Nobbies lookout & boardwalk visit
- Phillip Island penguin parade
Exclusions
- Lunch & dinner
- Tip: Please be mindful not to disturb the penguins during the parade with flash photography or loud noises.
- The audio guide is available in Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.
- This tour is pram/stroller accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Half-Day Guided Tour of Phillip Island & Penguin Parade with Transfers
- Experience a half-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, ending with nature's enchanting spectacle, the sunset penguin parade.
- Cruise in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi with a group of no more than 24 people for a personalized experience accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
- Savor the panoramic views of Nobbies Centre and Seal Rocks, where you can see Australia's largest fur seal colony of about 16,000 seals.
- Witness the smallest penguin species standing just 33 cm tall as they make their way across the beach to their burrows at sunset.
- Upgrade to the premium viewing for a better perspective of the penguins waddling to their burrows from the grandstand seats.
Inclusions
- Half-day tour of Philip Island
- Informative driver/guide
- AC transfers
- Standard viewing at penguin parade
- Entry fees and taxes
- Wi-Fi onboard
- Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for larger marine species at Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre. You might get lucky!
- Note that the following are not allowed during this experience: large bags, luggage, prams, and strollers.
- Photography is strictly forbidden after sunset at the Penguins Parade in order to protect the little penguins.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why go on a Phillip Island Tour?
- Penguin Parade: Witness the enchanting spectacle of hundreds of adorable little penguins waddling ashore at sunset after a long day at sea.
- Wildlife Wonders: Phillip Island offers a remarkable range of wildlife encounters. You may spot kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species along the way.
- Koala Conservation Centre: Visit the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can stroll along treetop boardwalks and observe these cuddly creatures in their native eucalyptus habitat.
- The Nobbies: Be mesmerized by the rugged beauty of the Nobbies, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalks, breathe in the fresh sea air, and marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery.
- Seal Rocks: Don't miss the chance to spot Australian fur seals lazing about on Seal Rocks, just offshore from the Nobbies.
- Beautiful Beaches: With 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 find a beach to suit your preferences.
Your Phillip Island Tour Options Explained
Phillip Island Cruises
Take a serene cruise along the Victorian coast and spot beautiful beaches as you sip on your favourite beverage. Watch the sunset on the golden waters or discover fur seals, dolphins, and if you're lucky, even whales, living in their natural habitat.
Recommended Experiences:
Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise at Phillip Island
Sunset Sightseeing Cruise at Philip Island
Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise at Philip Island
Phillip Island Nature Park Tours
Discover Phillip Island's rugged beauty with an immersive tour of the different nature parks within the island. Discover and interact with Australia's native creatures in the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island. Meet adorable little penguins as they head back to their home at night and even experience the how life thrives in the icy desert of Antarctica.
Recommended Experiences:
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
Full-Day Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife & Brighton Beach Boxes
Phillip Island Combo Tours
Make the most of your visit to Melbourne and Phillip Island with combo tickets that give you a better deal. Choose between various options like Healesville Sanctuary, Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, or even the Melbourne Skydeck, each with its own specialty.
Recommended Experiences:
Full-Day Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife & Brighton Beach Boxes
Guided Tour of Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Wildlife Park with Transfers
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
With the Penguin Parade being the most popular attraction on Phillip Island, there are various ticket options that give you a variety of experiences to choose from. You can view the waddling penguins up close, underground, or even couple it with other Nature Parks on Phillip Island.
Recommended Experiences:
Phillip Island 4 Park Pass
Make the most of your visit to Phillip Island with a 4 Park Pass that gives you entry access to all the Nature Parks on the island. This pass allows you to take your time to explore each attraction at your own pace. There are also upgrade options available for your pass that allow you to experience the Penguin Parade the way you want.
Recommended Experiences:
4 Parks Pass - Penguin Parade, Koalas, Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey Tickets
Views at Phillip Island
Things to do on Phillip Island
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, a thrill-seeker, or someone seeking tranquility by the beach, Phillip Island has something for everyone. Here are some of the things you can do on Phillip Island.
Penguin Parade
Watch the adorable penguins of the Little Penguin colony that reside on the island and head back to their home on the beach at night. The penguins spend the day swimming for food and waddle back to their homes at night, when you can catch a glimpse of them. 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 Tickets
Koala Conservation Reserve
Nestled within the natural splendor of Phillip Island lies the remarkable Koala Conservation Reserve—a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and protection of Australia's beloved koalas. This idyllic reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these iconic marsupials up close in their natural habitat.
