Phillip Island Penguin Parade and Koala Reserve from Melbourne

Walk among koalas, then watch penguins come ashore at dusk

A day tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island combines a guided walk through Phillip Island Koala Reserve with entry to the world-famous Penguin Parade, where you watch the world's smallest penguins return from the ocean at sunset. The tour includes a stop at Nobbies Rocks for an optional boardwalk to spot penguins nesting in burrows, a wander through the coastal township of Cowes, and viewing from the new Penguins Plus platform. An expert driver guide provides live commentary throughout the 9.5-hour trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Koala Reserve45m · entry included
2. Nobbies Centre45m · entry included
3. Penguin Parade2h · entry included

Phillip Island wildlife and penguin parade

• Drive 1hr 45min from Melbourne to Phillip Island
• Guided walk and presentation at Koala Reserve
• Short drive through Phillip Island settlements
• Wander through Cowes coastal township
• Optional guided walk at Nobbies Rocks boardwalks
• Travel along backroads to Penguin Habitat
• Watch sunset and Penguin Parade at Visitor Centre

The experience

The drive from Melbourne takes 1 hour 45 minutes. On arrival at Phillip Island Koala Reserve, a ranger leads a guided walk through the last area of natural woodland on the island, with a presentation on koala history and the reserve's role in conservation. You'll see the koalas up close in their habitat before moving on to the rest of the island.

The tour includes time in Cowes, a sheltered coastal township on Westernport Bay with local shops and restaurants, then heads to Nobbies Rocks. There you can take an optional guided walk down the boardwalks along the rocky coast to spot penguins nesting in their burrows. The backroads route to the Penguin Parade passes through the Phillip Island Penguin Habitat with views of coastal cliffs.

The Penguin Parade itself is the centrepiece: you watch from the new Penguins Plus viewing platform as little penguins (the smallest penguin species in the world) return from the ocean and make their way back to shore at sunset. The timing means you catch the spectacle during the day's final light, when the ritual is most visible.

What’s included

• Expert driver guide with live English commentary.
• large air-conditioned coach.
• entry to Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve with guided walk.
• admission to Phillip Island with access to the Penguins Plus viewing platform for the Penguin Parade.
• optional guided walk at Nobbies Rocks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:45

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 39

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Cantonese, Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Korean

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Autopia Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine two major wildlife experiences (koalas and penguins) in a single day without arranging separate transport or entry tickets. The fixed itinerary and timed arrival at the Penguin Parade at sunset means you see both animals during their most active hours without building the day yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

How long is the drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

The drive is 1 hour 45 minutes from Melbourne to Phillip Island. You'll travel by large coach with air-conditioning and live commentary from your driver guide.

What happens at the Koala Reserve?

Phillip Island Koala Reserve includes a guided walk led by a ranger who presents the history and conservation work of the reserve. You see koalas in the last remaining natural woodland area on the island.

Can I walk down to the rocks at Nobbies?

Yes, Nobbies Rocks offers an optional guided walk down the boardwalks where you can see the rocky coast and spot penguins nesting in their burrows before heading to the main Penguin Parade.

What is the Penguin Parade and when does it happen?

The Penguin Parade is when little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species, return from the ocean to shore at sunset. You watch from the exclusive Penguins Plus viewing platform, which is included in your tour entry.

What should I bring on this tour?

Only a small day pack per person with no more than 5 kg is permitted. The coach is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Koala Reserve walk and optional Nobbies boardwalk.