Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

Our Review of the Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala, and Penguin Parade

Looking for a well-rounded day trip from Melbourne that combines wildlife encounters, stunning coastlines, and a touch of Aussie magic? This Full-Day Phillip Island Tour promises just that, with organizers taking care of most of the logistics so you can relax and soak in the sights. With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews and a price of just under $100 per person, it’s a popular choice for travelers eager to experience some of Victoria’s best natural attractions.

What we really love about this tour are the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make each stop engaging, the beautiful viewpoints that are picture-perfect, and the chance to see iconic Australian animals up close. Plus, the inclusion of the Penguin Parade at sunset is an experience most travelers won’t forget. That said, it’s worth noting that the full 10-hour schedule can be a long day, and some reviewers mention the tour felt a bit rushed at times.

This tour is a great fit for those wanting an easy, all-in-one escape that hits the highlights of Phillip Island. It’s especially suited for wildlife lovers, first-timers to Australia, or anyone wanting a memorable, hassle-free day out.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with wildlife parks, viewpoints, and penguin viewing
• Comfortable transport with pickup from Melbourne CBD
• Expert guides who share interesting facts and keep the trip engaging
• Flexible options for photo opportunities and animal encounters
• Long but rewarding day — perfect if you’re ready for adventure
• Good value for the variety of sights and experiences covered

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Your journey begins with a visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary, a haven for native Australian animals. Here, you’ll get the chance to see kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, with some reviewer comments praising the chance to pet kangaroos and koalas. One reviewer, Kim_O, shared that petting a koala and kangaroo was just the warm-up for the coast and penguin sighting — a testament to the intimate wildlife experiences this stop offers.

The sanctuary is home to not just the popular animals but also lesser-known species like the spot-tailed quoll or the yellow-bellied glider. With admission included in the tour, you can spend about an hour exploring, taking photos, and learning about these animals from guides who seem genuinely passionate.

Woolamai Beach

Next up is Woolamai Beach, often praised for its rugged beauty and massive surf. It’s perfect for those who love dramatic coastlines, and the golden sands make for a relaxing break. Reviewers mention that this stop provides a visual feast and a chance to breathe in the salty air. With just about 20 minutes here, it’s a quick but worthwhile visit, especially if you’re into scenic coastal views.

Cowes

The tour then moves to Cowes, the bustling hub at the northern tip of the island. With a village vibe filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, it offers a nice balance of nature and local life. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which a reviewer called “just enough time to soak in the views and snap some photos.” Some visitors appreciated the opportunity to grab a quick bite or a coffee before heading to the next stop.

The Nobbies Centre

One of the most visually impressive stops is the Nobbies Centre, where you’ll stroll along a boardwalk overlooking volcanic rock formations and the colony of Australian Fur seals on Seal Rock. The views are described as “breathtaking,” with reviewers noting how the natural coastal features create a dramatic backdrop. Many comment on how informative the Nobbies Centre is, offering insights into the geology and wildlife of the area.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

The highlight for many is the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. As the sun sets, tiny penguins emerge from the water and waddle to their burrows — an adorable and authentic display of nature. The experience of watching this in such a natural setting is often described as “magical,” with some reviewers emphasizing the importance of respecting the penguins’ space and following rules such as no photos after sunset to avoid disorienting the birds.

Expect around two hours at this final stop, which gives ample time to watch the penguins and take photos from designated viewing areas. Many travelers mention that sitting on the sides of the viewing platform enhances the experience, giving a closer view of these charming creatures.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour is conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with pick-up and drop-off from Melbourne CBD. This added convenience means you don’t need to worry about organizing transport, and the group size is capped at 39, ensuring a more personal experience. Some reviews mention that pick-up times can vary slightly, so it’s good to arrive a little early or confirm the exact time.

Value for Money

At $98.31 per person, the tour offers a full day of diverse sights — from wildlife parks to coastal vistas, topped off with the iconic penguin parade. The cost includes entry to the Moonlit Sanctuary and the Penguin Parade, making it a solid deal compared to booking each part separately.

