Kim
Gary
Andrew
Tayla-anne
Paul
Mohd
Raewyn
Emma
Phillip Island is the perfect getaway from Melbourne; featuring native wildlife such as Little penguins, koalas, whales & more, and adventure activities, all nestled within acres of protected forests.
Keep reading and take a look at everything that awaits you on this island located just 90 minutes away from the city.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you’ll get to see Little Penguins waddle their way back home just after sunset. Standing tall at just 33 centimeters, they might just be the cutest things you see up close!
Observe koalas in their natural habitat through elevated boardwalks that bring you up to the tree canopy level, providing excellent vantage points to see koalas up close as they eat, sleep, and move through the eucalyptus trees!
Explore charming 19th-century cottages, lush gardens and meet farm animals like Clydesdale horses, Highland cattle, and sheep. The island's scenic walking trails provide stunning views of the ocean, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Find informative exhibits about the island's unique wildlife, including the unique Australian fur seals. Surrounded by a glistening blue sea, you can step outside onto the boardwalks to enjoy panoramic ocean views and spot seals basking on the rocks.
The Seal cruise takes you to Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal colony. Watch hundreds of playful seals in their natural habitat, swimming, sunbathing, and interacting with each other – learn all about their way of living from your tour guide!
The park features a giant maze, mini-golf, and an illusion room that will leave you feeling dizzy. Kids will love the interactive puzzles and games, while adults can enjoy the cleverly designed optical illusions. A great place for a family-friendly day out on the island.
Chocolate lovers rejoice! The factory tour includes interactive machines and activities, such as creating your own chocolate bar. Learn all about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, and enjoy samples of freshly made chocolates!
Watch these adorable birds as they gracefully waddle back to their burrows at sunset.
Absolutely! Phillip Island is one of the most unique experiences in Australia, with untouched wild forests and beaches, penguins visiting every day, whales and dolphins making their presences known to visitors, and a beautiful bar/pub culture. It’s a wonderful experience to go on if it’s your first time in Australia!
Taking a guided tour can enhance your experience, especially if you want to learn more about the island's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Book half and full-day tours, with optional upgrades to attractions like Puffing Billy, Healesville Sanctuary, Moonlit Sanctuary and more.
To reach Phillip Island from Melbourne city center, you can drive, take a bus, or join a guided tour that includes transportation. The distance is approximately 140 km, and the journey takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.
If you want to see the famous Penguin Parade, the best time to visit is during the cooler months from September to April when the penguins return to shore at sunset. However, if you're interested in whale watching, the best time is from May to October when whales migrate along the coast.
We’d recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons like holidays and weekends, as it is a popular tourist destination. This applies particularly to attractions like the Penguin Parade and the Koala Conservation Centre.
Dogs are generally not allowed inside most attractions on Phillip Island due to conservation efforts and the protection of wildlife.
Weather can affect transportation options to Phillip Island, particularly if you're planning to take a ferry. Rough seas or inclement weather might cause cancellations or delays, so it's advisable to check weather forecasts and transportation updates before your trip. Check out our plan your visit page for more tips to keep in mind during your visit.
Phillip Island provides amenities and assistance for people with disabilities at most attractions. These include wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, ramps, special parking and wheelchairs for rent.
There's no strict dress code for entering Phillip Island, but it's advisable to dress comfortably and consider the weather conditions, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. Carry layers in case it gets cold, especially for the Penguin Parade.
Ticketing was easy to follow and information and maps for the three activities were good. The staff at all three were really helpful, pleasant and made the experiences fun. It was fun getting close to the animals at Churchill Island and the highlight was milking the cow. Walking around the koala reserve and again getting to see them up close was special. The highlight of the afternoon was the penguin parade, particularly getting to see them as they went to their burrows, from the boardwalk. We all agreed that we had a great day. We self drove.
The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, making our experience a great one. And the penguins were so cute and adorable when they came into the beach.
Loved every bit of Churchill island and the activities they host and the penguin parade is soo cute.
