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Melbourne Island tours

Our most recommended Melbourne Island tours

Wilsons Promontory: 2.5-Hour Wilderness Cruise

1. Wilsons Promontory: 2.5-Hour Wilderness Cruise

Travel in the world's first custom-built amphibious boats, designed for cruising waters in comfort and safety. Witness the iconic South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and cruise into the waters of Bass Strait and Victoria's first marine national park. Discover a rugged and raw coast like no other as you explore The Glennies, Anderson Islets, and Anser Island. Marvel at the prehistoric boulders of Mount Oberon, situated behind the white quartz sands of Norman Beach, before uncovering the iconic granite monolith that is Skull Rock. Sculpted by waves and surrounded by crystal blue waters, Skull Rock's eerie facade becomes even more mysterious as more skull shapes reveal themselves the closer you get. Search for abundant wildlife including thousands of seals, dolphins, and migrating whales.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Entry with Return Transfers

2. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Entry with Return Transfers

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Wildlife Park and coastal views at Brighton Beach, Nobbies Boardwalk, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Start the day by being picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Brighton Beach. Explore the area and take photos of the iconic Brighton beach boxes. From here, you can also see views of the Melbourne skyline. Next is a visit to Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Here you can see over 100 species of Australian animals who live on the 60-acre property. There will be time to purchase lunch here before driving to the next location. Stop at Nobbies Tourist and Information Center to learn about Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then walk along Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy coastal views. After a relaxing walk along Nobbies Boardwalk, visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Purchase dinner before watching the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. From here, head back to Melbourne and be dropped off at your accommodation.

Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

3. Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

Experience a day of Australian animals and nature on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Begin your animal adventure with hotel pickup and a trip to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Experience up-close encounters with kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in this unique habitat. Next, it's time for Phillip Island. Witness the waves and die-hard surfers of Woolamai Surf Beach, then journey to the dramatic west coast and the dramatic scenery of the Nobbies. Enjoy the commentary and learning about the scenery from your expert, local guide. Finally, settle into your seat on a beachside protective platform for the famous Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle out onto the beach in this adorable natural spectacular.

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

4. Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

Admire the rich diversity of Australia's wildlife on a guided bus tour to Phillip Island Nature Parks from Melbourne. Continue to Philip Island to watch the Penguin Parade and relax on the shores of Woolamai Beach. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in central Melbourne and hop aboard an airconditioned bus. Relax on your journey out through the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne to the small country town of Tooradin. Continue above the top of Westernport Bay and stop at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Get up close to local koalas in their natural bushland habitat. Take a short drive to Phillip Island to enjoy sweeping views of Cape Woolamai and Woolamai surf beach. Walk along the beach, dip your feet in the cool water, or unwind on the beach. Make your way to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take in views on the far western end of the island of Australia's stunning and dynamic coastline. See the remains of an ancient volcano called The Nobbies. Go along the coastline looking for wallabies in the wild on the way to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Settle yourself into the little penguin’s environment as you watch them come ashore for the night, waddling next to and underneath the boardwalks. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour.

Phillip Island: Sunset Cruise

5. Phillip Island: Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely evening sunset cruise through the sheltered waters of Western Port Bay, aboard a modern 19-meter vessel. Grab a chilled drink from the licensed bar (not included in the price of the tour), take in the relaxed atmosphere, and watch the towns light up around the bay as the sun sets. Indulge in some delicious appetizers and keep a lookout for a variety of birdlife. If you're lucky, you may even be able to spot some dolphins and seals. You'll also learn some history as you listen to the captain's commentary on the local area. This cruise is a perfect way to end your day at beautiful Phillip Island.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Full-Day Tour

6. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Full-Day Tour

Visit Phillip Island on this one-day tour starting from Melbourne city. Pass by San Remo, and then head to Cowes town for some free time before going to Phillip Island to watch the penguins return to their nests. Start from your meeting point in Melbourne City. Meet your driver and hop into the air-conditioned coach to begin your day trip. Relax on the coach and marvel at the views from the windows. On the way, the coach will make a stop for you to admire the views of San Remo. Capture photos of the only bridge connecting Phillip Island to Victoria and then cross over it. Continue to Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. Soak up the seaside vibe and enjoy some free time for dinner or exploring the town. Finally, make your way to the Penguin Parade with your guide. Penguin Parade is the largest wild penguin protection base in the world, with more than 30,000 penguins living on Phillip Island. After sunset, watch as the world's smallest fairy penguins fight in the waves, their mouths are full of food to be brought back to the nest. See the penguins swim back to the shore and waddle in line back to their nests. Under the guidance of management staff, you and passengers from all over the world will sit in turn on the open-air observation deck built along the coast, waiting for the penguins to return to their nests. After this incredible experience, return to the coach to begin the journey back to Melbourne.