Koala Conservation Reserve
Churchill Island
Churchill Island stands as a testament to Australia's rich heritage and offers visitors a captivating journey through time. This historic island is steeped in history and showcases a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and agricultural charm. 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
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. You can also immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and temperatures of this pristine icy wilderness.
Antarctic Journey
Amaze’N Things
Spend a day at A Maze’N’ Things theme park with your friends and family. There are lots of amazing attractions to explore at this theme park including optical illusions, interactive displays, and so on. Play a game of golf, beat your fears at Sky Trail, or find your way through the Maze. This attraction is perfect for all ages and a must-visit on Phillip Island.
A Maze’N’ Things
Chocolate Factory
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is one of the top attractions to visit for chocolate lovers. Learn how the chocolate is made through fun workshops, demonstrations, and games. Visitors also can enjoy an unlimited supply of chocolate samples here while discovering the history of the Phillip Island chocolate factory. After exploring the exhibitions here, visitors can buy some souvenirs from the on-site gift shop and café.
Chocolate FactoryPlan Your Visit To Phillip Island
Penguin Parade: Every day at 4 PM; penguins arrive at sunset
Koala Conservation Reserve: Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM; last entry at 4:30 PM
Churchill Island: Every day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM; last entry at 4 PM
Antarctic Journey: Every day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM; last entry at 4 PM
A Maze’N Things: Every day from 10 AM to 4 PM; last entry at 3 PM
Chocolate Factory: Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM; last entry at 4 PM
Tour Timings:
The timings of your Phillip Island tour will depend on the type of tour you choose. 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.
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.
- Bus: Visitors can get V/Line bus services from Melbourne to Phillip Island’s towns such as Cowes, Newhaven, and Cape Woolamai. There are no direct buses to Penguin Parade so, you will need to change the bus at the bridge.
- Car/Taxi: The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes 90 minutes. You will take another 20 minutes to reach the Penguin Parade from the bridge. Once you reach, you can get free parking on site.
- Ferry: Another interesting option for reaching Phillip Island is to 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.
Summer Months - September to May
The best time to visit Phillip Island from Melbourne is between the months of September and May. The weather is mostly pleasant and warm in these months and there are more penguins visible during these months. Visitors will be able to enjoy the outdoor attractions more during these months.
If you are planning to cover all the attractions and parks at Phillip Island, then you would need approximately 2-3 days at this island.
- V-Line Shuttle: There is a V-line service that can bring you to the island is 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.
- Dining: 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.
Access for the Disabled
All the attractions within the Phillip Island are equipped with accessibility features to ensure that everyone gets to experience the beauty of the island equally.
- There is disabled parking available at all the facilities.
- There are disabled 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 the disabled.
- All the interactive displays within are placed at accessible heights.
Melbourne Skydeck: Explore the beautiful city of Melbourne from one of its tallest structures, the Mebourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower. A visit in at dusk is sure to leave you with unforgettable scenic memories.
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.
Ballarat Wildlife Park: Meet kangaroos, koalas, and wombats at this adorable wildlife park less than 2 hours away from Melbourne. A guided tour will let you understand these native creatures of Australia and their conservation measures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phillip Island Tours
There are three different types of Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets available for the visitors: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets, Phillip Island Cruises and Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets.
Phillip Island has a lot in store, from little waddling penguins to the biggest chocolate waterfall in the world, a tour to the island is sure to leave you with many fun memories to remember. With a variety of attractions, you can indulge yourself in nature's rugged beauty as an escape from the city noise.
A Phillip Island cruise allows you to escape from the city noise to the calming sea waters. You get a chance to discover the island's wildlife living in their natural habitat, observe the seals resting on the rocks, dolphins coming up for air, and even enjoy some snacks and drinks while you watch the sun set into the ocean blue. Discover various Phillip Island cruise options online.
Phillip Island Nature Parks have much to offer to any travel enthusiast. Discover Australian native animals living in their natural habitat, learn about the different conservation measures taken to protect them, explore how the cold regions of Antarctica feel and how life managed to evolve here, and also watch adorable little penguins waddle back home.
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.
The best Phillip Island Nature Parks ticket for kids is the guided tour of Phillip Island, as it lets them interact with different animals, combining education and entertainment.
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.
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.
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.