Everything and it was great and my cousins loved seening the penguins as they were from America
The penguins were great. The guides were great. The foreigners kept disobeying the rules...not sitting down and always using their phone
Had a great time. Needing an app for the tickets was a bit of a pain, but luckily all the staff at the three parks were very helpful and understanding about our not wanting the hassle.
We absolutely loved where we were sitting. The penguins came out straight in front of us and it was awesome. Loved seeing them swim in and wait for their friends to come join them before they headed up the beach.
The ticketing system was easy as! Ticket, simple and fast. The experience was awesome watching the penguins roll in after dusk.... very special indeed, wish we could have stayed longer than the 50mins of lights though!
Seeing the little penguins and spending time observing them in their environment. We also got to see the bandicoot and a few possums :)
It's really well set out and organised and the educational piece at the start was useful. Ticketing was easy although I don't download the app and didn't need to so could have done without being told I needed that extra step.
A wonderful experience seeing the little penguins exiting the ocean under a full moon! Witnessing this natural phenomenon was a real privilege. The event was very well organised by the co-ordinators.
The walk to watch the parade was very good, seating was really good, guides were great even when they had people still wanting to take photos they had great patience, the facilities where first clss, great evening that we recommending to all our family and friends.
My first time taking my 2 kids 12 and 8 to the penguins. The kids loved seeing the penguins up close and fearing their sounds as they found their burrows. . There were a lot of disrespectful people there standing up and taking photos and videos. It was a sold out evening so we barely got to see any penguins coming on to shore, maybe 4. Thank goodness their experience was made so much better as we walked back along the boardwalk. . The staff were great but constantly having to tell people to sit down and stop using their phones for photos and video.
I enjoyed the experience of waiting and watching the penguins to return home. I had no expectations, so it made the experience more joyful as I waited in anticipation for the arrival of their return. One of nature's amazing gift to us.
Ticketing via your website was very easy. Your commentary from Sue was fantastic, she knows her stuff. Thank you. We spoke to a few guides and they were all great to have chat about the penguins with.
We enjoyed the penguin parade and the staff were so helpful and polite.
It has been an overall positive experience and we're so glad we did the tour.
The koala conservation reserve was fantastic! Staff was very friendly and eager to answer questions my group had.
What a wonderful experience. Definitely worth spending the extra for vip section.
Penguins are cool. Other tourists didn't follow rules
Incredible birthday experience for me and my husband. 🐧 🐧 🐧
The experience was quite good.
Seeing the penguins in their habitat.
it was great We arrived late but we saw them.. so beautiful ❤️
Not that too exciting. We couldn't see clearly
See the world’s only wild penguin parade!
Inclusions
Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
Access to boardwalk and visitor center
Access to general viewing platform
Penguins Plus (if option selected)
Access to Penguins Plus viewing platform
Closest penguin pathway viewing
Limited-capacity beachfront stand
Underground Viewing (if option selected)
Access to underground viewing platform
Eye-level penguin encounters
Weatherproof indoor platform
3 Parks Pass (if option selected)
Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve
Entry to Churchill Island
Catriona
Graham
Tracey
Ticketing was easy to follow and information and maps for the three activities were good. The staff at all three were really helpful, pleasant and made the experiences fun. It was fun getting close to the animals at Churchill Island and the highlight was milking the cow. Walking around the koala reserve and again getting to see them up close was special. The highlight of the afternoon was the penguin parade, particularly getting to see them as they went to their burrows, from the boardwalk. We all agreed that we had a great day. We self drove.
Loved every bit of Churchill island and the activities they host and the penguin parade is soo cute.
Had a great time. Needing an app for the tickets was a bit of a pain, but luckily all the staff at the three parks were very helpful and understanding about our not wanting the hassle.
We enjoyed the penguin parade and the staff were so helpful and polite.
It has been an overall positive experience and we're so glad we did the tour.
The koala conservation reserve was fantastic! Staff was very friendly and eager to answer questions my group had.
Phillip Island’s ultimate wildlife and heritage trio.
