Phillip Island Tours

Discover Phillip Island

Tours & Experiences

Phillip Island
Departing Phillip Island: Golden Hour Express Penguin Bus Tour
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(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$115.00
5 Hours
Phillip Island
From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos Tour 4.5★ (1,929 Reviews)
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(0 reviews)
Sightseeing Wildlife
From$159.00
12 Hours
Philip Island
From Melbourne: Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Day Tour
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(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$97.00
11 Hours
Phillip Island to Healesville
Healesville Sanctuary (Koalas) And Phillip Island Wildlife Bus Tour
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(0 reviews)
Nature Sightseeing
From$177.00
12 Hours
Phillip Island To Dandenong
Melbourne Departing: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour
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(0 reviews)
Historical Nature Wildlife
From$205.00
10 - 12 Hours
Melbourne To Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour
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(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$175.00
9.5 Hours
Philip Island to Healsville
Melbourne To Puffing Billy, Penguin, Yarra Valley Wine and Choc Tour
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(0 reviews)
Historical Nature Wildlife
From$128.00
12 Hours
Phillip Island
Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne
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(0 reviews)
Sightseeing Wildlife
From$165.00
12 hours

About Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a captivating island destination located about 140 kilometers southeast of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, renowned worldwide for its spectacular wildlife experiences and thrilling motorsport events. The island's crown jewel is the famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where visitors can witness hundreds of little penguins returning from the sea to their burrows each evening at sunset, making it one of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions. Beyond the penguins, Phillip Island offers diverse natural wonders including the Nobbies Centre with its dramatic coastal views and blowhole formations, Seal Rocks where Australian fur seals bask in large colonies, and pristine beaches perfect for surfing and swimming. The island is also home to the legendary Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which hosts the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe, while the Philip Island Nature Parks protect much of the island's unique ecosystems and native wildlife. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, this compact island combines stunning coastal scenery, rich agricultural heritage, charming towns like Cowes and Rhyll, excellent restaurants featuring fresh local produce and seafood, and accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, making it an ideal destination for day trips from Melbourne or extended stays exploring Victoria's diverse natural beauty.

Phillip Island Bus Service

Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne

V/Line operates coach services from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Cowes on Phillip Island, requiring one change at Koo Wee Rup interchange. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours total. Thanks to Victoria’s regional public transport fare cap, an adult ticket costs only $11.

Route: Melbourne Southern Cross → Koo Wee Rup (bus change) → Cowes Contact: V/Line – 1800 800 007 or visit vline.com.au

V/Line coaches also stop at several towns along the way including Grantville, Corinella, Bass, San Remo, and Newhaven.

Local Bus Service on Phillip Island

South Coast & Phillip Island Bus Lines operates a local service running between Cowes, Anderson, and Wonthaggi with multiple stops along the way.

Contact: 03 5952 2500 Service: Daily, no booking required

Alternative Options

Ferry: Western Port Ferries runs between Stony Point (Mornington Peninsula) and Cowes (03 5257 4565)
Tourist Services: Local Way Tours offers hop-on hop-off bus services connecting major attractions around the island
Taxis: Available but more expensive than public transport

What to do in Phillip Island

Wildlife Experiences

Penguin Parade – Watch little penguins return to shore at sunset at Summerland Beach (book ahead, very popular)
Seal Rocks – View Australian fur seals lounging on rocky outcrops from the boardwalk at the Nobbies
Koala Conservation Reserve – Walk through treetop boardwalks to spot koalas in their natural habitat
Churchill Island Heritage Farm – See farm animals, heritage buildings, and traditional farming demonstrations

Beaches & Water Activities

Surf at Woolamai Beach – Popular surf spot with consistent waves
Swimming at Cowes Beach – Sheltered bay perfect for families
Cape Woolamai – Hiking trails with panoramic coastal views
Fishing – Try pier fishing at Cowes or San Remo, or book a charter boat

Motorsport & Adventure

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Take a guided tour or drive your own car around the famous MotoGP track
Go-karting at the circuit
Scenic helicopter flights over the island

Food & Wine

Purple Hen Winery – Local wine tasting with vineyard views
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory – Watch chocolate being made and sample treats
Fresh seafood in Cowes – try local fish and chips or fine dining restaurants

Other Attractions

The Nobbies Centre – Interactive displays about marine life plus dramatic coastal walks
Rhyll Inlet – Peaceful spot for birdwatching and mangrove walks
Antique and craft shops in Cowes town center

Most visitors stay 1-3 days to experience the highlights, with the Penguin Parade being the must-see attraction that shouldn’t be missed.