About this tour
A full-day tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island combining wildlife encounters and coastal scenery, culminating in the Penguin Parade at dusk. You'll visit Maru Koala and Animal Park for close-up time with kangaroos and koalas, drive along the scenic coastal Boulevard, and watch little penguins return to shore at sunset from general viewing areas. Includes return transfers from Melbourne CBD and Southbank in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide. Runs 9–12 hours depending on timing.
Highlights
- Kangaroo and koala encounters at Maru Koala and Animal Park
- Coastal Boulevard Drive with views at Nobbies Lookout
- Little penguins returning to shore at sunset
- General viewing access to the Penguin Parade
- Return transfers from Melbourne CBD and Southbank included
- Air-conditioned vehicle with experienced guide
What to expect
You'll be picked up from Melbourne CBD or Southbank in the morning and driven to Phillip Island in an air-conditioned coach. Upon arrival, you'll spend time at Maru Koala and Animal Park getting close to native wildlife before heading to the coastal Boulevard Drive to take in the scenery at Nobbies Lookout. You'll then make your way to the Penguin Parade viewing area and settle in as dusk falls to watch the little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle back to their burrows — the tour's centrepiece. After the parade concludes, you'll be driven back to Melbourne, arriving late evening.
What travellers say
- Close wildlife access — hands-on time with kangaroos and koalas
- Penguin Parade is genuinely impressive at dusk
- Scenic coastal drive breaks up the day
- Door-to-door convenience from central Melbourne
- General viewing can feel crowded during peak seasons
- Long day — 9–12 hours with significant drive time
- No meal included despite extended duration
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone keen on wildlife and coastal scenery without demanding fitness — the tour is accessible to all levels, with mostly seated transport and viewing. Note that dinner is not included, so eat beforehand or plan accordingly. The Penguin Parade timing depends on sunset, so departure times shift seasonally. General viewing means you'll be among other visitors rather than in a reserved premium area. Bring a jacket for evening chill and wear comfortable shoes for the animal park. Group size can vary, and peak tourist seasons (school holidays, summer) may draw crowds.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.