Phillip Island Penguin Parade & French Island Day Trip

Explore two islands on a shared, guided day trip from Melbourne, combining ferry travel with a 4WD outing on French Island. Discover a landscape of blue gum forests, mangroves and swamps, with opportunities to observe native wildlife in the wild.

Itinerary

1. Begin with a shared pickup. The seasonal schedule is 10:00–21:00 in winter and 12:30–23:30 in summer.
2. Cross Western Port Bay by catamaran, taking in coastline views and looking for seals and pelicans.
3. Explore French Island's wilderness and hidden spots, looking for koalas in the wild. Enjoy a farmgate lunch in winter or afternoon tea in summer.
4. Sail across Western Port Bay into Cowes, viewing clifftop houses and keeping an eye out for dolphins and seals.
5. Explore Cowes along the pier and esplanade, then discover Main Street's restaurants, cafes, microbrewery and boutiques.
6. Visit the Nobbies Centre for views of the headland, sea bluffs and ocean. Look for birdlife and the area's seal colony.
7. Learn about little penguins at the Penguin Parade visitor centre, then watch for them waddling ashore.
8. Return by the included shuttle, with return times listed as 21:00–23:59.

What's Included

• Phillip Island Penguin Parade admission
• Round-trip ferry crossings to and from French Island
• 4WD transport on French Island
• Farm lunch in winter or afternoon tea in summer
• English-speaking guide
• Round-trip transfers

Important details

• Children ages 4–15 require an accompanying paying adult
• Your pickup time varies by season and will be confirmed in advance. Arrive 15 minutes before departure; shared pickups may run early or late