Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Travelers looking to combine wildlife encounters with scenic coastal views often find themselves drawn to Australia’s unique natural landscapes. This French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition offers an excellent way to experience Australia’s adorable native animals in their natural habitats, along with breathtaking ocean vistas.

This 12-14 hour tour has a high 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews, reflecting many happy travelers. We love how the trip balances wildlife spotting, scenic drives, and cultural bits like local farm visits—all for a reasonable $151 per person. However, it’s a full day, which might feel long for some, especially those with limited mobility or young children. Overall, it’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and stunning coastlines.

Key Points

Wildlife in their natural environment: Koalas, penguins, seals, and more.
Scenic coastal views: From sea cliffs to penguin beaches.
Knowledgeable guides: Engaging, friendly, and well-informed.
Value for money: Includes ferry crossings, national park fees, and a farm gate meal.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts: Active day with plenty of walking and sightseeing.
Not suitable for those with limited mobility: Due to the nature of the activities and transport.

Contents show

An Overview of the French and Phillip Island Wildlife Tour

This tour offers an engaging day exploring two iconic Australian islands—French Island and Phillip Island. It starts early with a ferry ride across Western Port Bay, offering lovely views of the water and surrounding scenery, which alone makes the trip worthwhile. Once on French Island, a guided 2.5-hour 4WD adventure takes you around the island’s rugged landscape, where you’ll spot koalas, native birds, and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

After a delicious seasonal farm gate lunch or afternoon tea (depending on timing), travelers hop on another ferry to Phillip Island, a place renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery and adorable penguins. The last leg of the journey includes a visit to Point Grant, known locally as the Nobbies, where sea bluffs, seal colonies, and panoramic views set a dramatic scene. The day wraps up with the famous Penguin Parade, a highlight for many visitors who want to see the tiny penguins waddle home at dusk.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

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French Island National Park and 4WD Adventure

Arriving on French Island feels like stepping into a wilderness untouched by urban development. The guided 4WD tour is a major selling point—lasting about two and a half hours, it takes you through diverse landscapes, from wetlands to forests. Reviewers praise guides like Daisy, who is described as “incredibly knowledgeable” and engaging, making the wildlife encounters more meaningful. Expect to see koalas chilling in gum trees, plus a variety of birds and possibly other native animals.

One reviewer, Julio from the US, shared that their guide, Daisy, “was incredibly knowledgeable about koalas and the ecosystem,” which greatly enhanced their experience. The off-road vehicle allows access to areas that aren’t reachable by regular cars, providing a closer look at wildlife in their natural environment.

Local Farm Gate Experience

A charming aspect of the tour is stopping for lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate—a chance to taste seasonal produce and see how some Aussies live beyond the city. This stop adds a personal touch and supports local farmers, making the experience feel more authentic.

Transition to Phillip Island

After French Island, the ferry across Western Port Bay offers scenic views that foreshadow the breathtaking coastlines of Phillip Island. The island itself is a hub of natural beauty and excitement. Known for pristine beaches and mighty surf, it’s also home to seal colonies and a motorbike circuit, adding diverse points of interest.

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The Nobbies and Seal Colony

At Point Grant, or the Nobbies, the dramatic sea bluffs and rocky outcrops are stunning. Visitors frequently mention how impressive the natural sights are—wild seals lounging on rocks or swimming in the waters below, often visible from the viewing platforms. Several reviews highlight how the scenery here is truly striking, with the chance to spot seals and seabirds in their habitat.

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Penguin Parade — The Grand Finale

The tour’s crowning moment is the Penguin Parade, where tiny penguins waddle ashore after a day at sea. Many reviews describe this as “absolutely worth every dollar,” with guides like Margaret and Darren helping visitors find the best spots for viewing. The ranger commentary enhances the experience, offering insights into penguin behavior and conservation efforts.

Practical Details and Comfort

Transportation between sites is smooth, with round-trip transport from Melbourne included. The tour typically runs in the morning and afternoon, making it flexible for different schedules. Small groups mean more personalized attention, and guides are consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic.

The Value of This Tour

At $151, this experience offers quite good value considering all inclusions: ferry crossings, national park fees, guided tours, and the penguin entry. The farm gate meal adds a local flavor, though snacks and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly. The full-day format allows ample time to appreciate the islands’ natural beauty without feeling rushed.

Cost-wise, it’s competitive with other wildlife tours around Melbourne, especially given the multiple destinations and the depth of the wildlife encounters. Reviewers repeatedly mention guides like Matt, Margaret, and Scott as making the day memorable because of their friendly attitude and wealth of knowledge.

What to Expect on the Day

Early Start and Ferry Ride

The tour begins with a pickup at a central location, then a ferry ride across Western Port Bay. The boat offers peaceful views and a chance to settle into the day’s adventure. The ferry is comfortable and a scenic start to your journey.

French Island Exploration

Once on French Island, your 4WD tour takes you through diverse landscapes—wetlands, forests, and open plains. It’s a good pace, with stops for photo opportunities and wildlife spotting. Keep your camera ready; you might catch sight of koalas in the trees or native birds overhead.

Farm Gate Lunch or Afternoon Tea

This stop provides a taste of local produce and a chance to relax. Reviewers describe the meal as homemade and tasty, adding a cozy touch to the day. It’s a great opportunity to interact with locals and learn about regional life.

Transfer to Phillip Island

The ferry crossing to Phillip Island is quick, offering more scenic water views and anticipation for the island’s natural wonders. Upon arrival, the visit to the Nobbies and Seal Rocks showcases some of Australia’s most dramatic coastlines.

Penguin Parade Experience

The final segment is timed with dusk, perfect for watching the penguins emerge from the water and march to their burrows. Guides help find the best viewing places, and many reviews emphasize how magical this moment is, especially if you catch a glimpse of the tiny penguins hurrying home.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a solid balance between wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and culture. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. The inclusion of ferry rides, national park fees, and a farm gate meal offers good value for the price, especially given the variety of activities packed into one day.

While it’s not suitable for travelers with limited mobility or very young children, active travelers, wildlife lovers, and those craving a full day of fresh air and natural beauty will find this trip well worth the investment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re in Melbourne and want a comprehensive day exploring some of Victoria’s most captivating islands, this tour provides a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly great for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see koalas and penguins in their natural settings, as well as anyone who appreciates scenic coastal views.

Those who enjoy guided experiences with knowledgeable, friendly guides will value the personal touch. It’s also ideal for travelers wanting to combine wildlife, nature, and a taste of local life all in one day.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from selected pickup points in Melbourne is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 to 14 hours, so it’s a full day out. Be prepared for an early start and a late return.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a reusable water bottle are recommended to stay comfortable during the day’s activities.

Are meals included?
A seasonal farm gate lunch or afternoon tea is included, but snacks and other drinks are not.

Can children join the tour?
Child fares apply for ages 4-15, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How many people are in the group?
Small group tours are available, offering a more personalized experience, usually with at least four participants.

Is this tour accessible for those with limited mobility?
No, this tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of the activities and transport.

What is the best time to see the penguins?
The Penguin Parade happens at dusk, so plan for a late afternoon or early evening finish to catch this iconic moment.

This French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition combines the best of Australia’s wildlife, scenic coastlines, and local culture, making it a memorable day for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.