Practical and well-organized tours make Phillip Island’s natural wonders accessible to all visitors. The Premium Penguin Parade Tour stands out as the smart choice, guaranteeing you’ll see these charming birds in their natural habitat. I especially love the Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife combo tour – it’s an efficient way to experience the island’s famous residents in one go. The Whale Watching excursion, while not guaranteed, offers good odds for spotting these magnificent creatures. For those who appreciate a dramatic perspective, the Helicopter Tour provides unforgettable aerial views, while the Golden Hour Penguins Express Tour is perfect for time-conscious travelers. Let’s look at the best tour options available.
Key Points
- The Premium Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour offers a full-day experience with wildlife sightings, an evening Penguin Parade, and round-trip transportation from Melbourne.
- The Whale Watching Boat Tour provides a 4-hour excursion with an 80% chance of spotting humpback and southern right whales, along with morning tea and a live tour guide.
- The Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife Tour is an 11-hour tour from Melbourne with luxury vehicle transportation, entry to the Koala Conservation Reserve, and Penguin Parade access.
- The Phillip Island Helicopter Tour offers aerial views of the island’s landmarks, such as Red Rocks Point and Nobbies, with a maximum of 3 passengers per flight.
- The Golden Hour Penguins Express Tour includes entry to the Penguin Parade, a visit to the Nobbies Golden Hour, and a guaranteed window seat, with a maximum of 20 travelers.
Premium Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour With Koala Conservation Reserve
The Premium Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour with Koala Conservation Reserve offers visitors a comprehensive wildlife experience on Victoria’s scenic Phillip Island. This full-day tour departs from Melbourne, providing round-trip transportation and hotel pickup for a maximum of 100 travelers.
During the journey, guests can spot koalas, kangaroos, and the famous Little Penguins in their natural habitats. At the Koala Conservation Reserve, visitors can take self-guided walks to observe the sleeping koalas.
The highlight of the tour is the evening Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where guests can watch the penguins waddle ashore. Professional images of the event are available for download. The tour includes live commentary and accessibility for those with wheelchairs or strollers.
While the tour receives positive reviews for its excellent guides and wildlife sightings, some travelers have noted issues with pickup logistics and crowding at the Penguin Parade.
Read our full review: Premium Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour With Koala Conservation Reserve Review
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Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour
What better way to experience the natural wonders of Phillip Island than a scenic 4-hour whale watching boat tour? Priced from €105.24 per person, this activity offers a chance to spot humpback and southern right whales, as well as Australian Fur Seals and dolphins.
With an impressive 80% chance of whale sightings, the tour promises thrilling encounters with these majestic creatures, including behaviors like tail slapping and spy-hopping.
During the cruise, guests can enjoy morning tea with cake while taking in the island’s stunning coastal landscapes. A live tour guide will provide historical insights, enriching the experience.
While the departure point is in Rhyll, Phillip Island, weather conditions may alter the route for safety. Notably, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 15 reviews, this whale watching excursion is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy Phillip Island’s remarkable wildlife and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour Review
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Phillip Island, Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife Tour – From Melbourne
For those seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of Phillip Island, the Phillip Island, Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife Tour from Melbourne offers an exceptional opportunity.
This 11-hour tour departs from various locations in Melbourne at 2 PM AEST, transporting guests in a luxury vehicle equipped with free WiFi and air conditioning.
The tour includes entry to the Koala Conservation Reserve and general viewing platform access for the famous Penguin Parade.
Along the way, travelers can expect to spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and the iconic little penguins, with the option to upgrade to guided ranger tours for closer encounters.
While food, drinks, and photography at the Penguin Parade aren’t included, the tour provides an expert local guide to enhance the overall experience.
With 664 reviews and a 4.4-star average rating, this tour is a top choice for those looking to explore Phillip Island’s diverse wildlife.
Read our full review: Phillip Island, Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife Tour – From Melbourne Review
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Phillip Island Helicopter Tour
Soaring high above Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline, the Phillip Island Helicopter Tour offers visitors an unparalleled aerial perspective of this natural wonderland. Boasting a 5.0 rating with 76 reviews, this exhilarating flight experience features a choice of seven itineraries showcasing the island’s iconic landmarks.
Passengers can expect to witness breathtaking views of the Red Rocks Point, the Nobbies, and the San Remo Bridge, as well as potential wildlife sightings like penguins and Australian Fur Seals. With guaranteed window seats and live commentary from experienced pilots, the tour provides an excellent value proposition for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Suitable for all ages, the helicopter tour accommodates a maximum of 3 passengers per flight, with a weight limit of 287 lbs per person. Bookings can be confirmed within 48 hours, subject to availability, with a minimum of 2 passengers required.
Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, and travelers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the stunning aerial vistas.
Read our full review: Phillip Island Helicopter Tour Review
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Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour
A 4-hour whale watching cruise around Phillip Island, Australia offers visitors an opportunity to spot humpback whales, dolphins, rare seabirds, and thousands of Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks.
The cruise boasts a 94% traveler recommendation rate and has been awarded a Badge of Excellence. Travelers can enjoy morning tea, including coffee, tea, muffins, and pastries, while a professional guide provides live commentary throughout the journey.
The comfortable modern boat departs from the meeting point at 16 Beach Rd, Rhyll VIC 3923, with the activity ending back at the same location.
While hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, the tour is accessible for strollers and has infant seats available.
With a success rate of 70-90% for whale sightings from June to August, this tour provides an immersive experience to observe the diverse marine life around Phillip Island.
Read our full review: Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour Review
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Golden Hour Penguins Express Tour With Pickups on Phillip Island
On Phillip Island, the Golden Hour Penguins Express Tour provides travelers with a captivating opportunity to witness the iconic Penguin Parade during the golden hour of dusk.
This 92% traveler-recommended tour includes entry to the Penguin Parade, a visit to the Nobbies Golden Hour, and a scenic wildlife boardwalk experience, all with the convenience of pickup and return from the traveler’s accommodation or a specified location.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers and offers premium seating with a window seat guarantee. Infants must sit on laps, and the experience is stroller accessible, although not wheelchair-friendly.
Travelers can enjoy a delicious dinner as part of the tour package.
With a Badge of Excellence and overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting the engaging guides and memorable penguin encounters, the Golden Hour Penguins Express Tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive and convenient wildlife experience on Phillip Island.
The option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility to the booking process.
Read our full review: Golden Hour Penguins Express Tour With Pickups on Phillip Island Review
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Recap
Phillip Island offers a variety of engaging tours that allow visitors to experience the island’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty. From the iconic Penguin Parade to whale watching and helicopter tours, there’s something for all. Visitors can choose from a range of premium experiences to explore the island’s unique ecosystems and get up close with iconic Australian animals like penguins and koalas.