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Koala Conservation Reserve, Australia

Koala Conservation Reserve, Australia: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

1. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

2. Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

Admire the rich diversity of Australia's wildlife on a guided bus tour to Phillip Island Nature Parks from Melbourne. Continue to Philip Island to watch the Penguin Parade and relax on the shores of Woolamai Beach. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in central Melbourne and hop aboard an airconditioned bus. Relax on your journey out through the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne to the small country town of Tooradin. Continue above the top of Westernport Bay and stop at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Get up close to local koalas in their natural bushland habitat. Take a short drive to Phillip Island to enjoy sweeping views of Cape Woolamai and Woolamai surf beach. Walk along the beach, dip your feet in the cool water, or unwind on the beach. Make your way to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take in views on the far western end of the island of Australia's stunning and dynamic coastline. See the remains of an ancient volcano called The Nobbies. Go along the coastline looking for wallabies in the wild on the way to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Settle yourself into the little penguin’s environment as you watch them come ashore for the night, waddling next to and underneath the boardwalks. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour.

Phillip Island: Penguins, Kangaroos, and Koalas

3. Phillip Island: Penguins, Kangaroos, and Koalas

Take a full-day tour to Phillip Island from Melbourne and spend an afternoon and evening surrounded by an array of wildlife, including Australia's largest fur seal colony, cuddly koalas, and more. Explore the Koala Conservation Center and learn the importance of the conservation work done by Phillip Island Nature Parks in protecting this island haven and the biodiversity of Victoria. View the spectacular coastal scenery at the Nobbies, 2 rocky outcrops abundant in marine life. From the walkways, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of Australia's largest population of fur seals along the rugged coastline. Browse the educational Phillip Island Visitors Information Centre to learn about the little penguins of the stunning island.  Then, watch the lovable birds as they battle the surf and waddle their way to their dune burrows. Hear about the environmental and conservation methods that are initiated to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remain protected. Stay to see the penguins as they return to their nests from their daily fishing expeditions and greet their young families back onshore. Marvel at the powerful coastline of the Southern Ocean, with its clean, sandy beaches and rocky shores. During the summer season, there will be time for dinner at the seaside town of Cowes or the Penguin Parade Café before returning to Melbourne. 

Melbourne: Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Private Tour

4. Melbourne: Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Private Tour

Embark on a private small-group guided tour of Phillip Island beginning with a pickup directly from your chosen Melbourne Hotel, in an air-conditioned vehicle. En route, stop off at a popular local Wildlife Park. Meet some of Australia's iconic animals and hand-feed kangaroo's in their natural environment. Head to Churchill island and visit a famous old heritage working farm. Experience some old traditional farming techniques and activities, including sheep shearing, a working dogs demonstration, and whip cracking.  Go to The Koala Conservation Center to explore the boardwalks and see koalas up close in their natural habitat. Get the chance to visit some quieter locations of the island with your guide, an excellent opportunity for some wildlife spotting. After dinner, visit the Nobbies Center, home to Australia's largest fur seal population and an incredible cliff-top boardwalk with panoramic views out to sea. Make a last stop at the Penguin Parade - the main highlight for any visit to Phillip Island. Take your seats and experience one of nature's most natural wildlife sights. Be shown the best vantage spots from your guide who will also supply you with binoculars, cushions, and warm blankets to maximize your Penguin Parade experience.

Other Sightseeing Options in Koala Conservation Reserve, Australia

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What people are saying about Koala Conservation Reserve, Australia

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 79 reviews

Our tour guide was Fiona; she was a delight! The day included koalas, a number of scenic cliff side walks and views, lunch in a sweet little beach town called Cowes, and the penguin parade. Pro tip from Fiona: after you spot the penguins coming out of the water, move to the boardwalk behind the VIP area, and you’ll see hundreds of penguins waddling by. No pics allowed, so download free shots from the PP website.

Great day trip: we saw koalas, wallabies and tons of penguins! Super nice trip with great stops and the guide was very informative and fun. Take warm clothes for the penguin watch, lots of people were freezing there :D

It was a pleasure to be a part of the activities in this outing as it was special to visit the sanctuary, take in some astonishing ocean views, walk on a beautiful boardwalk and see the last remaining penguin colony!

Lots of informatiom from our driver. Tour stayed on time. And got to see everything advertised. A long day so dont book any evening activities you dont get back to melbourne until midnight.

Super bus tour with the most amazing guide we have ever had - told vividly about the place but informed about the whole Victoria region and Melbourne in particular.