Inclusions
Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
Access to boardwalk and visitor center
Access to general viewing platform
Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve
Entry to Churchill Island
Penguins Plus (if option selected)
Access to Penguins Plus viewing platform
Closest penguin pathway viewing
Limited-capacity beachfront stand
Underground Viewing (if option selected)
Access to underground viewing platform
Eye-level penguin encounters
Weatherproof indoor platform
Catriona
Tracey
Lynn
Ticketing was easy to follow and information and maps for the three activities were good. The staff at all three were really helpful, pleasant and made the experiences fun. It was fun getting close to the animals at Churchill Island and the highlight was milking the cow. Walking around the koala reserve and again getting to see them up close was special. The highlight of the afternoon was the penguin parade, particularly getting to see them as they went to their burrows, from the boardwalk. We all agreed that we had a great day. We self drove.
The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, making our experience a great one. And the penguins were so cute and adorable when they came into the beach.
Loved every bit of Churchill island and the activities they host and the penguin parade is soo cute.
Everything and it was great and my cousins loved seening the penguins as they were from America
Cruise was alright but the highlight for me was the penguin parade it was adorable to see little penguins waddle towards their nest and headout app was really easy to use just needed to show the barcode to the staff!
The penguins were great. The guides were great. The foreigners kept disobeying the rules...not sitting down and always using their phone
Had a great time. Needing an app for the tickets was a bit of a pain, but luckily all the staff at the three parks were very helpful and understanding about our not wanting the hassle.
We absolutely loved where we were sitting. The penguins came out straight in front of us and it was awesome. Loved seeing them swim in and wait for their friends to come join them before they headed up the beach.
The ticketing system was easy as! Ticket, simple and fast. The experience was awesome watching the penguins roll in after dusk.... very special indeed, wish we could have stayed longer than the 50mins of lights though!
Seeing the little penguins and spending time observing them in their environment. We also got to see the bandicoot and a few possums :)
It's really well set out and organised and the educational piece at the start was useful. Ticketing was easy although I don't download the app and didn't need to so could have done without being told I needed that extra step.
A wonderful experience seeing the little penguins exiting the ocean under a full moon! Witnessing this natural phenomenon was a real privilege. The event was very well organised by the co-ordinators.
The ticketing experience was very disappointing I had so much trouble trying to downsize my group booking . It took so long to get any real answers & help as AI didn't understand my request. It was very frustrating and took so long to get answers that we ran out of time . The real person was very helpful explaining , however it was too late to change the booking by the time I got any sense in how to do it. Not her fault .. the company needs to improve their website re:!ticket changing and refunds.. I was frustrated and annoyed with the whole process ....but we did have a good trip even though the weather wasn't the best.
Both the Penguin Parade and the cruise were very good -- well organised, very well informed, and with friendly and competent staff. We enjoyed the information shared by the staff, seeing the penguins, and being out on the boat (and on a sunny morning).
I really enjoyed being out on the water, seeing the penguins. I thought the staff working both venues were amazing! So kind, welcoming and handled difficult people really well
The walk to watch the parade was very good, seating was really good, guides were great even when they had people still wanting to take photos they had great patience, the facilities where first clss, great evening that we recommending to all our family and friends.
My first time taking my 2 kids 12 and 8 to the penguins. The kids loved seeing the penguins up close and fearing their sounds as they found their burrows. . There were a lot of disrespectful people there standing up and taking photos and videos. It was a sold out evening so we barely got to see any penguins coming on to shore, maybe 4. Thank goodness their experience was made so much better as we walked back along the boardwalk. . The staff were great but constantly having to tell people to sit down and stop using their phones for photos and video.
I enjoyed the experience of waiting and watching the penguins to return home. I had no expectations, so it made the experience more joyful as I waited in anticipation for the arrival of their return. One of nature's amazing gift to us.
Ticketing via your website was very easy. Your commentary from Sue was fantastic, she knows her stuff. Thank you. We spoke to a few guides and they were all great to have chat about the penguins with.
We enjoyed the penguin parade and the staff were so helpful and polite.
It has been an overall positive experience and we're so glad we did the tour.
The koala conservation reserve was fantastic! Staff was very friendly and eager to answer questions my group had.
What a wonderful experience. Definitely worth spending the extra for vip section.
Penguins are cool. Other tourists didn't follow rules
Incredible birthday experience for me and my husband. 🐧 🐧 🐧
Dolphins by day, penguins by night!
Inclusions Phillip Island Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise
1-hour Cape Woolamai morning cruise
Wildlife spotting and bird watching
Tea & coffee with cake
Expert local commentary
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
3 Parks Pass (if option selected)
Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve
Entry to Churchill Island
Exclusions Phillip Island Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise
Phillip Island Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise
Nature Parks Penguin Parade
Heather
Catriona
Graham
An all day tour went so quickly as James C our driver and tour guide was fantastic. Good driver and good historian. Got lots of info about Australia and Melbourne and Victoria. Tour bus comfortable and interesting group of co travellers. Loved all four of our stops. The stops also broke up the bus travel and just loved the penguin parade plus bandicoots, geese, wallabies and a possum who all showed up for the parade too. We will book with Go West again next time in Melbourne perhaps for the great ocean road tour.
Great guide with Bluey giving us lots of information along the way and when we got there the best places to see the penguins. A must see trip.
Ticketing went very smoothly .Chris our guide ,was very informative about the areas we visited and gave excellent advice on how to get the best out of our visit to the penguin habitat. Chris is full of life and entertained us and made sure even the children on board a fun experience. A wonderful afternoon and evening
Nice trip, we have lots of fun.
We had a great experience. There was a bit of chaos at the pickup. But after that it was smooth overall. Our guide/driver Jordan was great too.
This was a wonderful experience. Fiona was very knowledgeable about the area and navigated us around so we could see everything! Highly recommend going with this family run business! You will not be disappointed!!!
Tour guide Bill is awesome!!! He's kind and caring
Over all excellent tour and guide is very good
Good half day your. Bluey, our guide was entertaining and full of useful information
Your pace, your penguin adventure—half or full day.
Inclusions
Penguins Plus (if option selected)
Exclusions
Joanne
Paul
Karen
Amazing trip,, kind and well-informed guide; a pity the mic on the bus did not work though. Also, a teeny bit chaotic sorting people into three different coaches. But it alk worked out perfectly in the end. Puffing Billy and the penguins are definitely well worth the time and money.
The guide John was fantastic. He was knowledgeable and really keen to give everyone the best experience possible. He went above and beyond from his photography skills to ensuring his passengers had a way to get home.
Our driver Phil was down to earth, full of info, prompt and got us in and set for the activities on the itinerary with no dramas :)
Ride with Puffing Billy was good, despite the rain. Animal "spotting" and the pinguins were also good. Gavin, the driver, had a lot of knowledge that he willingly shared.
Great weather, great sights and sweet guide.
To be honest I loved everything about it. It's went exactly as I expected. I should've brought a warmer jacket with me to the penguins though. I can't remember our guides name but he was really good and informative. I'm very glad that I did the tour and I would recommend it.
The app showed pick up time 10:15 However the tour guide sent us a text message saying that pick up time 8:30 but i did't see the message…
Ride the Puffing Billy and see the Penguin Parade—all in one seamless day with coastal views and wildlife encounters.
Everything you get: Get scenic transfers from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges and ride the Puffing Billy steam train through forested landscapes. Enjoy free time at Emerald Lake Park, visit the Nobbies boardwalk, and watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach and an English-speaking guide.
Why choose this: See two top Victoria sights in one day—steam train ride & penguin parade—with expert guide and easy Melbourne transfers.
Inclusions
Puffing Billy steam train ticket (Belgrave to Emerald)
Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Return transfers from Melbourne CBD
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from meeting point
English-speaking professional guide
Air-conditioned coach transport
Exclusions
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Peguins were a very nice experience in my life and for my family.
Lock in your summer 2025 getaway (June to August 2025). Book by Aug 31, 2025 and grab exclusive 10% off!
