Wildlife Tours Australia: Phillip Island + Penguins General Viewing

This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, the departure time changes throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience.

TOUR CODE: WPI-B

OPERATES: Daily 

DEPARTS: 11:45am (winter) / 13:45pm (summer)

RETURNS: 21:30pm (winter) / 23:30 pm (summer) approximately

TOUR DURATION: 9.5 Hours.

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME:  Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St, corner Market St, Melbourne

Seasonal departure times are based on day savings hours, to ensure we maximise the sunset experience.

• 05 Oct 2025 - 04 Apr 2026 summer @ 1:45pm
• 05 Apr 2026 - 03 Oct 2026 winter @ 11:45am
• 04 Oct 2026 - 03 Apr 2027 summer @ 1:45pm
• 04 Apr 2027 - 02 Oct 2027 winter @ 11:45am

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Phillip Island Wildlife Adventure – Fun for All Ages! 
• Watch hundreds of Little Penguins waddle home at the famous Penguin Parade
• Catch a stunning sunset over Summerland Beach’s dramatic coastline
• Spot koalas up close on treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve
• Explore The Nobbies & Seal Rocks with cliffside views and penguin burrows
• Discover and learn at the interactive Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
• Experience breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, and family-friendly fun — all in one unforgettable day!

ITINERARY:

Exhilarating Phillip Island Wildlife Adventure!

Get ready for one of Australia’s most magical wildlife moments — as the sun dips below the horizon, hundreds of Little Penguins waddle ashore at Phillip Island in a heartwarming, unforgettable spectacle! This incredible tour brings you face-to-face with iconic Aussie animals and takes you on a journey through some of Victoria’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.

Your adventure kicks off at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve, a lush woodland haven where you can stroll along elevated boardwalks and spot sleepy koalas lounging high in the trees. It's the perfect start for animal lovers and a wonderful way to connect with Australia’s unique wildlife.

Next, travel across Phillip Island’s stunning landscape — past windswept cliffs, rolling hills, and serene beaches — on your way to The Nobbies and Seal Rocks. Here, you’ll explore dramatic clifftop boardwalks with sweeping ocean views, spot fur seals lazing on the rocks, and maybe even catch a glimpse of wild wallabies or native birds along the scenic backroads.

Then it’s time for the grand finale: the world-famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. Before the show begins, dive into the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, where fun and interactive exhibits give you an inside look at penguin life and local conservation efforts.

As the sky turns golden and the waves roll in, watch with awe as the tiniest penguins on Earth emerge from the sea, marching their way to their burrows in a charming nightly ritual. It’s cute, captivating, and absolutely unforgettable. Meals aren’t included, but there’s time to grab food in Cowes or at the Penguin Parade café. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or the whole family, this action-packed wildlife experience is one you’ll treasure forever!

Meals: N/A
Driving distance: 300km
Walking distance: less 1km 

*This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, departure times may change throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience. Seal spotting can not be guaranteed.

INCLUSIONS:

• Penguin Parade general viewing — see the famous Little Penguins return home at sunset
• Koala Conservation Reserve entry — spot koalas up close in their natural habitat
• World-class wildlife experiences in their natural habitat
• Hosted by an experienced local driver-guide, sharing stories, insights, and insider knowledge
• Travel in comfort aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach
• Onboard Wi-Fi to share the magic as it happens
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from selected Melbourne inner-city locations
• Multilingual audio & text translation app available in 10 languages — everyone’s included (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese & Spanish)

EXCLUSIONS:

• Meals not listed in the itinerary — but don’t worry, we’ll stop at great local spots where you can grab a bite and support small businesses along the way
• Hotel transfers before or after the tour — please make your way to the designated pick-up point
• Personal travel insurance — strongly recommended for peace of mind
• Extra spending money for souvenirs, snacks, or that must-have fridge magnet

WHAT TO BRING:

1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, all-weather warm clothing, windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, small day bag 5-7kg, money for snacks and meals, camera to capture every moment!

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply to infants and children aged from 0 to 12 years old. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times.

WEATHER:

Please be aware that weather conditions can vary throughout the year in Victoria. While we endeavour to operate our tours as planned, there may be occasions when rain or inclement weather affects our itinerary. Rest assured, your experience will still proceed unless you are directly contacted by the tour provider. To ensure you're prepared for the weather, please check the average temperatures for your travel dates and pack accordingly.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Photography and Filming: No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes, and bright flashes or unusual lighting can frighten or disorientate them.
• Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, and a contact phone number. 
• Medical Conditions: The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. 
• Fitness Level: An easy to low level of fitness is required to participate on this tour. 
• Age Restrictions: Child fare prices apply to infants and children aged from 0 to 12 years old. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. 
• Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers. If you require additional support please advise at the time of booking. 
• Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person. We are not able to accommodate travellers' suitcases on day trips, please store at your hotel whilst on tour. 
• Itinerary Variations: Itineraries and touring routes may change to adapt to seasonal conditions, weather fluctuations and changes in road conditions. Safety is our top priority, and we plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests. 
• Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 03 9393 1300
• Private Tours: Private charters services are available on request at charters@gltg.com.au.