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Phillip Island Wildlife Cruise and Penguins Tour
Highlights
- Savour a complimentary barista coffee at the Melbourne Arts Centre, setting a relaxed tone for your adventure.
- Drift along the northern coast on a 2-hour seal cruise, witnessing thousands of playful fur seals at Seal Rocks.
- Explore the beachside town of Cowes or upgrade to the Koala Conservation Reserve, immersing in native bushland and wildlife.
- Enjoy golden hour views at The Nobbies, paired with a glass of sparkling wine, creating a memorable end to your day.
Experience Phillip Island with the locals, combining scenic cruising, coastal exploration, and unforgettable wildlife on a small-group day tour from Melbourne.
Begin your day with a complimentary barista coffee at the Melbourne Arts Centre before travelling to the charming village of San Remo, where views of the bridge and a casual lunch break set the tone.
Next, join a 2-hour seal cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises, skimming along the island’s northern coast to Seal Rocks, home to thousands of playful fur seals.
After the cruise, guests can choose to explore the beachside town of Cowes, or upgrade to the Koala Conservation Reserve for a walk through native bushland among sleepy treetop dwellers.
Later, visit The Nobbies boardwalk for golden hour views and wildlife spotting, paired with a glass of sparkling wine on board.
The tour ends at the Penguin Parade, where your general viewing ticket offers time for dinner and a magical close to the day. Travel in comfort with a Premium Travel Comfort Guarantee and an authentic small-group vibe. This tour is ideal for couples, solo travellers, and eco-curious explorers.
Itinerary highlights
San Remo
Enjoy the relaxed coastal vibes that come with San Remo – the last township on the mainland before we cross the bridge onto Phillip Island.
Here you will have a chance to get a bite to eat (we highly recommend the world-class Fish and Chips here); walk the picturesque jetty; meander along the golden sand beaches; or watch as the larger-than-life Australian Pelicans play close by
Wildlife Coast Cruise
Come aboard this spectacular 2hr coastal wildlife cruise, and experience an up-close encounter with thousands of seals at Australia’s largest fur seal colony
Seal Rocks is situated 2kms off the rugged southwest coast of Phillip Island. The boat drifts within meters of the seals, enabling you to witness them in their natural environment first-hand. It is impossible not to be captivated by these naturally playful and inquisitive animals, as they regularly approach the boat for a closer look at you!
Along the way, you’ll be enthralled by the beautiful coastline and learn all about the history of Phillip Island’s western shoreline.
Cowes
Cowes is Phillip Island’s main commercial hub, and is a bustling location of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and boutique shops.
Here you will have time to explore in your own time.
Our guide will point out the notable spots, and then allow you some freedom to wander.
Visit the ever popular brewery, take a seat at the pub overlooking the waterfront, take part in some retail therapy, take a stroll along the jetty, or even go for a dip in the sparkling blue waters.
The time is yours!
You will also have the option to visit the Koalas!
This is an optional extra in place of your time at Cowes.
Our guide will drop you off here, and you’ll be able to wander among the beautiful native Australian bushland, where you are guaranteed to spot Koalas in their natural habitat, as well as plenty more native Australian Wildlife.
Please be aware, it is now illegal to touch or hold a Koala.
The Nobbies and Wildlife
This is already one of Phillip Island’s main attractions, simply for the sheer beauty it possess – however, we visit this stunning spot right on Golden Hour, allowing us a perfect sight over the glistening waters and rocky cliffs.
Enjoy this moment with a Glass of Sparking Wine as you enjoy the views and take a walk along the boardwalk, taking in spectacular sights, and glimpses of native wildlife.
We depart from here along the back roads, providing us unparalleled views over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, with even more wildlife to spot.
Penguin Parade
A “must do” whilst in Melbourne/Victoria, the Penguin Parade has long been the star attraction of Phillip Island.
We arrive here early enough so as you can take some time in this world-class visitor centre, and grab a bite to eat from the cafe should you wish.
You will then make your way out to the Penguin Viewing Platform, awaiting the arrival of the stars of the shows – the Little Penguins.
As the sun begins to set, your ranger-guide will provide you information on these cute little creatures, and then you will see literally thousands of them make their way onto the beach and up the hill side.
Walk along the boardwalk as you get within inches of these native Australian Penguins, admiring their uniqueness and cuteness alike.
Once we have had our cuteness overload, we board back on the bus – making our way back to Melbourne…with plenty of good memories to accompany us for the journey back
Tour details
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Available from 8 July 2025 to 4 April 2026
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
Operation information
Local Way Tours
Local Way Tours is Melbourne’s premium small-group day tour operator, offering daily departures from Melbourne to Victoria’s must-visit regions, as well as in-region departures from Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula.
Guided by a touring essence of Wine, Wildlife, and Wellness, each journey combines authentic local experiences with carefully curated Taste of the Region inclusions – reflecting the belief that a region is best savoured, not just seen.
With a Travel Comfort Guarantee and a philosophy of Playful Luxury, Local Way’s hand-picked guides ensure every journey is uniquely enjoyable and memorable.
The locals invite travellers to relax, connect, and discover Victoria – the local way.
Accreditations
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
- State/Territory Bus Operators Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
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Tour Guiding Association
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Victoria Tourism Industry Council