Your Guide To Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour
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4 Parks Pass - Penguin Parade, Koalas, Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey Tickets
- 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, wallabies, echidnas, many bird species, and more.
- 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!
Please note in between Monday 18 July – Sunday 14 August:
- Churchill Island CLOSED on Monday
- Koala Conservation Reserve CLOSED on Tuesday
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
- Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade Plus + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade Underground Viewing + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
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
Penguin Parade Underground Viewing + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Eye-level view of the Penguin Parade from an underground viewing platform with a capacity of 70 people
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 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
- Upgrade either to a Penguin Plus Viewing experience for an up-close encounter, or the Guided Ranger Tour for an immersive experience of the parade
- 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
- Early afternoon pick-ups on comfortable coaches ensure a hassle-free start to the day
- Enjoy free wifi onboard the coach with insightful commentary by an expert guide
- Discounted tickets: Children under the age of 15 enjoy reduced prices on their tick.
This ticket has the following options:
- Penguins Plus
- Penguins Plus Underground
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise
- Cruise past the sheer cliffs of Cape Woolamai and along the striking southern coastline of Phillip Island for a wildlife spotting excursion.
- Apart from Australia's wildlife, you'll also enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the coast.
- Past the cliffs, you'll be greeted warmly by a host of aquatic animals that call the ocean their home.
- Watch out for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.
- Playful dolphins, curious seals, and a range of sea birds (including the Wandering Albatross) can be spotted as well.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Phillip Island Winter Whale Cruise with Lunch
- Cruise along the picturesque coastline of Phillip Island to spot aquatic wildlife.
- Sail past the striking cliffs of Cape Woolamai and be greeted by the adorable animals.
- Spot Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.
- Spot playful dolphin pods, frolicking about in the sun.
- Try and spot curious seals and a host of sea birds, including the Wandering Albatross
- A freshly-prepared lunch onboard makes your wildlife spotting experience all the more memorable.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Located in a tranquil region on Victoria’s South Coast, Phillip Island is the perfect seaside holiday. If you want to surf, build sandcastles or even watch the waddling penguins, Phillip Islands is the right vacation spot for you. For the foodies, the history geeks, and the nature lovers, this getaway spot doesn’t get any better, especially since it’s only a 90-minute drive off the coast of Melbourne. If you want a peaceful weekend away from the world, jump into a car, and you’ll be here in no time.
Top things to do in Phillip Island
The following are some popular activities to indulge in on your Melbourne to Phillip Island tour.
Penguin Parade
Over 30000 penguins live in the waters around Phillip Island, and if you want to see them, head over to the Penguin Parade at the Phillip Island Nature Park. Get on that boardwalk to watch these penguins waddle back home together and get an experience where you see the lives of these penguins up close.
With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center currently opens daily at 5 PM. It is recommended that guests reach the attraction at least 1 hour prior to the penguin arrival time. Please check the timings on the penguin calendar for details regarding the penguin arrival time during the month of your visit.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Antarctic Journey
In this joint venture between Phillip Island Nature Parks and WWF Australia, visitors are taken on an interactive, immersive journey through the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. With activities such as checking your thermal image to an Emperor. They offer a peek into the fascinating specimens of the deep blue and insight into conserving them for sustainable development.
The Nobbies Centre is currently open from 10am to 4.30pm on week days and from 10am to 6pm on weekends.
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Churchill Island
If you are looking to go on cycling and walking trails and reconnect with nature, Churchill Island is the place to be. Indulge in cow milking, sheep shearing, and other farm activities to get a feel of the countryside. Churchill Island is the first European garden in Victoria, and its remnants of historical gardens attract thousands of visitors every year.
The timings on the Farm Precinct are:
- Weekdays from 10am to 4.30 pm. (Last entry: 4 pm)
Weekends 9 am to 4.30 pm (Last entry: 4 pm) - Blacksmithing - 10.30 am
- Cow Milking - 2.00 pm
- Sheep Shearing - 2.30 pm (weekends only)
- Working Dogs - 2.45 pm
- Whip Cracking - 3.00 pm
Koala Conservation Reserve
If you love koalas and their furry ears, large round head, and big black noses, then you must stop at the Koala Conservation Reserve to see the lives of these koalas upfront and in their homeland. By going on treetop boardwalks, you get to explore the six hectares of Australian bushland with ease. You also get to explore the other local birds, along with wallabies, and echidnas.