However, note that lunch and dinner aren’t included, so bringing snacks or planning to eat in Cowes is advisable. Some travelers appreciate that they can choose their own meals, while others wish there was an option for a packaged lunch.

Authentic Experiences and Tour Highlights

Based on reviews, the guides seem to be one of the tour’s strongest points. Travelers like Amy_v and James (the guide) highlight how knowledgeable and friendly their guides are, sharing stories and making the long day enjoyable. One reviewer called Craig’s storytelling “amazing,” and many appreciated the genuine interest guides showed in their groups.

The animal encounters are especially well-liked, with reviewers noting how close they get to kangaroos, koalas, and seals. The penguin parade gets rave reviews, with some describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, especially if you follow rules to protect the penguins’ habitat.

Tips from Reviewers

• Dress warmly for the Penguin Parade, as evenings can be cold and windy.
• Charge your camera or phone beforehand — countless photos are taken during the day.
• Be punctual — delays in pickup have been noted, and late arrivals can affect the overall experience.
• Bring bottled water and snacks, since these aren’t provided.
• Sit on the sides at the penguin viewing platform for the best photos and closer looks.

Considerations and Drawbacks

While most reviews are positive, some travelers mention that the day can feel rushed, especially with tight timing at each stop. The long duration (around 10 hours) might be tiring for some, and a few found it stressful or felt it lacked detailed information about each location.

One reviewer expressed disappointment with the limited time at the sanctuary, feeling it was “far too short,” and others mentioned that the penguin viewing can be less spectacular than expected if you’re hoping for a huge mass of penguins rushing ashore — the parade is more about the smaller, charming groups and the natural environment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day package caters well to wildlife enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and families wanting a hassle-free experience. If you love animals, scenic views, and the chance to see the world’s smallest penguins in their natural habitat, this trip ticks all those boxes. It’s also ideal for those wanting an organized, guided experience rather than planning every detail themselves.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or if you are traveling solo and prefer smaller groups, some might find the schedule a bit intense. Remember, it’s a long day, and some stops are brief, so bringing patience and a good pair of walking shoes is advised.

Final Thoughts

The Full-Day Phillip Island Tour offers a compelling mix of wildlife, scenic vistas, and an iconic penguin parade, all wrapped into one well-organized day. With expert guides who make the journey engaging and plenty of opportunities to see native animals up close, it represents fantastic value for those eager to explore Victoria’s diverse natural attractions without the hassle of independent travel.

While some travelers found it a little rushed, most agree that the memorable moments—petting kangaroos, walking among seals, and witnessing penguins in their natural environment—outweigh any minor inconveniences. It’s a solid choice if you want a full, fun, and informative experience that leaves you with stories to tell.

Ideal for wildlife lovers, first-timers, and anyone seeking a hassle-free adventure, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Melbourne trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transport with pickup and drop-off from Melbourne CBD.
How long is the tour? Approximately 10 hours, covering multiple stops along the way.
Are meals included? No, meals are not included, but you can purchase food at Cowes or bring snacks.
Is the penguin parade guaranteed? No, the penguin parade depends on weather and animal behavior, but the tour includes entry and the best possible viewing.
What should I wear? Warm clothing, especially for the Penguin Parade in the evening, as it can be cold and windy.
Can I take photos of the penguins? No photos or videos are allowed once the parade begins to avoid disturbing the penguins.
Are animals pettable? Yes, at Moonlit Sanctuary, many reviewers enjoyed petting kangaroos and koalas.
Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, most travelers consider it suitable for families, but younger children should be prepared for a long day.
What’s the group size? The maximum group size is 39, allowing for a more personalized experience.
What’s the best time to see the penguins? The parade starts at sunset, with the best viewing around dusk.

This tour balances wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and iconic Australian experiences into one memorable day — perfect for those who want to tick off a bucket-list adventure without the stress of planning every detail themselves.