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Looking for the best Phillip Island tours?
We LOVE visiting Phillip Island and watching the adorable penguin parade, so we rounded up the best tours for you! You can’t miss Australia’s cutest penguins and taking a tour from Melbourne makes it much easier and more fun.
We’ll take you through our top Phillip Island tours and give you all of the need-to-know info about each. Just remember that Phillip Island is popular, so when you find the perfect tour, don’t hesitate to book!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our FAVORITE experience is this tour to Phillip Island with bonus stops at Brighton Beach and the Moonlit Sanctuary.
There’s the chance to see koalas and feed kangaroos at the sanctuary and then watch the adorable Penguin Parade at dusk.
Check out the 2,700+ reviews and book it here!
Tip: This tour is VERY popular, so reserve it early and you’ll get FREE cancellation!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- 1. Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Brighton Beach Boxes and Moonlit Sanctuary – Our Top Choice!
- 2. Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip
- 3. Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform
- 4. Phillip Island Private Experience
- 5. Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day Trip
- Other Things to do in Melbourne
- Where to Stay in Melbourne
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
1. Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Brighton Beach Boxes and Moonlit Sanctuary – Our Top Choice!
- Price: $175 AUD
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Brighton Beach, Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary, free time to explore Phillip Island, watch the penguin parade at sunset
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, entry fees, penguin parade ticket
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
You absolutely can’t go wrong with this full-day Phillip Island tour! It was well-organized from start to finish and is ideal for anyone looking for a magical day trip from Melbourne.
To be honest, we were pretty sure that the tour was going to be fantastic because of the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews, and it still exceeded our expectations.
We kicked off our tour with a visit to the Brighton Beach Boxes, aka one of Melbourne’s top Instagram spots. Then, it was onto the Moonlit Sanctuary, where we got to meet koalas and hand-feed wallabies and kangaroos!
When we got to Phillip Island, we had some free time to explore. The island is beautiful, so make sure that you choose a tour like this one that gives you flexibility to enjoy it and see more than the penguin parade.
Speaking of, the penguin parade was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour! Seeing the penguins waddle across the beach at dusk was such a delight. You really do have to see the cuteness for yourself.
And the fun wasn’t over yet! After the penguins were safely home in their nests, our guide, Terry, led us along the boardwalks to see them in their little burrows. It was so cute!
If you want to experience the best of Phillip Island, then this is THE best tour to book. We had a blast and I’m sure that we will do this tour again in the future when we bring friends or family to Melbourne.
This tour is a must, but spots fill up quickly so book before it’s too late!
2. Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip
- Price: $165 AUD
- Duration: 12-14 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai Beach, Nobbies boardwalk, penguin parade
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, penguin parade tickets, Moonlit Sanctuary entry fee
- Rating: 5 stars (check 640+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This small-group Phillip Island tour is the most wallet-friendly option out there, so budget travelers, what are you waiting for? It’s great value for money and delivers a fantastic day out!
The tour stops at the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary, where we got to see over 60 species of Aussie animals. There was also the option to buy food for the kangaroos and wallabies, or close-up encounters like koala cuddles or a dingo walk. We liked the fact that we got to tailor our visit and kids especially love it here.
Another thing that we enjoyed about this tour is that instead of making the typical Brighton Beach stop, we got to explore Cape Woolamai Beach on Phillip Island. I think that this beach is way prettier than Brighton, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins in the distance!
We also had time to check out the Nobbies, so we definitely had our fill of Phillip Island’s gorgeous scenery before we sat down for the penguin parade.
Of course, the penguin parade was spectacular! Little blue penguins are just so tiny, and watching them walk across the beach at sunset is truly unforgettable. And honestly, this tour is one of the most affordable ways to experience this adorable spectacle.
You would really struggle to do Phillip Island and the Moonlit Sanctuary for much cheaper by yourself, so why not save the hassle and book this tour today?
Book this day trip here and get FREE cancellation!
Related Read: For more can’t-miss experiences check out our full list of the tours that made us fall in love with Melbourne!
3. Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform
- Price: $235 AUD
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 1:45 pm
- Highlights: Phillip Island Koala Reserve, Cowes Beach, Nobbies Center, penguin parade
- Inclusions: Transport, penguin parade tickets with special access to the new viewing platform, Koala Reserve fee
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, you won’t want to miss this Phillip Island penguin tour!
What really sets it apart from other tours is that rather than standard admission to the penguin parade, it includes access to the brand-new Penguin Plus viewing platform. It’s basically a front-row seat to all the action and the best way to get close to the little penguins.
The day kicked off with a visit to the Phillip Island koala reserve, where we were able to get up close and personal with koalas as the knowledgeable ranger led us around the park. It was so much fun!
Our guide, Fiona, also took us to Cowes, which is Phillip Island’s main settlement. We had the option to hang out at the beach, explore the town, or join a guided walk down to the Nobbies – all of which are great options, just FYI!
And of course, the penguin parade was excellent. We had seen it before and didn’t think it could get any better, but sitting in the Penguin Plus area made us feel like VIPs. We got such close-up views of the penguins, which was amazing! If you have room in your budget, it’s so worth the extra money.
We loved this tour, and we think it’s the ideal choice for families. It’s shorter than most Phillip Island tours, so it’s more manageable if you’re traveling with young kids. I also recommend booking this tour if you’re short on time in Melbourne!
Get premium viewing of the Penguin Parade by booking this tour!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Phillip Island Private Experience
- Price: From $300 AUD per person
- Duration: 8 – 10 hours
- Time: 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, walk to Nobbies viewpoint, beach visit
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, tea and coffee, penguin parade tickets, private driver and guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This private Phillip Island adventure is ideal for special occasions, family trips, or big groups. It really delivers a premium experience and it certainly made our day extra special.
As soon as we were picked up, our guide shared fascinating stories about Phillip Island and its wildlife as we headed to the Koala Conservation Center. We loved walking through the trees and glimpsing koalas in their natural habitat.
We were keen to see as much of Phillip Island as possible, and our lovely guide, Rob, took us for a walk along the island’s coastline, where we loved seeing the rugged scenery, wildlife, and pretty beaches. We had time for dinner in Cowes, too, which was fantastic as Phillip Island boasts lots of excellent food and wine. This was just another detail that makes this tour the perfect fit for a special group trip.
We also loved that this tour gave us the option to choose between different tiers of Penguin Parade tickets, from general viewing to the extra special underground viewing. This is amazing, just FYI, and the ultimate way to get close to the penguins, so I highly recommend booking this option if it’s available!
Overall, we were highly impressed with this tour. Having a private tour felt so personal, and we were able to tailor it to our particular interests, which is something you just don’t get with a group tour.
For a premium tour that delivers an unforgettable adventure on Phillip Island, book here!
5. Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day Trip
- Price: $165 AUD
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 1:45 pm
- Highlights: Visit the Koala Reserve, explore Cowes township and beach, walk to the Nobbies, watch the penguin parade at sunset
- Inclusions: Transfers from Melbourne, guide, Koala Reserve admission, penguin parade standard tickets
- Rating: 5 stars (check 240+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This affordable and highly-rated tour to Phillip Island is the full package!
We loved how well-organized it was, and our guide, Vicky, was super knowledgeable about Phillip Island’s history and wildlife. She made everyone in our group feel welcome and went above and beyond to ensure we all had fun.
The first stop of the day was the Koala Reserve, which we were very excited to visit. We loved seeing koalas nestled in the treetops, which was straight-up adorable.
Vicky also made sure that we really saw the best of Phillip Island. When we stopped in Cowes, she gave us fantastic recommendations on where to find the best food and took us on a beautiful guided walk to see the Nobbies. Best of all, she helped our group snag the best seats in the grandstands, so we all ended up with front-row seats to the penguin parade!
We had such a blast on this tour, and we had big smiles on our faces when we dropped back at our Melbourne hotel at the end of the day. This is an all-around great option, whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or as a couple.
Grab your spot before this tour sells out!
Other Things to do in Melbourne
If you have a little extra time in your itinerary, we have even more epic Melbourne activities. You can check out our full list of the best things to do in Melbourne or our top recommendations below!
- Cruise down the River – The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise isn’t just one of the best cruises in Australia, but one of our all-time favorites. It’s an all-inclusive experience with stunning sunset and nighttime views of Melbourne, unlimited drinks, and a four-course gourmet meal. Seriously, what’s not to love?
- Wander the Arcades – Melbourne is also home to tons of pretty arcades (covered walkways), and my favorites to explore are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade. See the most famous arcades and visit the best chocolate shops and dessert cafes (with plenty of samples!) on this Arcades Dessert Walking Tour. Our guide was amazing and my sweet tooth was so happy!
- Explore the Melbourne Gardens – The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are another great way to escape the city, without leaving city limits. This huge garden is simply gorgeous, and spending a few hours strolling through makes for a lovely afternoon.
- Drive the Great Ocean Road – This scenic drive is one of the most epic things to do in Melbourne. We joined this guided tour to see iconic places like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, while someone else did the driving so we could enjoy the views!
- Explore St Kilda – This cute beach town is just 15 minutes from downtown Melbourne, and is a great place to grab a coffee and take in those ocean views! St Kilda is famous for its coffee scene, there are many to choose from – but our favorite is Galleon Cafe. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out Esplanade Market for some unique souvenirs or Luna Park, super fun for families!
Where to Stay in Melbourne
If you’re planning to visit Melbourne, let us help you find a great place to stay. There’s something to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!
The Langham Melbourne – $$$
For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.
Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.
Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$
Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.
A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.
Space Hotel – $
You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.
Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. You can reserve a spot in advance through Booking.com or HostelWorld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting Phillip Island is one of our favorite day trips from Melbourne. A tour makes it so easy to have a fun day without any of the planning and includes even more fun stops along the way. Hopefully, you found a Phillip Island tour that works for your trip!
Don’t leave yet! You might like our travel tips, city guides, and inspiration on our Australia page or I picked out the articles below for your time in Melbourne.
How to Spend the Best 3 Days in Melbourne
12 Things to Know Before Visiting The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Should You do a Melbourne River Cruise? + Which One I Loved the Most!