Add dates

Phillip Island Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Phillip Island Family-friendly activities

Philip Island: Seal Watching Cruise

1. Philip Island: Seal Watching Cruise

Enjoy a 2-hour scenic coastal boat tour to Seal Rocks, where you will drift among over 7,000 Australian Fur Seals. There are seals all year round, from young pups to adult bulls, there is always something exciting to see! Benefit from educational commentary on board, helping you identify the seals and the other diverse wildlife in this rich ocean, as well as pointing out the various historical sights visible from the boat. Relax in comfort with complimentary afternoon or morning tea, a warm undercover viewing area, as well as activities for children onboard. Visit the captain's bridge for an insight into how the boat operates!

Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Nature Cruise

2. Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Nature Cruise

Depart on a boat cruise to Cape Woolamai from San Remo. As you sail along the coast, witness the most spectacular scenery that Phillip Island has to offer, including sheer granite cliffs and caves surrounded by turquoise water. You will cruise under the Phillip Island Bridge.  You will have the chance to see an abundance of marine life such as dolphins and seals. There are also many bird species that populate the area, with cormorants, gannets and wedge-tailed eagles being spotted regularly.  On the boat, listen to a commentary telling you about the local wildlife and scenery. You will arrive back at San Remo at midday, in time to watch the daily feeding of the pelicans.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

3. 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: 4 Parks Pass Including Penguin Parade

4. Phillip Island: 4 Parks Pass Including Penguin Parade

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. Upgrade to the Penguins Plus Viewing Platform that offers unprecedented, up-close viewing. 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! 

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

5. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

Discover some of Australia's most well-loved creatures on a bus tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the beloved Penguin Parade. See the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, getting up close to its animals and learning about them. During the day, get up-close-and-personal with the friendly residents of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala, and learn about the conservation of these lovable native animals. While at the sanctuary, see some lesser known, but equally adorable, endangered species, including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. Visit the stunning Cape Woolamai surf beach (time permitting) and the Nobbies before arriving at Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and through the sand dunes to their burrows. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife of Phillip Island and make this a journey to remember.

Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

6. Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

Set sail on a winter dolphin and whale spotting adventure venturing past the sheer cliffs of Cape Woolamai and along Phillip Island’s southern coastline. Along the way, you’ll search for humpback and southern right whales on their annual migration route. Expert whale spotters will be on board to ensure that you don’t miss a whale sighting while on the cruise Search for dolphin pods as they eat and play in the ocean. In addition to whales and dolphins, you might also spot seals and see a range of birdlife including, wandering albatrosses, who are regularly spotted in the area. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and afternoon tea, or a cold drink from the licensed bar as you cruise along the coastline. Along with the expert whale spotter, the captain will provide commentary along the way.

Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour

7. Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour

Embark on a winter whale watching adventure discovering Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline. Phillip Island is a fantastic place to experience lots of Australia's wildlife and view picturesque coastal landscapes.  Search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route. You might also see playful dolphins, curious seals and a variety of birdlife including the Wandering Albatross.  As you look out for marine life, enjoy a delicious morning tea. Tea and coffee is also available throughout the experience.

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

8. 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.

From Sorrento: 3-Hour Dolphin and Seal Swim Tour

9. From Sorrento: 3-Hour Dolphin and Seal Swim Tour

Departing from Sorrento Pier, enjoy a welcome tea or coffee, before venturing into the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay to embark on an exciting once in a lifetime adventure.   Make your way to Chinaman's Hat, a man-made structure built to protect local Australian fur seals. Go for a snorkel in the structure’s shallow waters and get up close and personal with the ever-curious seals who are waiting to share their underwater world with you. Next, go for a swim with dolphins. Float on the water’s surface as these playful creatures swim beneath you and circle the group, showing off their amazing abilities. Finish your experience with a snorkel with the sea dragons, a unique species of seahorse native to the area, and discover the prehistoric looking creatures for yourself in their natural habitat.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

10. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

This tour departs from Melbourne and includes the very best of the region’s wildlife. Journey to the city’s most colourful attraction, the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Take a guided tour of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and get an opportunity to interact with and learn about an array of Australian animals. Hand feed the kangaroos, emus, and wallabies and learn about the numerous breeding programs undertaken here to preserve many endangered native species including Tasmanian Devils, Spotted Quolls, and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats. Afterward, enjoy a visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies, taking in the views of Westernport Bay, Bass Strait, and Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal population. Finally, it's time for the main event. As the sun goes down each evening, the world’s smallest penguins come ashore after fishing out at sea all day. Your guide will help you get the best seats possible so you'll have a great view of the Penguin Parade.

19 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Frequently asked questions about Phillip Island

What top attractions are a must-see in Phillip Island?

Other Sightseeing Options in Phillip Island

Want to discover all there is to do in Phillip Island? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Phillip Island

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.