The Koala Conservation Reserve is currently open from 10 am to 4.30 pm with the last entry to the boardwalk at 4 pm. The last entry to treetop boardwalks is 30 minutes
Chocolate Factory
Imagine an entire world of delicious, velvety chocolate! Here’s your chance to relive the magical fantasy of visiting a chocolate factory. Learn more about the chocolates we eat, and also let your imagination come to life as you see chocolate versions of Dame Edna Everage and that of Michelangelo’s David.
The Chocolate Factory is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last tour at 4 PM.
Things to do in Phillip Island
A Maze’N Things
If you want to add a little more magic to your getaway, stop at AMaze’N Things, a unique, fun-filled park located on Phillip Island. Spend the whole day playing in the mazes; the golf course; and magical displays such as disappearing rooms, time machines, and magic rabbits. For the adventurer in you, dare yourself to the Sky Trail, a 10-metre high ropes course adventure with various activities.
A Maze’N Things is open from 10 AM – 5 PM daily.
A Maze'N Things TicketsPlan Your Visit
- Train: Since there aren’t direct trains to the island, you can take one up to Dandenong and then take a V/Line bus to the island. The other option is to go by ferry after reaching Stony Point via train.
- Bus: There aren't direct buses to the Island; hence one needs to change their bus at Koo Wee Rup.
- Ferry: Travel by ferry, reach Stony Point via train, from Melbourne to Frankston, and board the Inter-Island Ferries passenger catamaran that docks at Cowes Jetty.
- Car: The journey is approximately two hours by road as it is over 140 km in distance. The main route is down Monash Freeway towards Warragul and turning to South Gippsland Freeway.
- Air: If you feel like soaring the skies for your trip to Phillip Island, then worry not. The island has their airfield within 30 minutes, the helicopter shall drop you at Phillip Island from Melbourne.
Phillip Islands has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Given that their most significant attraction is the Penguin Parade, it's best advised to go in autumn or early spring to avoid the freezing weather when enjoying the scenic view.
- Saltwater: Dining at the Saltwater gives you a view of the waterfront and the taste of the local produce, along with an airy summer vibe. Enjoy some cruisy tunes with wood-fired pizzas, tapas and cocktails and unwind during your vacation.
- Beach HQ: Enjoy the water view of Cowes foreshore beach, Westernport Bay, French Island and the Mornington Peninsula at Beach HQ. The menu offers dishes that complement the modern Australian palate, and enjoy the seafood the place has to offer. Enjoy your day with the choice of wine, from their list that goes with your meal.
- Phillip Island Winery: The location of Phillip Island Winery is near the Grand Prix Circuit, and the mild weathers allow for some delicious wine. Cosy weather in a cottage-style building, and the comfort of the seafood, the winery adds to the aesthetics of your mellow weekend getaway.
- Phillip Island Cottages
With a private patio and garden views, the guests enjoy the beach within 3 minutes of walking time. The cottage is an 8-minute drive from the Koala Conservation Centre and a 15-minute drive away from the Penguin Parade and the chocolate factory.
- The Castle - Villa by the Sea
Located in the heart of Phillip Island, this Mediterranean style accommodation is the ideal location to stay, as it is a 2-minute walk away from the Phillip Island Beach and 10 minutes away from Koala Conservation Centre, A Maze'N Things, and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Melbourne to Phillip Island Tours: FAQs
Phillip Island is 140km away from Melbourne.
You can get to Melbourne either by car, ferry, bus or even helicopter, depending on your budget.
There is no direct train to the Island, and you will need to take the bus or the ferry.
At Phillip Island, you can tour the Penguin Parade, go to the chocolate factory, enjoy the wineries, go on an Antarctic journey, or meet koalas.
If you choose to catch the bus, take the train to Dandenong and then a V/Line bus to the Island.
The ferry does provide services. But if you want to take the ferry, catch the suburban train from Melbourne to Frankston and switch to the diesel service till Stony Point. From Stony Point, there is a passenger ferry service that will bring you to Cowes.
A three-day visit helps you cover the major tourist attractions, enjoy the secluded areas, and relax before heading back.
It takes closer to 2 hours via road.
Based on your budget, there are several hotels and AirBnBs placed in the heart of the island so that your commute to other places happens with ease.
Walking from one end of the island to the other would approximately take 5 hours.
The best time to go to Phillip Island is from May to September, where the weather is mellow and breezy and isn't freezing.