Premium Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

7. Premium Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

Every evening at dusk the Little Penguins come home from the sea at Phillip Island. Watch from an elevated boardwalk as they waddle cautiously from the beach to their burrows after a long day out at sea. Phillip Island is a treasure trove of Australian wildlife; seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife and penguins! At Koala Conservation Reserve, look for koalas in their natural habitat and before sunset, we head to the Penguin Parade where you can wander through the "Penguin Experience" exhibit to learn more about them. Stroll out to Summerland Beach and take your seat in the main grandstand for the Penguin Parade. Highlights of this tour Panoramic views of Western Port and French Island Phillip Island – a popular holiday destination Phillip Island Nature Park – a natural home for koalas, wallabies, seals, shearwaters and Little Penguins Visit Koala Conservation Reserve Look for koalas in their leafy native bushland habitat from treetop boardwalks Keep an eye out for wallabies (smaller looking kangaroos) grazing the woodlands floor Afternoon tea snacks (own expense) available here or at our next stop Continue to the western tip of Phillip Island to The Nobbies Centre, a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views Stroll down the extensive boardwalk where you may spot Little Penguins’ homes (dependant on the season) Admire Seal Rocks – home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals Explore the Visitor’s Information Centre at the Penguin Parade Learn about the life of the Little Penguins as you walk through the “Penguin Experience” display Dining options available at the Penguin Parade At sunset witness the Penguin Parade from the tiered seating of general viewing grandstands directly overlooking floodlit Summerland Beach See penguin rookeries from an elevated boardwalk.

Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour

8. Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour

After being picked up from your accommodation in Melbourne, ride in air-conditioned comfort to your first stop on this full-day tour. Wander around the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary and see Australia's native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take part in animal education lessons and live shows to learn more about these wonderful creatures. Choose to buy your lunch here before heading to the next stop. Visit Nobbies Tourist Information Center, where you will be able to find out all you need to know about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then, continue to the Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk. Take on the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this iconic viewpoint. Walk along the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the spectacular surrounds. Head to Phillip Island, where you can purchase your dinner at the venue. Then, get ready to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. After a day to delight animal and nature lovers, return back to Melbourne city center and be dropped back off at your accommodation.

Phillip Island Wildlife & Brighton Beach Boxes Private Tour

9. Phillip Island Wildlife & Brighton Beach Boxes Private Tour

This full-day tour is the perfect experience for coastal and native animal lovers. After being picked up from your CBD accommodation in your private vehicle, we will explore the famous Brighton Beach Boxes, where you can take photos and enjoy the view of the Melbourne Skyline and Port Philip Bay. We will also stop at a wildlife park where you can get up close to native animals such as koalas and kangaroos. Feel free to purchase your own lunch or snacks at this venue. Then, we will continue to Philip Island, where you will take in the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from the Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk. Last stop is the world-famous Penguin Parade, where you can purchase dinner and watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. During the tour, you can follow along in many different languages through our website app so you don’t miss a thing (languages include Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Thai).

Melbourne: Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Private Tour

10. Melbourne: Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Private Tour

Embark on a private small-group guided tour of Phillip Island beginning with a pickup directly from your chosen Melbourne Hotel, in an air-conditioned vehicle. En route, stop off at a popular local Wildlife Park. Meet some of Australia's iconic animals and hand-feed kangaroo's in their natural environment. Head to Churchill island and visit a famous old heritage working farm. Experience some old traditional farming techniques and activities, including sheep shearing, a working dogs demonstration, and whip cracking.  Go to The Koala Conservation Center to explore the boardwalks and see koalas up close in their natural habitat. Get the chance to visit some quieter locations of the island with your guide, an excellent opportunity for some wildlife spotting. After dinner, visit the Nobbies Center, home to Australia's largest fur seal population and an incredible cliff-top boardwalk with panoramic views out to sea. Make a last stop at the Penguin Parade - the main highlight for any visit to Phillip Island. Take your seats and experience one of nature's most natural wildlife sights. Be shown the best vantage spots from your guide who will also supply you with binoculars, cushions, and warm blankets to maximize your Penguin Parade experience.

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What people are saying about Melbourne

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 5 reviews

We are a group of tourists from 3 different countries, and we have formed a positive impression of Melbourne after this great experience. Our super friendly and professional guide, Elliott, provided great commentary about Phillip Island and Melbourne history, he went out of his way to accommodate us, and he was also very caring to everyone, especially the elderly. Thank you Elliott! The penguin parade was absolutely amazing, I will definitely recommend this day trip to my friends and family.

I had an amazing time looking at the koalas, wallabies and penguins. The guide was amazing: she was super nice, she knew everything about the place, and gave lots of interesting details. I totally recommend it.

Had great time on French Island, lovely afternoon tea. The penguin parade was great, well worth the wait. A big thankyou to our guides, Brooke and Hunter also Scott who was our guide on French Island.

Great beaches and walking tracks. Shallow areas for toddlers to swim. The boat trop was really good and amazing scenery of granite islands and seals.

Website was easy to use. Booking & paying was simple. Staff were amazing. Very welcoming & fun. The sunset was stunning!