The Nobbies Tourist Centre: 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!

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

2. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Maru Koala and Animal Park and coastal views at Brighton Beach, Nobbies Boardwalk, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Start the day by being picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Brighton Beach. Explore the area and take photos of the iconic Brighton beach boxes. From here, you can also see views of the Melbourne skyline. Next is a visit to Maru Koala and Animal Park. Here you can see a variety of species of Australian animals who live on the property. There will be time to purchase lunch here before driving to the next location. Stop at Nobbies Tourist and Information Center to learn about Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then walk along Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy coastal views. After a relaxing walk along Nobbies Boardwalk, visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Purchase dinner before watching the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. From here, head back to Melbourne and be dropped off at your accommodation.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: 4 Parks Pass

3. Phillip Island Penguin Parade: 4 Parks Pass

Explore 4 of Phillip Island’s top attractions with a flexible pass, including the famous Penguin Parade at sunset. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers an abundance of Australian wildlife, spectacular scenery and exciting experiences to enjoy. Make your own way to and around the island to explore at your own pace. You can experience all 4 attractions in a single day, or visit within 6 months to enjoy them at leisure. Take a walk on the wild side and see wild little penguins at the Penguin Parade just before sunset. Marvel as the world’s smallest penguin species emerge from the ocean after a day of fishing and waddle up the beach at Australia's largest penguin colony. Come face-to-face with marsupials at the Koala Conservation Reserve, and wander the tree-top boardwalks and extensive trails through the Australian bush. Travel back in time at the site of the first European farm in Victoria at Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where you can watch sheep shearing and herding demonstrations and take a stroll in the fragrant cottage gardens. Go on a virtual trip to the world's most extreme continent at the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre and feel the freeze at hands-on multimedia displays! 

Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

4. Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Start off your journey with a short ferry crossing across Western Port Bay to French Island. Cruise over the crystal-blue sea, taking in views of the picturesque scenery along the way. Arrive on French Island, a hidden treasure of wilderness and where your guided 4WD tour will take place. Buzz around the island as your guide shares knowledge of the surrounding environment. Admire the koalas and the vast array of wildlife that inhabits the island. Stop for a lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate (seasonal), experiencing how locals live. Travel then by ferry across Western Port Bay to one of Australia's most amazing locations, Phillip Island, which is world-renowned and locally loved. Explore this magical place, home to some of the greatest surf conditions, amazing beaches, native Australian wildlife, and the world-famous motorbike circuit. Set off then on a short adventure to Point Grant, known by the locals as Nobbies. Marvel at the remarkable natural sights and discover the home to a seal colony, dramatic sea bluffs, and panoramic ocean views. To finish off the journey, get up close and personal with some cute little penguins and listen to expert ranger commentary on the lives of these delightful creatures at the Penguin Parade.

Phillip Island: Penguins, Kangaroos, and Koalas

5. Phillip Island: Penguins, Kangaroos, and Koalas

Take a 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. 

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Maru Koala Park Tour

6. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Maru Koala Park Tour

Your first stop on your Phillip Island day trip is Maru Koala and Animal Park(at your own expense). Maru is a family-run attraction where you can see koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australian birds, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus and even more! Visit Phillip Island Chocolate Factory(at your own expense). Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a celebration of all things chocolate with unique attractions, interactive machines, fascinating facts, delicious chocolates to try, chocolatiers working away, and you can make your chocolate creation to take away. (Might not available during daylight saving time, from Oct to Mar) Continue to the western tip of Phillip Island to The Nobbies Centre, a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views. The Nobbies let visitors zoom in on the largest colony of Australian fur seals that call the rocks around the centre home. This offers an excellent opportunity to look out over the seal colony as they languish and frolic on the rocks and in the water. As well as seals, the landscape surrounding the Nobbies Information Centre is full of colourful bird species. Many varieties nest and feed on the cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled! Inside the centre, new-age screens display short presentations that dive into the life and habitat of Phillip Island. Here, you can learn more about the seals and birds you watched earlier. The observation deck (which is perhaps the most popular part of the centre) offers the best vantage point for watching the colony of seals, but it also offers views right out to the Flinders National Park, where, if you’re lucky, you can spot Western Port Bay in the distance. As the sun sets, we head out to Summerland Beach and grab a spot on the boardwalk. Observe hundreds of little penguins come up to the shore, making their way across the beach to their homes in the sand dunes. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. We leave this enchanting island when the parade is over.

Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour

7. Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour

After being picked up from your accommodation in Melbourne, ride in air-conditioned comfort to your first stop on this full-day tour. Wander around the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary and see Australia's native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take part in animal education lessons and live shows to learn more about these wonderful creatures. Choose to buy your lunch here before heading to the next stop. Visit Nobbies Tourist Information Center, where you will be able to find out all you need to know about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then, continue to the Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk. Take on the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this iconic viewpoint. Walk along the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the spectacular surrounds. Head to Phillip Island, where you can purchase your dinner at the venue. Then, get ready to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. After a day to delight animal and nature lovers, return back to Melbourne city center and be dropped back off at your accommodation.

Other Sightseeing Options in The Nobbies Tourist Centre

Want to discover all there is to do in The Nobbies Tourist Centre? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about The Nobbies Tourist Centre

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 164 reviews

Had great time on French Island, lovely afternoon tea. The penguin parade was great, well worth the wait. A big thankyou to our guides, Brooke and Hunter also Scott who was our guide on French Island.

Very well organised, only thing was we got less time to see the penguins. But that’s on the tourists who were late in the beginning. Otherwise it was very fun and enjoyable

Incredible experience visiting the Penguin Parade, led and driven by our brilliant guide "Bones"

It was really great, got a lot of wild life to see. Best Tourguide, would definitely recommend

Nice trip by bus along various hotspots. Very nice. Recommended