Inclusions
Exclusions
Ticketing was easy to follow and information and maps for the three activities were good. The staff at all three were really helpful, pleasant and made the experiences fun. It was fun getting close to the animals at Churchill Island and the highlight was milking the cow. Walking around the koala reserve and again getting to see them up close was special. The highlight of the afternoon was the penguin parade, particularly getting to see them as they went to their burrows, from the boardwalk. We all agreed that we had a great day. We self drove.
The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, making our experience a great one. And the penguins were so cute and adorable when they came into the beach.
It was awesome to see an all female crew and thank you for an amazing experience It was better than my swimming with seal in WA as I saw more on this trip
Loved every bit of Churchill island and the activities they host and the penguin parade is soo cute.
Everything and it was great and my cousins loved seening the penguins as they were from America
The penguins were great. The guides were great. The foreigners kept disobeying the rules...not sitting down and always using their phone
Had a great time. Needing an app for the tickets was a bit of a pain, but luckily all the staff at the three parks were very helpful and understanding about our not wanting the hassle.
We absolutely loved where we were sitting. The penguins came out straight in front of us and it was awesome. Loved seeing them swim in and wait for their friends to come join them before they headed up the beach.
The ticketing system was easy as! Ticket, simple and fast. The experience was awesome watching the penguins roll in after dusk.... very special indeed, wish we could have stayed longer than the 50mins of lights though!
Seeing the little penguins and spending time observing them in their environment. We also got to see the bandicoot and a few possums :)
It's really well set out and organised and the educational piece at the start was useful. Ticketing was easy although I don't download the app and didn't need to so could have done without being told I needed that extra step.
A wonderful experience seeing the little penguins exiting the ocean under a full moon! Witnessing this natural phenomenon was a real privilege. The event was very well organised by the co-ordinators.
The walk to watch the parade was very good, seating was really good, guides were great even when they had people still wanting to take photos they had great patience, the facilities where first clss, great evening that we recommending to all our family and friends.
My first time taking my 2 kids 12 and 8 to the penguins. The kids loved seeing the penguins up close and fearing their sounds as they found their burrows. . There were a lot of disrespectful people there standing up and taking photos and videos. It was a sold out evening so we barely got to see any penguins coming on to shore, maybe 4. Thank goodness their experience was made so much better as we walked back along the boardwalk. . The staff were great but constantly having to tell people to sit down and stop using their phones for photos and video.
I enjoyed the experience of waiting and watching the penguins to return home. I had no expectations, so it made the experience more joyful as I waited in anticipation for the arrival of their return. One of nature's amazing gift to us.
Ticketing via your website was very easy. Your commentary from Sue was fantastic, she knows her stuff. Thank you. We spoke to a few guides and they were all great to have chat about the penguins with.
We enjoyed the penguin parade and the staff were so helpful and polite.
It has been an overall positive experience and we're so glad we did the tour.
The koala conservation reserve was fantastic! Staff was very friendly and eager to answer questions my group had.
What a wonderful experience. Definitely worth spending the extra for vip section.
Penguins are cool. Other tourists didn't follow rules
Incredible birthday experience for me and my husband. 🐧 🐧 🐧
The experience was quite good.
Seeing the penguins in their habitat.
it was great We arrived late but we saw them.. so beautiful ❤️
Experience the thrill of watching 7,000 seals and the iconic Penguin Parade in one amazing combo.
Inclusions Phillip Island Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise
2-hour scenic coastal cruise
Seal spotting with regular seabirds & dolphin sightings
Tea & coffee with cake
Expert local commentary
Nature Parks Penguin Parade
Penguin Parade from the general viewing platform
Access to 3 Parks Pass (optional)
Exclusions Phillip Island Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise
Phillip Island Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise
Nature Parks Penguin Parade
Catriona
Graham
Tracey
From platypus pools to penguin shores in one day.
Inclusions
Full-day tour to Philip Island
Round-trip transfers from Melbourne
English-speaking guide
Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
Entry to Point Grant & The Nobbies
Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
Access to boardwalk and visitor center
Access to general viewing platform
You can cancel these tickets up to 29 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 29 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 29 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
