Australian owned, since 2001
Over 5 million stories created
Never pay more with us
Rated 4.6 stars, by you
To exchange your experience, select a product, add it to cart and proceed to checkout.
Once there, enter your voucher number to exchange for a different experience.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island packs penguins, koalas, seals and a world-famous racing circuit into one easy day trip. The little penguins waddling home at dusk are the moment everyone comes for, but there’s a whole island of things to do behind that headline act.
Whether you’ve got a spare afternoon or a full weekend, RedBalloon has Phillip Island experiences that turn a visit into a story worth retelling. And because every experience makes a gift, you can hand someone a day out instead of another thing to unwrap.
Not sure where to start? Explore day trips and tours, get up close on an animal encounter, or browse all our Victoria experiences to plan the whole trip.
Things to Do in Phillip Island
Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most-loved wildlife destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some of the top-selling Phillip Island activities on RedBalloon, each one checked and ready to book.
See the penguins waddle home
No trip to the island is complete without the Phillip Island Penguin Parade General Viewing. As the sun sets, little penguins waddle ashore after a day at sea and head for their burrows. You’ll watch it all from tiered viewing stands and boardwalks overlooking Summerland Beach. It’s the moment everyone comes to the island for.
Tick off three parks in one pass
The Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass is the smart way to see the island’s best in a single day. You get the Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservation Reserve where you’ll spot koalas from treetop boardwalks, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. It’s a favourite with families and anyone who likes good value.
Make a day of it with wine and wildlife
The Phillip Island Wine, Wildlife, and Penguins Tour blends the best of the island into one full day. Start at a farm cafe, wander the seaside town of Cowes, taste local drops at the Phillip Island Winery, take in the ocean views at The Nobbies, then finish with the Penguin Parade at sunset.
Explore on foot
Trade your work shoes for hiking boots on the Full Day Phillip Island Hiking Tour. This small-group day trip from Melbourne takes you along the rugged Pinnacles at Cape Woolamai, up close with koalas, and to the Penguin Parade for a sunset finish. One for the wildlife lovers.
See it all from Melbourne
Short on time? The Full Day Phillip Island Wildlife and Brighton Beach Tour ticks off the colourful Brighton Beach Boxes, a wildlife park, the coastal boardwalks and the penguin parade in a single loop. Or combine the city and the island on the Melbourne City and Phillip Island Full Day Combo Tour, which pairs Melbourne landmarks like the MCG and Fitzroy Gardens with The Nobbies and the Penguin Parade.
Still deciding? A RedBalloon Gift Voucher covers any of these, so the lucky recipient can pick their own moment.
Looking Beyond Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is a brilliant base for a wider Victorian escape. When you’re ready to keep exploring, there’s plenty more within easy reach:
– Swap coast for vineyards in the Yarra Valley
– Chase beaches and hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula
– Take the scenic route along the Great Ocean Road
– Base yourself in Melbourne for dining, culture and city thrills
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need on Phillip Island? One full day is enough to see the headline attractions, the penguins, koalas and coastline, especially with a 3 Parks Pass or a guided tour. Two to three days lets you slow down, add beach time and explore Cowes and the winery without rushing.
When is the best time to visit Phillip Island? Phillip Island is a year-round destination. The penguins parade every night regardless of season, though arrival times shift from around 5:15pm in June to 8:45pm in January. Summer brings warmer beach weather, while cooler months are quieter with fewer crowds.
What are the top attractions on Phillip Island? The most popular attractions are the Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, The Nobbies and Seal Rocks, and Cape Woolamai. The Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass covers three of these in one ticket.
What are the best things to do on Phillip Island? Top experiences include watching the Penguin Parade at sunset, meeting koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve, hiking Cape Woolamai and the Pinnacles, and taking a wine, wildlife and penguins tour that combines food, scenery and animals in one day.
What are the best wildlife experiences on Phillip Island? The island is home to little penguins, koalas, wallabies, echidnas and Australian fur seals. The Penguin Parade underground viewing, the Koala Conservation Reserve and wildlife day tours are the best ways to see native animals in their natural habitat.
What are the best family-friendly activities on Phillip Island? Families love the Penguin Parade, the treetop koala boardwalks and Churchill Island’s farm activities. The 3 Parks Pass is a good value option for families, and most tours are suitable for kids.
What are the best beaches on Phillip Island? Cape Woolamai is a favourite with surfers and walkers, Summerland Beach is where the penguins come ashore, and Cowes offers a calmer, family-friendly stretch of sand and a relaxed seaside town.
What are the best day trips from Phillip Island? Phillip Island itself is a popular day trip from Melbourne, and from the island you can easily reach the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley and the Great Ocean Road for a longer Victorian getaway.
What are the best places to eat on Phillip Island? Cowes is the island’s main dining hub, with cafes, pubs and seafood spots. Several tours also include a farm cafe stop or a wine tasting with a grazing platter at the Phillip Island Winery.