Phillip Island Penguin Small Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

See all the attractions of Phillip Island in one day on this small group eco tour from Melbourne. Immerse yourself in Australian flora at the award winning Australian Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens, see chocolates being made at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and get up close to koalas at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Center. The highlight of your Phillip Island experience will begin at dusk as you watch the fairy penguins waddling up the beach into their burrows in the sand dunes. Traveling in a small group, maximum 21 people, will allow you to explore all that Phillip Island has to offer in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

En route to Phillip Island enjoy an eco-guided tour of the Australian Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens and immerse yourself in Australian flora, landscapes, art and architecture. This amazing new garden features a gallery of exhibitions, gardens, sculpture and displays, all highlighting the beauty and diversity of our Australian landscape. The Australian Garden features approximately 100,000 plants, including 1000 trees, in 15 different landscape displays and exhibition gardens.

Your first stop on Phillip Island is the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Entry is included to Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate, the latest addition to the factory. Learn about cocoa harvesting and see how the chocolate is made. You will also see lifesize statues and murals made entirely of chocolate. 

Next is a chance to get up close to the cuddly koalas at the Koala Conservation Center.  You'll also have the opportunity to walk amongst the treetops to view the wild koalas.  

Continue to the southwestern tip of the island to enjoy panoramic views of the Nobbies, a group of rugged rocks rising from the sea abundant in marine life and Seal Rocks, the home of Australia's largest fur seals population.

At dusk every evening the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. Be truly enchanted as the stars of the show emerge from the surf and pass right before your eyes. You will be seated in the main viewing area to watch the parade of waddling penguins. To make this experience even more unforgettable, upgrade to either the Penguins Plus or the Private Penguin Parade Experience. See below for more details.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Departure Point:

Tour departs from most Melbourne hotels

Departure Time:

• 11.00am (April - October)
• 12.00pm (November - March)

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point

Additional information

Inclusions:

Departures from April 1, 2009

• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Small group tour
• Local guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
•  Afternoon tea
• Entry to the Koala Sanctuary
• Entry to Phillip Island Chocolate Factory & the Amazing World of Chocolate
• Entry to Australian Garden and Royal Botanic Gardens
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• iPods audio language translators are provided for use and must be requested at time of booking

Itinerary:

Penguins Plus

See the Penguin Parade from an exclusive viewing platform. The Penguins Plus boardwalk seats half the number of people than the main viewing platform.  It located in an area that always experiences high penguin traffic. About 50-60% of the penguins arrive close to the Penguins Plus boardwalk meaning more penguins and less people. 

Private Penguin Parade Experience

This is a small group ranger-guided interpretive experience. It includes a priortity seating position on the beach in front of the general viewing area, as well as access to the exclusive Penguins Plus boardwalk.

Phillip Island Penguins seasonal cycle:
Feb - Apr: Moulting
May - Jul: Nest Building
Aug - Oct: Egg laying
Nov - Jan: Chick Feeding

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.