Popular Sightseeing Tours in Phillip Island

The prime viewing spot for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is the Penguin Parade viewing area, located at the southwestern end of the island. The timing of the penguin's return varies with the seasons and sunset times, usually occurring shortly after sunset. In summer (approx. December to February), due to longer daylight hours, penguins typically come ashore later. In winter (approx. June to August), they return earlier. It's advisable to arrive at the viewing area in advance to secure a good vantage point. During your visit, please maintain silence and strictly adhere to the park's regulations; photography and videography are prohibited to avoid disturbing the little penguins.

For a day trip to Phillip Island, it's generally recommended to depart from Melbourne city in the afternoon. Your itinerary can include stops at attractions along the way, such as wildlife parks near Melbourne, like the Moonlit Sanctuary, or enjoy the fun at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Arrive on Phillip Island in the late afternoon to witness the highlight, the Penguin Parade. The entire trip usually concludes with a return to Melbourne in the evening. For a smoother and more efficient experience, many travelers opt for local private tours or guided bus tours, which eliminate the hassle of transportation planning and provide commentary from professional guides.

Overall, Phillip Island is generally more suitable for family travel than the Great Ocean Road. Phillip Island offers a more concentrated and diverse range of activities, focusing on close encounters with wildlife such as penguins, koalas, and seals. It also features interactive attractions like farm experiences and chocolate factories, which are highly appealing to children. In contrast, the Great Ocean Road is primarily about breathtaking coastal scenery, with longer driving distances between attractions. Its focus is mainly on sightseeing, which might be less engaging for younger children. Therefore, if you prioritize rich interactive experiences and shorter travel times, Phillip Island is the better choice for a family outing.

Phillip Island is a great destination year-round, with each season offering unique charms. Summer (December to February) features warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities, though the penguins return later. Autumn (March to May) has pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it a comfortable time to visit. Winter (June to August) can be cold, requiring warm clothing, but the penguins return earlier, allowing for quicker viewing, and it's also whale migration season. Spring (September to November) sees blooming flowers and active wildlife, with mild temperatures. You can choose the season that best suits your preferences and tolerance for different weather conditions.

There are two main transportation options to Phillip Island: self-driving or joining a local tour. Driving offers great flexibility in your schedule, allowing you to explore at your own pace, ideal for those comfortable with driving on the left and preferring independent travel. The drive from Melbourne city takes approximately two hours. Joining a local tour eliminates the need for driving and route planning, usually includes attraction tickets, and provides expert commentary, making your journey more relaxed and enjoyable. Public transport is less convenient, requiring multiple transfers. It's recommended to choose the transportation method that best suits your travel style and group size.

Phillip Island boasts a diverse array of attractions and experiences. The most central and unmissable is the Penguin Parade, where you can witness the spectacular sight of little penguins returning to their burrows in formation. Additionally, the Koala Conservation Centre allows for close-up observations of adorable koalas in their natural habitat. For a taste of traditional Australian farm life, visit the Churchill Island Heritage Farm. At the Nobbies Centre, you can admire coastal rock formations and potentially spot seals from a distance. The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory offers fun interactive experiences.

The most recommended ways to travel from Melbourne city to Phillip Island are by self-driving or joining a local tour. If driving, take the M1 highway southeast and then transfer to M420; the total distance is about 140 km, taking approximately 2 hours. If opting for a tour, most provide hotel pick-up in Melbourne city. Tours typically depart in the afternoon, visiting a few attractions like a wildlife park or chocolate factory en route, before arriving at the Penguin Parade point in the evening. The entire tour usually lasts about 8 to 10 hours. You can book tours through platforms like KKday, which offer Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation policies, alleviating language barriers and ensuring a more secure and convenient trip.

In addition to the famous Penguin Parade, Phillip Island offers many other worthwhile surrounding attractions. You can visit the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can walk along elevated boardwalks, searching for and observing wild koalas up close amongst the treetops. At the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, experience early Australian rural life with sheep shearing demonstrations and sheepdog shows, perfect for family fun. Furthermore, the Nobbies Centre provides spectacular coastal views and rock formations, and you can spot seal colonies on Seal Rocks through telescopes. Sweet treat enthusiasts shouldn't miss the interactive experiences at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory.

If you plan to stay overnight on Phillip Island, the main accommodation hub is the town of Cowes. Cowes is the island's largest town, offering a comprehensive range of restaurants, shops, and diverse lodging options, from budget motels to beachfront apartments, with convenient access to various attractions. Additionally, nearby areas like Rhyll and San Remo, which is connected to the mainland, also provide some unique accommodation choices with a quieter atmosphere. When choosing accommodation, consider proximity to major attractions, your budget, and your preferred lodging type, such as a sea-view room or a resort, to ensure a comfortable stay.

Phillip Island has dedicated and well-planned locations for viewing seals and koalas. The best spot for observing seals is the Nobbies Centre. From the centre, you can use high-powered binoculars to view Seal Rocks offshore, which is home to one of Australia's largest seal colonies, with tens of thousands of seals potentially visible. Alternatively, consider a boat tour for a closer look. For koala viewing, the Koala Conservation Centre is highly recommended. This centre features elevated boardwalks that allow visitors to wander among the treetops and observe wild koalas up close without disturbance, learning about their natural behaviors.