Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

Exploring Australia’s wildlife and rugged coastlines is a must for any visitor near Melbourne, and this full-day tour of Phillip Island offers a well-rounded taste of both. Whether you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free way to see some of Victoria’s best sights, this trip packs in plenty—wildlife, stunning seascapes, and the world-famous Penguin Parade.

What we like most about this tour is how smoothly it’s organized, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, and how it combines multiple experiences into one day. From cuddling a wombat to watching tiny penguins waddle ashore at sunset, there’s a bit of everything. One thing to consider is that the day is quite long—about 10 hours—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule and bus travel.

This tour is perfect for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone seeking a memorable snapshot of Victorian nature without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. If your goal is to see the iconic Australian animals and enjoy some scenic views, this tour will likely meet your expectations.

• Wildlife Encounters: Visit Moonlit Sanctuary to see wombats, Tasmanian devils, and other native animals.
• Stunning Scenery: Relax at Woolamai Beach and explore volcanic formations at the Nobbies.
• Wildlife Viewing: See fur seals up close at seal rock and watch the adorable penguins at sunset.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: A mix of nature, wildlife, and coastal views, all in one day.
• Expert Guides: Known for engaging, informative guides who make the journey enjoyable.
• Good Value: For around $104, you get multiple stops, transportation, and tickets for key attractions.

This full-day adventure starts in Melbourne, with convenient pickup options, making it easy to leave your planning headache behind. The first stop is Moonlit Sanctuary, where you’ll have the chance to walk among animals like wombats, Tasmanian devils, and quolls. The sanctuary is effectively a wildlife zoo, but many reviews appreciate the chance to see iconic Aussie animals up close in a well-maintained setting. One traveler pointed out that while it’s a zoo, it offers a meaningful connection with local wildlife, especially for kids or animal enthusiasts.

Next, you’ll get some refreshing sea air at Woolamai Beach. Known for its rugged beauty, towering surf, and golden sands, this beach is a highlight for its natural atmosphere. It’s a quick, 20-minute stop, so bring your camera—people love capturing the wild beauty here. Expect stunning views and a chance to breathe in the sea breezes before heading onward.

The tour then moves to Cowes, Phillip Island’s main town, offering a brief 45-minute stop. Here, you can stretch your legs, grab a bite, or simply enjoy the local village feel with its cafes and shops. Many reviews praise Cowes for its scenic charm and good food options, making it a nice break before the afternoon’s main event.

The Nobbies Centre is next, where you’ll walk along a boardwalk that offers incredible views of volcanic rock formations and seal colonies. This area is a favorite for photographers and wildlife watchers alike, with seals often lounging on seal rock just offshore. The dramatic scenery of jagged rocks and ocean spray makes this a memorable stop, with some reviews noting the beauty of the rugged coastline.

Finally, the moment everyone’s been waiting for—the Penguin Parade. As dusk falls, you’ll head to Summerland Beach to watch the tiny penguins emerge from the water and waddle up the beach to their burrows. The experience is truly enchanting; many reviewers describe it as a “must-see,” with some, like Lisa, calling it “extraordinarily memorable.” Be prepared for cold evenings, as the weather can get quite chilly and windy during the parade, so dressing warmly is essential.

Multiple travelers highlight the professionalism and enthusiasm of their guides. For example, Luke and James are praised for their storytelling, wildlife knowledge, and making the day engaging. One reviewer appreciated the way their guide kept everyone informed and entertained, enhancing the overall experience.

However, some reviews also mention logistical issues, such as late pickups or feeling rushed. One person noted that the tour felt a bit hurried, with limited time at each stop—particularly Cowes and the Penguin Parade. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time exploring, this might not be your ideal choice.

The value for money is generally regarded as good, especially considering the included activities and transportation. For $104, you’re getting multiple sightseeing stops, guided commentary, and tickets to the Penguin Parade—which alone is a bucket-list experience. Reviews like Erin’s highlight that the tour was “well worth it,” especially given the unique wildlife encounter with the penguins.

Some travelers found the day long but rewarding, emphasizing the stunning scenery and the chance to see Australian wildlife in a natural setting. Conversely, a few critics felt the bus rides and organization could be improved, particularly when it came to timing and handling the crowd during the Penguin Parade.

