Phillip Island: Hike, Koalas & Penguin Parade day tour

Summary

Hiking Cape Woolamai, meeting koalas and watching penguins waddle home at dusk

You’ll hike Cape Woolamai’s wild headlands with a local guide, share lunch in Cowes, spot koalas from treetop boardwalks, and end your day watching Phillip Island’s famous Penguin Parade at sunset—a mix of laughter, sea air, and quiet awe you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salty wind at Cape Woolamai — it kind of sticks to your skin, you know? Our guide, Ben, handed out rain ponchos just in case (Melbourne weather is a bit of a wildcard). We laced up and started the hike toward the Pinnacles. The path was sandy in places, then suddenly rocky underfoot. I kept stopping to watch surfers bobbing out past the breakers — honestly, I could’ve stood there all morning if Ben hadn’t nudged us along. There’s this moment where you round a bend and the cliffs just drop away. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really catch how wide it felt.

Cowes was next for lunch — nothing fancy, just good fish and chips that left my fingers greasy. After that we headed to the Koala Reserve. The eucalyptus smell hit me before anything else; sharp and sweet at the same time. Walking those boardwalks, you’re eye-level with these sleepy little guys wedged into branches. One scratched its ear lazily while a kid nearby whispered “look!” like he’d found treasure. Li laughed when I tried to say “koala” in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

The Nobbies came after — windier than anywhere else that day, hair whipping everywhere. The boardwalk rattled under our boots as we watched waves slam against the rocks near the blowhole. Someone pointed out a seal bobbing way out by the foam but honestly I mostly remember the sound: gulls shrieking overhead, water thumping below.

And then sunset at the Penguin Parade. You sit there waiting with everyone else (bring something warm — trust me), eyes fixed on where sea meets sand. Suddenly they appear: tiny penguins waddling up in little groups, shaking off saltwater like they own the place. It’s weirdly moving — hundreds of them making their way home while people whisper so they don’t scare them off. I still think about that hush right before they appeared.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phillip Island Hike & Wildlife

• Hike Pinnacles rock formations
• Visit Koala Reserve woodland
• Stroll boardwalk at Nobbies Centre
• Watch Penguin Parade at sunset

Top questions

How long is the Phillip Island hike on this tour?

The guided circuit hike around Cape Woolamai is 6.8km and rated easy to moderate.

Are tickets to the Penguin Parade included?

Yes, entry to both the Penguin Parade and Koala Reserve are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during this Phillip Island day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there’s time to buy food in Cowes (about $25 recommended).

What should I bring for this tour?

You’ll need comfortable trainers or hiking boots, a water bottle (1L), warm layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat—and good vibes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; transport is by air-conditioned vehicle from a set meeting point.

Can I swim during this Phillip Island tour?

If you’re visiting in summer months, bring a swimsuit and towel—there may be time for a swim at Cape Woolamai beach.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The group size is capped at 8 people for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for both the Penguin Parade and Koala Reserve on Phillip Island, an easy-to-moderate 6.8km guided hike around Cape Woolamai’s highest point with a local guide leading the way, organic fruit and healthy snacks along the route, rain ponchos if needed (Melbourne weather likes surprises), plus transport in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops—just bring cash or card for lunch in Cowes before heading back out for more wildlife spotting.