MelbournePhillip Island Tour 1 Day Tour

If you’re seeking a day filled with diverse experiences, this Melbourne to Phillip Island tour offers a compelling blend of farm life, wildlife, and stunning scenery — all for $98 per person. With around 4.4 stars from other travelers, it’s a well-regarded option to explore some of Victoria’s most iconic sights in just one day. You’ll visit a modern dairy farm, see koalas and kangaroos at Maru Koala and Animal Park, take in breathtaking coastal views at The Nobbies, and, of course, witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as tiny penguins waddle home at sunset.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the opportunity to see the semi-automated dairy process up close — a rare, behind-the-scenes look into Australia’s dairy industry — and the spectacular coastal vistas at The Nobbies Centre. Both give you a more authentic, less touristy feel of the region. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the variable departure time — between 9:40 am and 12:40 pm — which might affect your planning if you’re on a tight schedule or arriving from far away. This tour is best suited for families and curious travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Phillip Island without overextending their day.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: From farm life to wildlife and coastal scenery, this tour covers a broad spectrum of what Phillip Island offers.
• Value for Money: At $98, including admission to the Penguin Parade and guided commentary, it’s a cost-effective way to explore.
• Authentic Encounters: Unique sights like the dairy farm and wildlife park give you genuine insights into local life.
• Flexible Departure: The flexible start time requires some planning but allows for better scheduling based on your arrival in Melbourne.
• Focus on Family: The itinerary is suitable for all ages, especially those interested in animals and natural landscapes.
• Delays Possible: Expect some variability in return time, especially during peak traffic or weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

This one-day tour begins with a visit to a large, modern dairy farm. Here, you’ll see the semi-automated milking process in action — an engaging experience for anyone curious about how dairy products are made in Australia. The guide’s commentary makes this more than just watching cows; you learn about the milk’s journey from the farm to your fridge, adding a practical and educational element to your day.

Next, the tour heads to Maru Koala and Animal Park, which is quite a highlight for animal lovers. This family-run attraction is packed with native Australian wildlife, including koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and even Tasmanian devils and dingoes. You can expect to get close to these creatures in a relaxed environment, and the guide’s enthusiasm helps bring these encounters to life. One review mentioned, “The guide’s knowledge about the animals made the experience even better,” confirming that the tour is led by friendly, informative guides.

The journey continues to Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. Here, you’ll find a charming seaside village atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The beach and jetty offer lovely views over Western Port Bay, ideal for a quick stroll and some photos. This stop provides a relaxed break and a chance to soak in the local vibe.

Moving westward, the tour reaches The Nobbies Centre, a rugged landscape with spectacular coastal views. The cliffs are home to many bird species, and the scenery here is truly postcard-worthy. Inside the centre, multimedia displays give insights into the local habitat, making it both scenic and educational.

As the day winds down, everyone heads to Summerland Beach for the Penguin Parade at dusk. This is undeniably the star attraction — witnessing the smallest penguins in the world as they waddle ashore to their burrows. The viewing stands and boardwalks make this experience accessible and comfortable, allowing you to get close enough to feel part of the action. Many travelers find this to be the most memorable part of their trip, and reviews praise the educational displays and spectacular sunset scenery.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned coach, which makes for comfortable travel between stops. The group size isn’t specified explicitly but is typically manageable, allowing for interaction with guides while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. The flexible departure time means that your pickup can be tailored during the morning hours, giving you some control over your start — a thoughtful touch.

The Value Proposition

For $98, you receive not only transport and a guided experience but also admission to the Penguin Parade and a complimentary taste of Jersey milk. The guide’s commentary is available in English and Mandarin, broadening accessibility. Additional costs, like admission to Maru Koala and Animal Park (around 33 AUD for adults), are extra but manageable if animals are a priority.

When compared to similar tours, this one stands out for its balance of nature, wildlife, and scenic views, all packed into a single day. Plus, the inclusion of both educational and memorable attractions makes it a good deal.

Authenticity and Practical Tips

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with interesting facts and local insights. We loved how they balanced storytelling with giving travelers enough time to absorb each stop without feeling rushed. The scenic coastal vistas at The Nobbies and close encounters with Australian wildlife at Maru Koala Park make the trip feel authentic rather than just a packaged tourist experience.

A practical tip: be prepared for the variable departure time and weather, especially at the Nobbies and Penguin Parade. Bring layers, comfortable shoes, and binoculars if you have them. Also, since the tour concludes around sunset, plan your return to Melbourne accordingly, especially if you have evening plans or flights the same day.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and first-time visitors looking for a diverse snapshot of Phillip Island. It’s especially suitable if you want a guided, hassle-free experience covering multiple attractions without the need to rent a car or navigate public transport. The educational aspect combined with the spectacle of the Penguin Parade makes it appealing to travelers of all ages eager to connect with nature.

This MelbournePhillip Island Tour offers a well-rounded day trip that balances educational activities, wildlife encounters, and stunning coastal scenery. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge add genuine value, making each stop more meaningful. The price is fair considering the included attractions and commentary, and the flexible departure time is a plus for planning your day.

If you’re after a family-friendly, all-in-one experience to see some of Victoria’s best natural sights and wildlife, this tour delivers more than enough highlights for the price. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a broad spectrum of what Phillip Island has to offer, all while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned coach and guided commentary.

What is the cost of this tour?
The price is $98 per person, which includes transportation, a guide, and admission to the Penguin Parade. Additional attractions like Maru Koala and Animal Park have extra fees.

What is included in the tour?
You get an air-conditioned coach ride, a friendly guide speaking English and Mandarin, audio commentary, admission to the Penguin Parade, and a free taste of Jersey milk.

What attractions do I visit on this tour?
You visit a dairy farm, Maru Koala and Animal Park, Cowes town, The Nobbies Centre, and the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy food at Cowes.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring layers for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps binoculars for bird watching at The Nobbies.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about one day, with specific departure times between 9:40 am and 12:40 pm. Expect to return in the early evening, but it can vary due to traffic and weather.

Are children welcome?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families and children, especially those interested in animals and coastal scenery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This MelbournePhillip Island Tour offers a balanced blend of nature, wildlife, and scenic beauty in a single day, making it a worthwhile choice for those looking to experience Victoria’s coast without much fuss. It’s especially suited for families, wildlife lovers, and first-timers wanting a guided experience with authentic moments. The variety of stops keeps the day dynamic, and the inclusion of the Penguin Parade guarantees a memorable finale.

While the flexible starting time requires some planning, it also means you can tailor the day to your schedule. The guides’ insights and the chance to see Australian animals up close make it a genuinely enriching outing. If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day trip that balances fun and education, this tour hits the right notes, offering good value for the price and a chance to see some of Australia’s most beloved sights.

Enjoy your trip and remember — some of the best travel moments happen when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unexpected wonders of the coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: