Exploring the diverse wildlife and natural wonders of Phillip Island is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Melbourne. The Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour offers a comprehensive 12-hour journey that showcases the island’s iconic landmarks and up-close encounters with its unique fauna. From hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies to witnessing the renowned Penguin Parade at sunset, this tour promises a captivating and unforgettable adventure. With its convenient pickup and drop-off service, informative live guide, and a range of included experiences, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to take in the island’s remarkable ecosystem. Prepare to be captivated by the natural wonders that await.
Key Points
- 12-hour journey from Melbourne to explore Phillip Island’s wildlife and natural wonders, including the iconic Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary.
- Priced at $117.76 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes live guide, comprehensive itinerary, and stops at iconic locations.
- Opportunity to see penguins up close, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and enjoy scenic views of the Nobbies Viewpoint and Brighton Beach Boxes.
- Includes pickup and drop-off service from select hotels in Melbourne, air-conditioned bus transportation, and admission to the Moonlit Sanctuary.
- Option to upgrade to the Penguins Plus viewing platform for an enhanced experience of the iconic Penguin Parade.
Tour Overview
The Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour departs from Melbourne, offering a 12-hour journey to explore the island’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders. This tour is likely to sell out quickly, so interested travelers should book early.
Priced at $117.76 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants.
With a live guide, the tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, including stops at the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes, the Moonlit Sanctuary for wildlife viewing, the scenic Nobbies Viewpoint, and the renowned Penguin Parade at sunset.
Guests can expect to see penguins up close, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and enjoy breathtaking views of Westernport Bay, Bass Strait, and Seal Rocks.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Melbourne
Itinerary Highlights
Throughout the 12-hour Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour, travelers can expect to visit several captivating destinations.
First, they’ll make a 20-minute photo stop at the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes, known for their vibrant and picturesque designs.
Next, the tour takes guests to the Moonlit Sanctuary, where they’ll spend 1.5 hours immersed in wildlife viewing, including the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies.
The tour then proceeds to The Nobbies Viewpoint, offering 30 minutes of scenic views and additional wildlife viewing.
The grand finale is the Penguin Parade, where travelers can witness the iconic little penguins return to their burrows at sunset, with the option to upgrade to the Penguins Plus viewing platform.
Included Experiences
With the itinerary highlights covered, the Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour packs in a variety of included experiences that enhance the overall journey. Travelers can look forward to a seamless start and end to their day, as the tour offers pickup and drop-off services from select hotels in Melbourne. Throughout the excursion, an air-conditioned bus provides comfortable transportation, while a live guide shares their expertise to enrich the experience.
The tour also includes:
-
Admission to the Moonlit Sanctuary, where visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies
-
Standard viewing of the iconic Penguin Parade, along with access to the exclusive Penguins Plus viewing platform
-
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travelers.
Pickup and Drop-off
One of the convenient features of the Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour is its pickup and drop-off service from select hotels in Melbourne, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.
The tour provides complimentary transportation by air-conditioned bus, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to Phillip Island without the hassle of navigating the roads themselves.
The pick-up process is straightforward, with the bus arriving at designated hotels to collect participants before the tour begins.
At the end of the day, the bus will return guests to their original pick-up locations, making for a hassle-free and convenient experience from start to finish.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySanctuary Wildlife Encounter
The Moonlit Sanctuary is a highlight of the Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour, where guests can hand-feed a variety of Australian native animals. This immersive wildlife experience allows visitors to get up close and personal with creatures like kangaroos, wallabies, and even the elusive echidna.
The sanctuary’s knowledgeable staff provide fascinating insights into the animals’ behaviors and habitats, making the visit both educational and entertaining.
Key highlights of the Moonlit Sanctuary include:
- Hand-feeding friendly kangaroos and wallabies
- Observing the unique egg-laying echidna in its natural environment
- Exploring the sanctuary’s walking trails to spot other native species
The Moonlit Sanctuary offers a truly memorable wildlife encounter, allowing travelers to connect with Australia’s iconic fauna in an intimate and engaging setting.
- From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour
- Melbourne: Electric Picnic Boat Rental on the Yarra River
- From Melbourne: Bellarine Peninsula Food & Wine Taste Trail
- Melbourne: Yarra Valley Chandon, Cheese, Chocs and Kangaroos
- From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Trip
- Melbourne: Guided Walking and Foodie Tour
Iconic Brighton Beach
While the Moonlit Sanctuary offers an intimate wildlife encounter, the tour’s first stop at the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes provides a picturesque photo opportunity for visitors.
These colorful and unique beach huts line the shoreline, offering a visually striking contrast against the serene waters of Brighton Beach. Guests are invited to explore the area, snap photos, and admire the charming architectural styles that have made these boxes a beloved landmark.
The 20-minute stop allows travelers to stretch their legs, take in the coastal views, and prepare for the wildlife-focused experiences that await them throughout the rest of the Phillip Island tour.
Penguin Parade Viewing
Visitors then make their way to the world-famous Penguin Parade, where they can witness the nightly ritual of little penguins emerging from the ocean and waddling up the beach to their burrows. This 2-hour experience allows guests an up-close look at these adorable seabirds as they return home at sunset, with the standard viewing platform and the exclusive Penguins Plus viewing platform offering stunning vantage points.
The Penguin Parade is a true highlight of the tour, providing a unique opportunity to observe the penguins’ natural behavior in their natural habitat. Guests are often awestruck by the sight of hundreds of tiny penguins making their way back to their nests, creating lasting memories of this incredible wildlife experience.
The Penguins Plus viewing platform offers a more intimate and exclusive experience, allowing visitors to get even closer to the penguins.
Visitors can learn about the penguins’ lifecycle and conservation efforts during the informative commentary provided by the tour guides.
The Penguin Parade is a popular attraction, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots.
Additional Tour Details
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or baby strollers aren’t allowed on the bus.
An audio guide is available in 16 languages through a mobile app for those who wish to learn more about the sights and wildlife along the way.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select hotels in Melbourne, as well as transportation by air-conditioned bus.
With a live guide, visitors can expect an immersive experience as they explore the highlights of Phillip Island, from the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes to the mesmerizing Penguin Parade at sunset.
This 12-hour wildlife adventure is sure to delight nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator allows guests to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the trip.
Is There an Option to Upgrade the Penguin Parade Viewing?
Yes, the tour offers an upgrade to the Penguin Plus viewing platform, which provides a more premium experience to observe the penguin parade up close. This upgrade is included in the tour package.
Do We Have Time to Explore Phillip Island on Our Own?
The tour itinerary provides limited time for independent exploration of Phillip Island. The majority of the day is spent on guided activities, though there may be opportunities to wander briefly at certain stops before rejoining the group.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Stops?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the various tour stops. The Moonlit Sanctuary and Penguin Parade both have gift shops where travelers can find a range of local products and wildlife-themed merchandise.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 15 receive a reduced rate, while seniors over 65 can also take advantage of a discounted price. These savings help make the tour more accessible for all.
Recap
The Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour offers a comprehensive 12-hour journey from Melbourne to explore the island’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders.
Priced at $117.76 per person, the tour includes a live guide, stops at iconic locations, and opportunities to see penguins up close, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and enjoy scenic views.
With pickup and drop-off service, air-conditioned transportation, and free cancellation, this tour is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Phillip Island’s captivating ecosystem.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Wildlife Experiences in Melbourne
- Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Wildlife Tour for Backpackers
- Pure Nature – Phillip Island, Penguins & Exclusive Wildlife Sanctuary Encounter
- Yarra Valley Wine & Wildlife – Private Regional Tour
- From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Brighton Bathing Boxes and Wildlife Park Tour
- Australian Wildlife Tour at Melbourne Zoo Ticket – Excl. Entry
More Tours in Melbourne
More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Private Melbourne Day Tours – Luxury Vehicle
- Great Ocean Road Medium Size Group Tour
- Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles From Melbourne
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour Inc Lunch With a Glass of Wine, Tastings and Chocolate
- LGBTQ+ 3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Melbourne
- The Q Train – Table For 6 – Lunch (Departing Drysdale)
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
- 5 Best Dining Experiences In Melbourne
- 12 Best 2 Day Tours In Melbourne
- 5 Best Dinner Tours In Melbourne
- 9 Best 3 Day Tours In Melbourne
- 5 Best Shopping Tours In Melbourne
- 20 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Melbourne
- 7 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Melbourne
- 12 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Melbourne
- 3 Best 4 Day Tours In Melbourne
- 3 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Melbourne
- 2 Best Photography Experiences In Melbourne
- 5 Best Full-Day Tours In Melbourne