Autopia Tours: Phillip Island & Koala Highlights - Penguins Plus Viewing

This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, the departure time changes throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience.

TOUR CODE: PI-B-PP

OPERATES: Daily

DEPARTS: 11:45am (winter) / 13:45pm (summer)

RETURNS: 21:30pm (winter) / 23:30 pm (summer) approximately

TOUR DURATION: 9.5 Hours.

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME:  Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St, corner Market St, Melbourne

Seasonal departure times are based on day savings hours, to ensure we maximise the sunset experience.

• 01 Oct 2023 - 06 Apr 2024 summer @ 1:45pm
• 07 Apr 2024 - 05 Oct 2024 winter @ 11:45am
• 06 Oct 2024 - 05 Apr 2025 summer @ 1:45pm
• 06 Apr 2025 - 04 Oct 2025 winter @ 11:45am
• 05 Oct 2025 - 04 Apr 2026 summer @ 1:45pm

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Witness hundreds of the world’s smallest penguins
  
• Sunset at the Penguin Parade with spectacular coastal views from Summerland Beach
• Visit Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve and stroll along the boardwalk trails in search of koalas
• Explore the Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks, with spectacular clifftop views and penguin burrows
• Penguin Parade Visitor Center offers a dynamic environment to learn about wildlife conservation and penguins
• Phillip Island is a beautiful island with a majestic coastline and a stunning natural landscape
• It's an Australian wildlife discovery experience that's suitable for the whole family 

ITINERARY:

Discover one of Australia's most spectacular wildlife experiences when hundreds of tiny penguins waddle ashore as you get up close to Australian wildlife, enjoy the scenic coastline of Phillip Island, and witness one of Australia's most spectacular wildlife attractions! You can also get up close to koalas on Phillip Island.

The Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve is our first stop of the day, where we'll make some new friends with our Aussie animals as we stroll along the boardwalk trails in the natural woodlands looking for koalas. Guests will be able to support local economies by purchasing food either in Cowes or at the Penguin Parade as meals are not provided. 

There are several reasons to visit Phillip Island, including its natural beauty, spectacular beaches, rugged cliffs, and unique wildlife; there is then a trip to the Nobbies which is located at the western end of the island. Experience the majestic rocky coast and views of an Australian fur seal colony and spot wild wallabies and native birds on a back road journey to the main show at the Penguin Parade. 

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating ecotourism attractions in the world, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about penguins and the conservation of wildlife. At sunset, we will be witness to some of the world's tiniest penguins waddling ashore as they emerge from the sea. It's truly an unforgettable experience that you won't forget in a hurry!

Meals: N/A. Driving Distance: 300km. Walking Distance: less than 1km. 

*No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin.

INCLUSIONS:

• Penguin Parade exclusive plus viewing entry
• Admission into Koala Conservation Reserve
• World-class wildlife encounter up close
• Onboard WiFi available
• Hosted by an experienced driver guide
• Modern air-conditioned coach travel
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
• Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy lunch/dinner along the way
  
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
  
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
  
• Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:

1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, all-weather warm clothing, windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, small day bag 5-7kg, money for snacks and meals, camera to capture every moment!

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.

WEATHER:

Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin.
• Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: phone number.
• Child fare prices apply to children aged between 0 to 12 years old.
• Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.
• This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person.
• Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures.
• Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.
• Private touring is available on request.