Moonlit Sanctuary (1 hour):
This stop is a highlight for animal lovers. The sanctuary hosts a variety of native species, including iconic kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Visitors appreciate the chance to see these creatures up close. One reviewer remarked, “the wildlife park was average and I could have happily missed it,” but most agree it’s a worthwhile introduction to the animals you’ll see on the island.

Woolamai Beach (20 min):
A quick stop to enjoy one of Victoria’s most rugged beaches. Expect big surf, golden sands, and dramatic coastline views. It’s perfect for photos and soaking in some natural beauty. Many travelers remark on the “huge surf and soft golden sand,” making it a favorite for quick nature shots.

Cowes (45 min):
This small town offers a laid-back village ambiance with cafes, shops, and a lovely beachfront. It’s a popular spot for a quick bite or a walk along the pier. Several reviews praise Cowes as a peaceful, scenic place to take a breather during the busy day.

The Nobbies Centre (45 min):
The boardwalk here offers spectacular views of volcanic rock formations and seal colonies. Some reviews note the “awesome volcanic rock formations” and “more Aussie wildlife,” emphasizing the rugged, untouched beauty of this part of the coast. It’s a fantastic stop for photography and wildlife viewing.

Penguin Parade (2 hours):
This is the tour’s crown jewel. As the sun sets, the tiny penguins come ashore in small groups. The experience is a delicate balance of stunning natural spectacle and controlled viewing, with rules about no photography during the parade. Reviewers like Ian and Francis call it a “great experience” and “memorable,” though some mention the chilly, windy conditions. Be ready with warm clothing—many recommend layering.

The tour uses an air-conditioned coach that comfortably fits up to 39 travelers, making it a relatively intimate group. The smooth transportation is key to fitting so much into one day without feeling overly rushed. Many reviewers appreciate the clean, well-maintained buses and the fact that pickup and drop-off are included, simplifying logistics.

The day starts at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum and finishes back at the same spot, offering ease for those staying nearby. The tour lasts about 10 hours, so it’s a full-day commitment. Some reviewers mention the long bus rides, but most agree that the wildlife, scenery, and the penguins make it worthwhile.

The tour provides a free audio guide app, adding value for those who want to learn more during stops. Remember, lunch and dinner are not included, but there are plenty of options in Cowes.

At $104 per person, this tour offers a lot—multiple stops, wildlife encounters, scenic views, and tickets to the Penguin Parade. Many reviews confirm it’s a good deal, especially considering the inclusion of transportation and entry fees. However, some critics feel certain aspects could be improved, such as the organization during the Penguin Parade or the limited time at some sites.

For wildlife and scenery enthusiasts, the value is clear. It’s a package that combines the highlights of Phillip Island in a manageable, guided format. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized day trip with high odds of seeing iconic Australian animals, this tour delivers.

This full-day Phillip Island tour is a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Australia’s wildlife and coastal beauty without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transportation. The tour’s strength is its combination of wildlife sanctuaries, scenic stops, and the unforgettable Penguin Parade, all led by guides praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.

It’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day, bus travel, and chilly evenings at the penguin site. Families, wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors to Melbourne will find plenty to love here. While some reviews mention organizational hiccups and limited time at certain stops, most agree that the experience is memorable and well worth the price.

Overall, it offers a practical, engaging way to connect with Australia’s iconic animals and rugged coastlines, making it a valuable addition to any Melbourne itinerary for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle that picks you up from Melbourne CBD and drops you back at the same location.

How long does the tour last? Expect approximately 10 hours, with the day packed full of stops and activities.

Are meals included? No, lunch and dinner are not included, but you can buy food in Cowes or bring snacks.

What should I wear? Dress warmly, especially for the Penguin Parade, as evenings can be cold and windy.

Can I take photos during the Penguin Parade? No, cameras are not allowed during the parade itself to protect the penguins and maintain a quiet environment.

How many people are in the group? The maximum group size is 39 travelers, providing a relatively intimate experience.

What wildlife will I see? Expect wombats, Tasmanian devils, fur seals, and the tiny penguins returning to shore at sunset.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention families having a good time, but be prepared for a full day and possibly cold weather.

What is the main highlight? The Penguin Parade at sunset, which many travelers describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.