Phillip Island Day Tour

See all the world class attractions of Phillip Island in one day on this small group eco tour from Melbourne. Indulge yourself with wine tasting at The Phillip Island Winery and tasting of a range of Gippsland's cheeses, see chocolates being made at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and get up close to koalas at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Centre. The highlight of your Phillip Island experience will begin at dusk as you watch the fairy penguins waddling up the beach into their burrows in the sand dunes. Travelling in a small group, maximum 24 people, will allow you to explore all that Phillip Island has to offer in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Departing Melbourne at around midday, this small group day tour encapsulates the very best of the region’s wildlife and gourmet delights.

Leaving Melbourne we journey into the Gippsland region and make a stop to explore the quaint country township of Koo Wee Rup. While this rural community prides itself on producing Australia’s best asparagus, the antique and bric-a-brac shops are also well worth a peek.

Continuing on we journey down the South Gippsland coastal highway where we cross the bridge over the eastern entrance of the majestic Western Port bay. Our Phillip Island experience starts at the region’s sweetest attraction, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Watch the chocolatiers at work, as they hand make delicious chocolate varieties using recipes handed down over many generations. Enjoy complimentary samples while exploring the Amazing World of Chocolate where you will marvel at the astonishing array of chocolate creations.

From here we’ll travel to the famous Koala Conservation Centre to meet some of the friendly locals. We’ll walk among the treetops and view the numerous wild koalas up close at this iconic wildlife attraction.

Our next stop is at the Phillip Island Winery, overlooking the famous Berry’s Beach. Here we sample not only the locally produced wines, but also a selection of Gippsland’s finest cheeses and other gourmet produce. The tasting is accompanied by an informative presentation, ensuring an experience that is educational as well as truly mouth-watering.

A visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies gives us an opportunity to enjoy views over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, including Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest population of fur seals.

And then it’s onwards to the main event, where just after dark every night the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. You’ll be truly enchanted as the stars of the show emerge from the surf and pass right before your eyes on their journey back to their homes. Your guide will ensure you are able to get the very best vantage point to enjoy the Penguin Parade and will help to keep you toasty warm with a complimentary hot cuppa.

For an exclusive viewing experience, upgrade to the more personalised “Penguins Plus” viewing platform. With numbers limited to 150, you’ll enjoy special ranger interpretation in a more natural setting. This option also includes a complimentary hot beverage.

After the parade we allow plenty of time to explore the Visitor Centre before beginning our own journey back to Melbourne.

With drop off right back to your inner city and St Kilda area accommodation, you’ll remember this day as a true highlight of your Australian holiday.

Tour Highlights:

Boutique Wine Tasting included.
Coffee, tea and biscuits provided at the Penguin Parade.
(Lunch and Dinner at your own expense).
Language Translation is available through the use of our specially-configured iPods.

Penguins Plus Boardwalk Upgrade Option

The exclusive Penguins Plus Boardwalk offers unrivalled views of the nightly parade. With local rangers on hand to provide interpretation of the world’s smallest penguins and their fascinating lives, this option is well worth the extra $15.00!

Private Penguin Parade Experience Upgrade Option

Join a group of no more than ten at the Penguin Parade for a fully rangerguided experience. This option offers priority seating in front of the general viewing area, as well as access to the Penguins Plus Boardwalk.

Departure / Return Times (approximate)

December / January:
Departs : 11:00pm - 12:00noon
Returns : 11:30pm - midnight

February / March:
Departs : 11:00pm - 12:00noon
Returns : 11:00pm - 11:30pm

April / May:
Departs: 10:00am - 11:00pm
Returns : 9:30pm - 10:00pm

June / August:
Departs: 10:00am - 11:00pm
Returns : 8:30pm - 9:00pm

September / October:
Departs: 10:00am - 11:00am
Returns : 9:30pm - 10:00pm

November:
Departs : 12:00 noon - 1:00pm
Returns : 11:00pm - 11:30pm