Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Location: Victoria, Australia
Price: $151 per person
Duration: 12–14 hours
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (based on 34 reviews)
Supplier: Explore Australia

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know

This full-day adventure takes you from Melbourne across Western Port Bay to French Island, where you’ll explore National Park in a rugged 4WD vehicle, seeking out koalas and native wildlife in their natural surroundings. After a hearty, seasonal farm gate lunch or afternoon tea, you’ll hop back on a ferry to Phillip Island. Here, you’ll discover sea seals, dramatic sea bluffs, and the crowd-pleasing Penguin Parade.

What we love about this tour are two key points: first, the intimate wildlife encounters—spotting koalas and penguins in the wild feels far more authentic than seeing them in a zoo. Second, the scenic views—from French Island’s rustic landscapes to Phillip Island’s rugged coastlines, the vistas are a real highlight.

A possible consideration is the long day—12 to 14 hours—so this is best suited for travelers with good stamina and an interest in wildlife and scenery rather than those seeking a quick, light excursion. It’s especially ideal for nature lovers and families who want a mix of adventure and education.

If you’re eager to see Australia’s native animals in their habitat while enjoying spectacular coastal scenery, this tour offers excellent value and genuine experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife in their natural habitat: Spot koalas, seals, and penguins with guided explanations.
• Scenic island landscapes: French Island’s untouched wilderness and Phillip Island’s dramatic coastlines.
• All-inclusive value: Ferry crossings, park fees, guided tours, and a seasonal farm gate meal included.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Daisy and Matt make the experience engaging.
• Long but rewarding day: Perfect for those comfortable with full-day outings.
• Authentic Australian experience: Combining wildlife, local food, and scenic views in one trip.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

When we talk about a full-day tour like this, what truly matters is how well it balances scenery, wildlife, and comfort. This trip hits all three—starting with a quick ferry ride across Western Port Bay, which alone offers a fresh perspective on the water and the chance to relax before stepping onto French Island.

French Island: The Wilderness

Arriving on French Island, known as a “true paradise” by many travelers, you’re immediately immersed in untouched nature. The guided 4WD tour—lasting around 2.5 hours—takes you through National Park, revealing the wild koalas nestled in trees, and other native creatures in their natural environment. The off-road vehicle allows access to areas that would be hard to reach otherwise, giving you a glimpse of Australian bushland, secluded beaches, and birdlife.

Reviews praise this segment for its knowledgeable guides—Daisy, in particular, is noted for her depth of knowledge about koalas, wildlife, and the environment. One traveler shared that their guide was “incredibly knowledgeable” and made the experience “dream come true”. We love that such personalized guiding turns a simple wildlife spotting into an educational experience.

Farm Gate Lunch or Tea

Midday, you’ll stop at a local farm gate for a seasonal meal or tea, giving a taste of rural life. This is a lovely break that allows you to enjoy homemade foods and local produce while soaking in the peaceful farm surroundings. While not a gourmet feast, reviews confirm the delicious homemade lunch and the chance to relax in a friendly setting. It adds a personal touch missing from many tours.

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Crossing to Phillip Island

Back on the ferry, the journey to Phillip Island is brief but scenic, with plenty of photo opportunities. Upon arrival, the island’s dramatic scenery unfolds—beaches, seals at Nobbies, and sea bluffs that look like the edge of the world. The highlight is the Penguin Parade, where little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, a truly iconic Australian spectacle.

The Penguin Parade

The Penguin Parade is the tour’s climax—and it does not disappoint. Watching these tiny creatures returning from the sea in their natural habitat is mesmerizing. The expert ranger commentary enriches the experience with insights into penguin behavior and conservation efforts. One reviewer mentioned “great views” at the lower left vantage point, which many find to be the best spot to see the penguins emerge.

Additional Considerations

Since the tour involves multiple ferry crossings and extended hours, it’s important to be prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing (especially if visiting during cooler months), and a reusable water bottle. The tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility, as some stops and terrain may be challenging.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Beyond simply ticking off sight-seeing boxes, what makes this experience stand out are the quality of guides and the authentic wildlife encounters. Travelers consistently praise guides like Matt and Daisy for being knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, which makes the trip more memorable.

The scenic variety—from the rustic wilderness of French Island to the rugged coast of Phillip Island—adds a sense of adventure and discovery. The inclusion of local food gives the trip a personal touch often missing in larger, more commercial tours.

The Value for Money

At $151 per person, the cost covers all park fees, ferry crossings, and the Penguin Parade entry. Considering the full-day duration and the personalized guiding, this represents good value, especially for those wanting an authentic, all-in-one wildlife experience. The inclusion of transportation and meals simplifies planning, making it easier for travelers to relax and enjoy.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for nature lovers, families with children aged 4 and up, and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see animals like koalas and penguins in their natural environment. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, enjoy guided nature walks, and want a full-day escape from city life.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a fine balance between adventure, education, and scenery. It offers a genuine chance to see some of Australia’s most adorable native animals in the wild, complemented by stunning coastal vistas. The guides’ warmth and knowledge elevate the experience from a simple sightseeing trip to a memorable and authentic encounter with nature.

While it is a long day—perfect for those with plenty of energy and curiosity—it rewards travelers with beautiful views, up-close wildlife encounters, and a taste of local rural life. If you prioritize wildlife in their natural habitat and scenic beauty, this tour delivers excellent value and a genuine taste of Australian nature.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-15 are welcome and qualify for child fares. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and child booster seats are available if requested.

How long does the entire trip last?
The tour runs for approximately 12 to 14 hours, making it a full-day excursion suitable for travelers prepared for a long day out.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Since the weather can vary, layering is advisable.

Are meals included?
Yes, a seasonal lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate is included. Snacks and additional drinks are not included.

Can I see koalas and penguins in the wild?
Yes, the guided 4WD tour on French Island offers chances to see koalas in their natural environment. Penguins are viewed at the Penguin Parade, where they emerge from the sea at sunset.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility due to the terrain and stops involved.

This tour offers a well-rounded day focusing on native wildlife, scenic coastlines, and local rural life. The combination of guided wildlife spotting, beautiful landscapes, and the Penguin Parade makes it an engaging choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Australian nature. The knowledgeable guides, like Daisy and Matt, help make this experience both educational and fun, transforming what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure.

It’s best suited for active travelers, families, or wildlife enthusiasts eager to see Australian animals like koalas and penguins in their natural environment, all wrapped up in a scenic journey that balances comfort and discovery. For a day that combines wildlife, scenery, and cultural charm, this tour is an excellent value and a highlight for any trip to Melbourne.

You can check availability for your dates here: