Phillip Island offers a bunch of truly unique experiences, just a short distance from Melbourne. While you can drive, take a train, or even fly to Phillip Island, booking a guided tour simplifies your trip by handling all transportation needs. Guided tours not only plan your entire day, including visits to other attractions, but they also ensure a smooth journey and timely return. Having a guide enhances the experience with interesting insights and information that you might miss when traveling alone. Let’s take a look at some of the best guided tours there are for your visit to Phillip Island Nature Park.
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Recommended Phillip Island Nature Park guided tours
1 Phillip Island + Brighton Beach
Your journey begins at the Brighton Beach Boxes, followed by a visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Mornington Peninsula. This 25-acre park is home to native Australian animals, including endangered species like Tasmanian devils, emus, wombats, and dingoes.
Next, you'll head to Phillip Island, starting at Point Grant and The Nobbies. Point Grant, the westernmost point on the island, offers stunning views of the bay. You’ll also see Seal Rocks, home to a colony of Australian Fur Seals.
The highlight of your tour will be the iconic Penguin Parade. With a standard entry ticket, you’ll head to the arena at sunset to witness the enchanting sight of Little Penguins returning home for the night.
2 Penguin Parade + Koala Conservation Reserve + The Nobbies
Your comfortable, air-conditioned coach will take you from Melbourne to Phillip Island. The first stop is the Koala Conservation Reserve. Here, you’ll walk along treetop boardwalks with an experienced park ranger for an up-close look at koalas, nature’s ultimate chill champions.
Next, you'll visit The Nobbies, a dramatic rock formation filled with wildlife. You’ll see one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies basking on the rocks, their barks echoing across the vast ocean.
As the sun sets, prepare for the main event: the Penguin Parade. Hundreds of Little Penguins, the world’s smallest penguin breed, will waddle back to their burrows after a day at sea. Upgrade your ticket for a premium viewing experience, allowing you to get closer to the action and enjoy unbeatable views without disturbing the penguins.
3 Phillip Island Penguin Parade + The Nobbies
Relax in an air-conditioned coach as stunning seascapes pass by, setting the stage for an exciting adventure. Your tour takes you first to the observation point where you can see the Seal Rocks, home to about 16,000 seals, making it Australia's largest fur seal colony. You'll also visit the Nobbies Centre, a remarkable marine discovery hub where you’ll learn more about the local marine wildlife.
As the day transitions into sunset, prepare for the famed Penguin Parade. Witness these adorable creatures, the smallest penguin species at just 33 cm tall, as they waddle across the beach to their burrows.
4Phillip Island + Puffing Billy steam train
Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from Melbourne, traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned bus to the picturesque Dandenong Ranges. Upon arriving in Dandenong, you’ll board the iconic Puffing Billy steam train, enjoying a scenic journey from Belgrave to Emerald. At Emerald Lake, you can take a leisurely walk and get lunch at a local eatery.
Next, you’ll head to The Nobbies Lookout and the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct and walk along the ocean-view boardwalk.
As evening falls, you’ll witness the cutest Little Penguins emerging from the waves, waddling across the sandy beach, and finding their way back to their burrows.
5Phillip Island + Healesville Sanctuary
When you think of Australian fauna, koalas, kangaroos, and platypus might come to mind. On this tour, you'll get to meet these iconic animals at Healesville Sanctuary.
Next stop is Seal Rocks, home to about 16,000 seals, making it Australia's largest fur seal colony. Here, you'll also visit the Nobbies Centre, a remarkable marine discovery hub where you can learn about the local marine wildlife.
As the day transitions into sunset, prepare for the famed Penguin Parade. You'll have the rare opportunity to witness Little Penguins, the smallest penguin species at just 33 cm tall, as they waddle across the beach to their burrows.
Advantages of taking guided tours to Phillip Islands
- Convenient transportation: Guided tours provide comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from Melbourne to Phillip Island, eliminating the hassle of driving or navigating public transport.
- Comprehensive itinerary: Tours are carefully planned to include multiple attractions in one trip, such as the Penguin Parade, The Nobbies, Seal Rocks, and Healesville Sanctuary, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
- Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary and interesting facts about the wildlife and attractions, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of the trip.
- Wildlife encounters: You get the chance to see a variety of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, Little Penguins, and fur seals, with the added benefit of learning about their habits and habitats from experienced guides.
- Priority access: Some tours offer priority or premium viewing options for the Penguin Parade, allowing you to enjoy the best views without the crowds.
- Educational experience: Visits to places like the Nobbies Centre and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park provide educational insights into marine life and conservation efforts.
- Scenic routes: Enjoy picturesque views and scenic routes, such as the journey through the Dandenong Ranges on the Puffing Billy steam train, adding to the overall experience.
- Hassle-free planning: Tours take care of all the logistics, from transportation to entrance fees, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying your trip.
- Small group sizes: Many guided tours limit group sizes to ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience, making it easier to ask questions and engage with the guide.
- Safety and comfort: Traveling with a guided tour ensures safety and comfort, especially when exploring remote areas or unfamiliar attractions, as everything is managed by professionals who prioritize your well-being.
