Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Melbourne to uncover the natural wonders of French Island and Phillip Island. This comprehensive day trip promises an immersive exploration of Australia’s iconic wildlife in their captivating habitats. From spotting koalas and seals to witnessing the renowned Penguin Parade, this small-group excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of these remarkable destinations. With round-trip transportation, informative guides, and seasonal meals, the tour ensures a seamless and enriching adventure. Discover the allure of these untamed landscapes and the remarkable creatures that call them home.

Key Points

• This full-day small group tour from Melbourne offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of French Island and Phillip Island.
• The tour includes a 2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure on French Island, where participants can spot native wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, and echidnas.
• Visitors will also have the chance to witness the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, with expert commentary from a ranger.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Melbourne, ferry crossings, and a seasonal lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate.
• The tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility, as it involves a moderate level of physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain and boarding ferries.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This day trip from Melbourne takes participants on an expedition to the nearby French Island and Phillip Island, offering a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders of these destinations.

The 14-hour small group tour, limited to 11 participants, is led by a live guide and includes ferry crossings, a 2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure around French Island, and a visit to the Nobbies and the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Visitors can spot native wildlife, such as koalas, in their natural habitats and enjoy seasonal lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm.

The tour provides comprehensive inclusions, ensuring participants can fully experience the highlights of these picturesque islands.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a ferry crossing to French Island National Park, where participants embark on a 2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure around the island. This off-road excursion allows visitors to spot local wildlife, including koalas, in their natural habitats.

After the 4WD tour, the group stops for a seasonal lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate.

Next, the tour crosses over to Phillip Island, where they visit the Nobbies, a coastal area home to a seal colony and offering panoramic ocean views.

The highlight of the day is the Penguin Parade, where visitors can witness the expert ranger commentary as the little penguins return to their burrows.

Inclusions

The tour includes national park fees, ferry crossings, a 2.5-hour guided 4WD tour on French Island, a seasonal lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate, general entry to the Penguin Parade, and round-trip transport from selected pickup locations.

An informative and friendly tour guide is also provided throughout the experience. These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and hassle-free wildlife expedition.

Visitors can enjoy the natural landscapes of French Island and Phillip Island without worrying about additional costs. The guided 4WD tour and Penguin Parade provide unique opportunities to spot native wildlife in their habitats.

The seasonal farm gate stop adds a delightful culinary component to the day.

Exclusions

Aside from the comprehensive inclusions, the tour excludes gratuities as well as any additional snacks and drinks that participants may want to purchase.

While the lunch or afternoon tea at the local farm gate is provided, visitors are responsible for bringing or buying their own extra food and beverages throughout the day.

The tour also doesn’t cover tips for the knowledgeable guide, leaving that up to the discretion of each guest.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Certain physical limitations apply, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility.

Child fares are available for participants aged 4-15 years when accompanied by an adult, and child booster seats can be requested.

A minimum group size of 4 people is required for the activity to proceed. This ensures a small and intimate tour experience, allowing the guide to provide personalized attention to each participant.

Guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain and boarding ferries.

The tour’s itinerary is designed to showcase the stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife of French Island and Phillip Island, providing an unforgettable day trip from Melbourne.

Departure and Duration

This full-day tour departs from selected pickup locations in Melbourne, with a total duration of 14 hours from start to finish.

The small group tour, limited to 11 participants, includes ferry crossings to both French Island and Phillip Island.

On French Island, guests enjoy a 2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure, exploring the national park and spotting wildlife like koalas in their natural habitat.

After a seasonal lunch or afternoon tea stop, the tour continues to Phillip Island to visit the Nobbies and witness the famous Penguin Parade.

Throughout the day, an informative and friendly tour guide provides engaging commentary, ensuring a comprehensive wildlife expedition experience.

Transportation

The tour includes round-trip transport from selected pickup locations in Melbourne, with participants being transported to and from the various destinations throughout the day.

The transportation is provided in a comfortable small group setting, with a maximum of 11 participants.

Participants are ferried across to French Island and Phillip Island, with the ferry crossings included in the tour package.

Once on the islands, the group is taken on a guided 4WD adventure around French Island, allowing them to access areas not easily reached by regular vehicles.

The tour also includes transportation to the Nobbies on Phillip Island and the renowned Penguin Parade, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for all participants.

Wildlife Sightings

Visitors can spot an abundance of native wildlife across the two islands, including iconic Australian species like koalas, which thrive in the lush vegetation of French Island National Park.

Plus, the tour allows participants to observe the resident seal colony at the Nobbies on Phillip Island, home to majestic views of the Southern Ocean.

The tour’s 2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure around French Island provides an up-close encounter with the island’s diverse fauna, from wallabies and echidnas to the elusive lyrebird.

As the tour continues to Phillip Island, guests are treated to the Penguin Parade, where they can witness the nightly procession of little penguins returning to their burrows, accompanied by expert ranger commentary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?

Yes, travelers can bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. The tour includes a stop at a local farm gate where seasonal refreshments are provided, but outside food and drinks are permitted as well.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are age restrictions for this tour. Children aged 4-15 years old can participate in the tour when accompanied by an adult. Child booster seats are available upon request for younger participants.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes a 2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure around French Island, which may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility. Alternative arrangements may be available upon request.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands?

Yes, guests can extend their stay on the islands. Tour participants have the flexibility to extend their time on French Island or Phillip Island after the guided tour. Additional accommodations and activities can be arranged separately.

What Should I Bring for the Penguin Parade?

For the Penguin Parade, visitors should bring warm, windproof clothing as the evenings can be cool. A small flashlight is also recommended to help see the penguins without disturbing them. Snacks and drinks are allowed, but larger bags may be restricted.

Recap

This comprehensive day trip from Melbourne offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural wonders of French Island and Phillip Island.

Participants can spot iconic Australian wildlife, including koalas, seals, and penguins, in their natural habitats.

With round-trip transport, informative guides, and seasonal meals, this small-group excursion provides an immersive experience of the diverse ecosystems and captivating wildlife of these remarkable destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here: