Phillip Island Wildlife Cruise and Penguin Tour from Melbourne
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
The perfect Phillip Island day trip for nature lovers and ocean seekers, combining a scenic wildlife cruise, and the world-famous Penguin Parade—all in one relaxed, small-group adventure.
Departing from Melbourne with your friendly local guide leading the way, our first stop is in San Remo where sweeping coastal views and pelican sightings await.
Then board a 2-hour seal cruise around Phillip Island—where you’re guaranteed to spot hundreds of playful fur seals in their natural habitat - OR - choose to remain in Cowes and visit the Wildlife Park.
Spend time in Cowes exploring boutique shops, beachside bars, or opt for a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve—where koalas roam freely in the trees.
As golden hour falls, discover Phillip Island’s wild southern edge - where rugged boardwalks and secluded beaches come alive with native wildlife and sweeping sea views.
Cap off your evening at the iconic Penguin Parade, watching thousands of Little Penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Melbourne
It will take us 2 hours each way to get to and from Phillip Island from Melbourne. At Local Way Tours, our Premium Ticket inclusions are designed to elevate your travel experience to the highest level. Enjoy the comfort of guaranteed window seats and travel in style aboard our modern, well-appointed vehicles. Our authentic small group tours ensure personalised attention from our engaging local guides, making every journey memorable. Stay connected with onboard WiFi and take advantage of convenient charging ports, all while relaxing in a setting that prioritizes your comfort and enjoyment. With our Premium Ticket, you receive more than just a tour; you gain a superior travel experience tailored to exceed your expectations.
San Remo
Take some time to explore the idyllic village of San Remo - from its golden beaches, to the larger-than-life Pelicans that frequent here, and of course the famed Phillip Island bridge
What‘s Included
Authentic Small Group travel with an engaging Local Guide
Entry to the famed Phillip Island Penguin Parade at Sunset
Premium Seating Ticket - Free WiFi
Nobbies Golden Hour Experience & Scenic Wildlife Boardwalk
2 Hour Wildlife Coast Cruise (optional)
Time in San Remo to explore and watch for wildlife
Food and Drink other than what is stated
Optional Extra: Koala Conservation Reserve
Cruise Ticket unless Cruise Option Selected
Options
Cruise Included - 2 hours
2 Hour Seal Cruise Included
Cruise Boat
Cruise NOT Included
Cruise NOT Included: You will have the option to purchase your own Cruise Ticket OR enjoy other parts of Phillip Island
Mini Bus
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
ROBERT M,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredible experience. Ned did a fabulous job of explaining details of our trip and pointing out wildlife. We chose to stay in Cowes rather than take the cruise and it is a cute town to explore. The Koalas and penguin parade were the highlights. Can’t say enough about this tour. Fantastic!
A long day but a wonderful experience
SeansaSaint,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved the tour to Philip. Island and it was worth the approx. 2 hour each way minibus journey. When booking the tour, I had selected the option of a a 2 hour cruise but this became unavailable due to high winds (notified the day or so before). I was quite glad actually as the sea was very choppy on the day. I then opted for the wine tasting instead. However this became unavailable for some reason that I’m not quite sure of. So, in the end, the only option was the meal at a restaurant in Cowes. Clearly, it wasn’t my first preference but it was ok and this time provided an opportunity to get to know some of my fellow travellers on the tour as we shared our backgrounds and experiences. The main reason for choosing the tour was to go to the Koala Sanctuary and the Penguin Parade. Neither of those experiences disappointed. We had an hour to go around the Koala Reserve at our own leisure which was just about the right amount of time needed. We saw several Koalas as well as some other wildlife and learned about them as a species and the threats they face. We then travelled a short way to The Nobbies where we alighted the minibus and spent another hour walking the boardwalks at the top of the cliffs overlooking the rugged coastline where penguins come ashore. With a strong wind blowing, it was an exhilarating experience. After that, a short ride to the Penguin Parade. We had time to explore the visitor centre and have something to eat before walking down and taking a seat and wait for the penguins to come ashore, which they did over a period of about an hour or so (8:45 to 9:45). This attraction is very popular and therefore very busy. However, the crowds are well managed and didn’t detract from the experience. I don’t think I was alone in falling asleep for part of our two hour journey back to Melbourne. Our driver / guide, Yuri, was very good, keeping us well informed of everything along the way on the day and drove safely all the way. A very worthwhile tour.
Incredible Wildlife and Coastal Tour
149haleye,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic tour. We did the fur seal cruise, koala reserve, walk at the nobbies, and penguin parade. Mike was our tour guide and he really made our day. The pickup was super convenient, and we stopped for lunch when we got to the island. You have maybe 30 mins for lunch so a quick sandwich is the best option. The chicken schnitzel sandwich from Sunny Bakehouse was really good. The fur seal cruise was amazing they were so playful and the island and cruise was gorgeous. Koala reserve was amazing too, you observe them living their natural lives, no touching or feeding, and we saw maybe 8 koalas. The nobbies walk was also gorgeous along with the drive. You have time for dinner at the cafe at the penguin center which was pretty good. The penguin parade of course was incredible. So cute, and very well regulated. Overall fantastic day tons of wildlife and Mike was an absolutely incredible guide providing us with commentary, and overall super friendly and great to talk to. Really made our day special. Highly recommend this tour, it was the highlight of our time in Melbourne. Thank you Local Way!
A must do excursion
richwills,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience, made even better by Mike, our tour guide for the day. Mike was awesome and very knowledgable about absolutely everything! He ensured we all had a great day
Felt like a personal tour even with 4 other people!
Veronica577,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved every bit of this tour. Our only comment is that we wanted to spend more time in San Remo. The tour guides (one in training) were fantastic. They made sure to make us feel comfortable and informed throughout the day. The spots were wonderful. There was a problem with the Hop on Hop off in Cowes but they substituted the Koala Reserve. It was perfect. I even had time to dip my toes in the water at Cowes. The penquin parade was great and more that we had hoped for. Loved Local Way Tours and totally recommend them.
Pick a different tour company
Melanie B,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Disappointed with the tour company. Late for pickup, no organised time for meals (travelling with kids and diabetic), consistently rushed, bus broke down, and a lack of communication to advise of the issue and plans for the day. Definitely recommend going on the seal cruise (independent company) and the penguin parade (also independent company). The tour guide doesn’t accompany you, so guide is basically a driver.
An experience not to be missed!
Tour29849334039,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great small group excursion. Local Way Tours were very proactive in organizing 2 great activities (wine tasting and visit to the koala sanctuary) as a replacement for the cruise, cancelled due to the winds. The parade of little penguins was the highlight of the evening, not to be missed. Dress warmly! Finally, our guide Ned was charming, helpful and helpful throughout the day.
Unforgettable day in Phillip Island
cg217,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour to the Penguin Parade was absolutely fantastic – especially thanks to our guide, Yuri. He’s truly the kind of tour guide you wish for: friendly, patient, and helpful in every situation. When our new penguin beanie got blown away by the wind, Yuri went above and beyond to get it back for us. And since we were traveling with a baby, he even guided us all the way to our accommodation at the end of the tour – which was incredibly helpful at such a late hour. The penguins were unbelievably cute, and the whole experience was beautifully organized. Phillip Island, especially around The Nobbies, is an incredibly stunning place. Thank you so much for this wonderful day, Yuri!
MUST GO! But respect the penguins and no phones on parades please!
BlueKevinXVI,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Phillip Island trip was awesome had a very knowledgeable driver in Iuri who is a top bloke. The trip wasn’t rushed we had plenty of time at our stops. The boat ride out to see the Seals was good, it was a-bit choppy on the water. The Penguins were awesome but I left a bit earlier as I was getting angry at the disrespect by other tourists with their phones scaring the penguins away when you’re not supposed to have them out at all on the parade. So if you go please adhere to the rules.
A long day, filled from...
fiona j,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A long day, filled from start to end with expert guides & activities, local history/ information. . Great way to see Philip island & native wildlife. Small group size. Friendly. Brilliant, a must for visitors.
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Operated by Local Way Tours