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What could be better than meeting koalas and watching tiny penguins waddle across a beach? Short answer: nothing.
Being born and raised in Perth, I’ve visited Melbourne many times, and going to Phillip Island to see the penguins has always been on my bucket list. This island is known as one of the best places in Victoria to see wildlife, so when we finally went, it’s safe to say that I had high expectations!
We wanted to see as much of Phillip Island as possible, including the famous Penguin Parade, so we booked this specific tour. But was it worth it, or is there a better option? In this blog, I’ll share everything I did and didn’t like about the experience, and let you know what to expect.
What Phillip Island Tour did I do from Melbourne?
Bailey and I took this tour of Phillip Island. We chose it partly because it’s run by a reputable company who we’ve done several tours with before, and also because it has thousands of 5-star reviews – you can read some of those reviews here! We also liked the look of the itinerary, because there are stops to see the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes, as well as lots of opportunities to spot wildlife.
We were excited to go and see kangaroos and koalas at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park on the way to Phillip Island, and we also wanted a tour that explores Phillip Island in depth. Of course, the thing we were most jazzed about was the penguin waddle, when the island’s Little Penguins make their way across the beach at sunset.
We also just wanted a relaxed day out, rather than having to try to plan it all and drive ourselves, especially since Phillip Island is almost 2 hours outside of Melbourne.
What I loved about the tour
Well-organized tour
We wrote a review of Go West Tours Melbourne here, but we found their tours have great itineraries and are really well planned. There were lots of stops along the way to break up the driving, so we weren’t stuck inside the tour bus the whole time. We thought that the meal breaks were great, too, and very well-timed. We felt like we got to see everything we wanted to, without feeling rushed at all!
The penguins!
It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, these adorable little guys were a highlight. While on a special viewing platform on Phillip Island at sunset, we got to watch the famous “Penguin Parade.” That’s where hundreds of little penguins waddle out of the ocean to find their burrows back on land for the night. This is one of those “can’t miss” things to do in Melbourne at night – find out what the other things are here!
Amazing guide
We had such a great time with our guide, Terry. He was so funny and entertaining, but still really informative. We learned a lot and didn’t get bored of all the commentary because it was interesting.
Lots of free time
We really appreciated how much free time there was on this tour. We don’t like feeling as though we’re being herded around like cattle, and it’s always nice to have some freedom and independence on a tour.
The price
The tour costs $175 AUD per person, which is cheap considering that it costs $30 AUD just to see the penguins, and another $32 AUD to visit Moonlit Sanctuary, without transport or anything extra! This is a competitive price for a full-day tour in Melbourne, and given how fantastic our experience was, we felt that it was worth it.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
We stopped at Moonlit Sanctuary on the way to Phillip Island, and we were so impressed with it. We got to explore the bushland environment while spotting iconic Aussie creatures, like emus and kookaburras. But better yet, we were able to interact with them! We got to pet koalas (we did have to pay extra for that), and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, which was an experience that put a smile on our faces.
Brighton Bathing Boxes
You’ve probably seen beach huts before, but nothing compares to the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes! We couldn’t resist the chance to snap some photos with these colorful huts along Brighton beachfront. They’re said to be worth over half a million Australian dollars each, and we loved the chance to see them.
Fantastic Reviews
Before we even booked the tour, we had a good idea of how much we were going to like it. Why? Well, 2,000 positive reviews don’t lie! You can check out all the reviews here including this one below:
“We had an amazing experience in Melbourne on a tour that I couldn’t miss! The penguin parade was incredibly adorable, and I was impressed by how respectful the park was towards the penguins and their environment. But what made the whole experience truly special was our guide, Bree. Her energy, knowledge, and witty guidance were amazing and added so much to the whole story for me.“
Ready to book this tour? Book online here with the bonus of FREE cancellation!
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.
Related Read: For another epic experience, read our review of the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise!
What I didn’t like about the tour
Old buses
Honestly, the tour buses could have been more comfortable. To be fair, we were squished at the back, which didn’t help! At least there were plenty of stops so that we were able to get out and stretch our legs.
Busy restaurants at the stops
When we stopped for food, some of the cafes and restaurants were very busy, so we couldn’t go to the places we wanted to. Although this was a little annoying, it wasn’t really the tour company’s fault. In fact, it wasn’t a big deal as we found other options, so it’s not like we went hungry.
What did the tour include/not include?
The tour included hotel pickup and drop-off in Melbourne, our wonderful guide, and entry to the Moonlit Sanctuary and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. So all in all, we felt like it was a pretty generous deal.
While it included admission to the Moonlit Sanctuary, there were a couple of things that weren’t included here. We had to pay for pellets to feed the kangaroos and wallabies, which cost $3 AUD per container. This is optional, but of course, we wanted to feed them!
Also, the tour didn’t include any of the extra experiences available at the sanctuary. Our guide just let us know when we started the tour what was available and the time we should book for. We booked the koala encounter (and loved it!) and I’d say that’s the most popular option. However, a lot of people on our tour also took the Dingo Walk. These extras are around $30-$40 AUD per person.
The tour didn’t include food and drink, so you could bring your own but we just bought some at the stops on the day.
Related Read: Planning on being in Melbourne for a few days? Check out our ideal 5-day Melbourne itinerary, which includes this Phillip Island day trip!
Would I do this tour again?
Yes, we loved it! It ranks highly on our list of the best tours in Melbourne and we were honestly surprised at just how beautiful Phillip Island is. We also had amazing guides show us around the island and Moonlit Sanctuary, which made it all so much better. Seeing the Penguin Parade was definitely a highlight too!
This tour was one of the top wildlife encounters we’ve ever had in Australia, which is really saying something! We think that visiting Phillip Island is a must-do while you’re in Melbourne, and you can certainly trust this tour to deliver a fantastic day.
Book this tour to Phillip Island online here!
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 check out our top recommendations below!
- Drive the Great Ocean Road – This 240-kilometer (150-mile) scenic drive follows the southern coastline and is one of the most epic things to do in Melbourne. We joined this guided tour so we could stop at the iconic areas, like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, while someone else did the driving so we could enjoy the views! This day trip from the city was our favorite Melbourne experience, it’s stunning and a great break from the bustling city life.
- 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. You can 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!
- 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?
- 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 home to over 8,500 species of plants and has been around for over 170 years. It’s simply gorgeous, and spending a few hours strolling through the gardens makes for a lovely afternoon. There are often special events going on, so check the website here before you go!
- 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!
I hope our review of this Phillip Island tour has been helpful! Overall, we really enjoyed this experience and it was a fun excursion from Melbourne. The time flew by and we got to see so many sights (and animals!) in one day.
If you found this review helpful, have a look through our guides about Australia for more travel inspiration and tips. Here are a few other blogs to help with your trip planning:
10 Things to Know About the Phillip Island Penguins
25 Things to do in Melbourne for First-Time Visitors
Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne – the 5 BEST Tours for this Scenic Drive!