Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

If you’re looking to escape Melbourne’s city buzz and learn about Australia’s unique wildlife, this Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island offers a well-rounded and personalized experience. From cuddly koalas to cheeky penguins, this trip provides a chance to see some of the country’s most iconic animals in their natural surroundings—all guided by attentive locals who know where to find the best spots.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach—a private guide means tailored stops and expert insights. The stops at Maru Animal Park, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade ensure you’ll get plenty of up-close animal encounters and stunning coastal views. Plus, the flexibility to hand-feed kangaroos and watch colonies of penguins parade at sunset adds a magical touch.

However, a potential consideration is the longer day—at around 9 hours, it’s a full commitment, so travelers should be prepared for a busy, yet rewarding, itinerary. This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone wanting a detailed, bespoke tour that combines nature, scenery, and adorable animals in one trip.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth wildlife encounter with the convenience of private transportation. It suits those keen on learning more from knowledgeable guides, and who prefer a flexible schedule that maximizes animal sightings and scenic stops without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour means your group, your pace, and tailored recommendations.
• Rich Wildlife Encounters: Hands-on kangaroo handfeeding, koalas, wallabies, and penguins.
• Stunning Coastal Views: Brighton, Woolamai beaches, and the Nobbies offer beautiful scenery.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Ben and Kenny are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• All-Inclusive Highlights: Entry fees to Maru Animal Park and Penguin Centre included.
• Comfortable Transportation: Most travelers find the vehicle clean and well-suited for a long day out.

Exploring the Full Itinerary

Maru Koala and Animal Park: Up Close with Koalas & Kangaroos

Your day starts at Maru Animal Park, where you’ll have the chance to see koalas comfortably perched in eucalyptus trees and to handfeed kangaroos—a highlight that many reviews emphasize. One reviewer praised guide Ben for taking them to specific spots that enhanced the experience, highlighting the importance of expert navigation in crowded or busy parks. Expect about an hour here, which provides enough time to take photos and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Woolamai Beach: Coastal Beauty and Photo Opportunities

Next, you’ll stop at Woolamai Beach, a surf-washed stretch with dramatic surges and expansive views. This quick 20-minute stop is a great chance to get some photos of the coast and breathe in the fresh air. Reviewers mention the spectacular scenery, with the beach welcoming visitors to start their island journey in style.

The Nobbies Centre: Wild Coastlines & Hopping Wallabies

A highlight for many is The Nobbies—a rugged stretch of giant rocks battered by ocean waves and home to wild wallabies hopping along the coast. This stop is about an hour, offering opportunities for scenic walks and spotting wildlife. The waves crashing against the rocks make for mesmerizing photos, and the natural landscape gives you a real sense of the power of the southern ocean.

Penguin Centre & Parade: The Tiny Penguins’ Nighttime March

The grand finale is the Penguin Parade at the Penguin Centre, where you’ll witness hundreds of little penguins returning to their burrows after a day at sea. Expect about two hours here, which is enough time to find a good viewing spot and enjoy the adorable march of the penguins. Many reviewers have described this as a “once in a lifetime” moment, with guides like Kenny and Logan providing detailed commentary that enhances the experience.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included in the tour are admission tickets to Maru Animal Park and the Penguin Centre, along with bottled water to keep you hydrated. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which allows for a more relaxed and tailored experience.

Not included are meals—so you might want to bring snacks or plan for lunch on your own prior to the sunset penguin parade. No dinner is included, so some travelers choose to eat before or after the tour.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation is a key part of the appeal. The tour departs from the Melbourne Immigration Museum, with most reviews praising the comfortable, clean vehicle and punctual pickup. The private nature of the tour means your guide will focus solely on your group, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages questions and storytelling.

At $380.24 per person, this tour offers good value considering the all-inclusive admissions, private guide, and personalized service. Reviewers consistently mention that the guides like Ben and Kenny go above and beyond, providing fascinating insights about the wildlife and landscapes.

Timing-wise, the 9-hour duration might seem long, but it’s packed with diverse sights and experiences. Expect a well-paced day with enough breaks to enjoy each location without feeling hurried. The sunset penguin parade is a definite highlight—you’ll want to bring a warm layer and a camera with a good zoom.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

Many reviews highlight how the guides’ local knowledge elevates the tour. For instance, Ben tailored the day based on guests’ interests, sometimes adjusting the order of stops. Guests appreciated the personalized attention, especially the chance to hand-feed kangaroos, which many found more immersive than just observing from a distance.

The coastal views at Woolamai and The Nobbies were described as “spectacular,” with one reviewer noting the waves crashing on the rocks as “mesmerizing.” The penguin parade is not just touristy; it’s a genuine wildlife spectacle that many travelers describe as “a must-see” and “once in a lifetime.”

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day private wildlife tour is ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking an intimate, flexible experience. It’s perfect if you want to learn from knowledgeable guides, see iconic Australian animals in natural settings, and enjoy stunning coastal scenery. The tour’s private nature means less waiting and more personal interaction, which many reviewers found made the experience more meaningful.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer a stress-free day—all logistics are handled, giving you more time to relax and enjoy. Keep in mind the length of the day if you’re traveling with young children or prefer a shorter trip.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and expert guiding, making it a valuable way to connect with Australia’s natural beauty in just one day.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation from Melbourne, with a comfortable vehicle for your group’s entire day.

What location does the tour start from?
It begins at the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, Melbourne.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, tickets to Maru Animal Park and the Penguin Centre are included in the price.

How long is the total tour?
The approximate duration is 9 hours, covering all stops and activities.

Can I expect to see penguins at night?
Absolutely. The Penguin Parade occurs at sunset or after, when the tiny penguins march back to their burrows.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most travelers found it suitable, especially since it’s private and flexible. Just note the long day might be tiring for very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for the evening, camera gear, bottled water, and perhaps snacks, as meals are not included.

This private wildlife tour to Phillip Island stands out for its personalized approach, diverse wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your connection with Australia’s natural environment, especially if you value guide insights and a flexible schedule. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a repeat trip, this experience offers a genuine, memorable look at some of the country’s most adorable and iconic animals.