Philip Island Tours

Phillip Island is located 140 km southeast of Melbourne and has a population of just over 7,000 people. The island boasts over a hundred species of animals and is known for its significant areas of beauty with scientific, historical, and archaeological interests.

The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, a Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger will greet you and provide a guided walk through the Koala Reserve. During the walk, you will receive a presentation about koalas, the history and importance of the Reserve, and the remaining natural woodland on the island.

The Yalloc Bulluck, a large clan of the Bunurong people, used to hunt, fish, and forage on Phillip Island. They would come to the island during the Summer and’ egging seasons’. The area was popular because of the abundance of wildlife. Today, evidence of their foraging can be seen at the Penguin Parade and within the Summerlands National Park, where there are middens. Phillip Island Nature Parks is working to educate visitors and preserve these culturally significant areas.

When you arrive at Summerlands, you’ll notice no houses. This part of the island is a National Park. You’ll see small artificial burrows where penguins hide when they haven’t gone fishing. We’ll walk along ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks and try to spot Little Penguins in their burrows. Walk along the path to see ‘The Blowhole’, where waves crash onto dark volcanic rock. The caves and formations here are great for dramatic photos, with Seal Rocks in the background. On a sunny day, you might see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun. If you don’t want to walk on the boardwalks, you can enter the Nobbies Information Centre. There, you can shop, get a hot drink, or explore the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. For an additional $18 per person, you can learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. As a WWF attraction, your entrance fee helps protect these majestic creatures of the Southern Ocean.

From the Nobbies, we begin our off-road journey with stunning views and chances to spot Wallabies. Our guided tour will heighten your excitement about encountering wild little penguins, offering information about their distinctive behaviours and characteristics. Fun fact: they possess more than 3000 feathers.

The Penguin Parade happens after sunset to keep the Little Penguins safe from predators. Photography is not allowed to protect the penguins’ sensitive eyes. Wildlife Tours supports this rule and believes it’s better to experience the spectacle without distractions fully. Consider combining the Penguin Parade with a trip to the Great Ocean Road for an overnight tour. Let us handle the planning and driving so you can enjoy the journey.