Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip from Melbourne

Explore Phillip Island on a guided day trip from Melbourne, with transport and entry to the Penguin Parade included. Choose a route focused on wildlife and coastal scenery, or combine your visit with Brighton's colorful bathing boxes and other experiences beyond the island.

• Ride Puffing Billy on a one-way steam railway journey with selected train-inclusive options
• Explore French Island by 4x4 Jeep, with ferry crossings included on the off-road eco tour
• Taste Jersey milk on the Caldermeade Farm option

What's Included

• Penguin Parade admission, generally with standard or general viewing
• Round-trip transport from the designated meeting point or the property, depending on your option
• Guide or driver-guide services, with English or Chinese commentary depending on your option
• Moonlit Sanctuary admission on the Brighton Beach Boxes & Moonlit Sanctuary, Moonlit Sanctuary & Surf Beach, and Penguins & Wildlife Nature options
• Koala Conservation Reserve admission on the Koala Experience option
• Farm lunch in winter or afternoon tea in summer on the French Island option

Important details

• Moonlit Sanctuary & Surf Beach: ages 3+ only; child fares cover ages 3–15
• Child fares cover ages 0–15 on the Brighton Beach Boxes & Moonlit Sanctuary, Puffing Billy & Wildlife, and Budget Express options; ages 0–12 on the Koala Experience; and ages 4–15 on the French Island option
• The Mercedes combination, Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach, and Penguins & Wildlife Nature options have child fares for ages 4–15 and infant fares for ages 0–3
• Caldermeade Farm: child fares cover ages 3–16. Ages 0–3 travel free only when not occupying a separate seat
• A paying adult must accompany children aged 0–15 on the Puffing Billy & Wildlife, Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach, and Penguins & Wildlife Nature options; ages 0–17 on Budget Express; and ages 4–15 on French Island
• The Puffing Billy & Wildlife, Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach, Budget Express, Koala Experience, Caldermeade Farm, Moonlit Sanctuary & Surf Beach, and Penguins & Wildlife Nature options are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible
• Penguins & Wildlife Nature involves considerable walking and stairs
• The Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach and Caldermeade Farm options are not recommended during pregnancy or for people with disabilities, high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma or other serious medical conditions. The Koala Experience is also not recommended for certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy
• Child seats are unavailable on the Mercedes combination and Caldermeade Farm options. Budget Express has a limited supply of free infant seats for ages 0–3 and booster seats for ages 4–8
• Pets are not permitted on the Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach or Caldermeade Farm options
• Maru Koala and Animal Park admission is not included on the Mercedes combination, Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach, or Caldermeade Farm options: adults aged 16+ cost $33 and children aged 4–15 cost $18. Infants aged 0–3 enter free on the Mercedes combination. Visits may depend on the train schedule or operating conditions
• The Mercedes combination lists a separate guide tip of AUD $5 per person. The Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach option lists a separate $5-per-person driver-guide gratuity, settled in cash during the tour
• Optional wine tasting on the Mercedes combination is not included and costs $15 per person per winery
• Optional viewing upgrades on the Koala Experience are not included: Penguins Plus costs AUD $65 per adult and $58 per child; Underground Viewing costs AUD $75 per adult and $67 per child
• Photography fees are not included on the Moonlit Sanctuary & Surf Beach option; no amount is specified
• Meals and drinks are at your own expense unless specifically included in your selected option
• Do not photograph or film at the Penguin Parade. Do not feed wildlife or disturb the ecosystem
• On the Puffing Billy & Wildlife, Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach, and Caldermeade Farm options, you may be refused service if you appear intoxicated
• The Mercedes combination has no luggage storage or delivery service. On Budget Express, keep luggage to a small daypack that fits on your lap or at your feet
• The Koala Experience has no luggage storage. Suitcases, strollers, walking frames and wheelchairs may result in refusal to board. On Caldermeade Farm, luggage exceeding the vehicle's capacity may also prevent boarding
• Pickup-based options have assigned pickup times. The Mercedes combination and Puffing Billy & Brighton Beach departure times depend on train availability and are assigned after booking
• Arrive 15 minutes before departure for Brighton Beach Boxes & Moonlit Sanctuary, Puffing Billy & Wildlife, French Island, and Penguins & Wildlife Nature; 5 minutes early for the Mercedes combination and Caldermeade Farm; and 10 minutes early for the remaining options
• Budget Express does not operate on Sundays. The Koala Experience does not operate on Christmas Day