French Island & Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition Tour
French Island & Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition Tour
French Island & Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition
Experience an unforgettable island-hopping day from Melbourne, visiting French Island’s wilderness by 4WD and witnessing the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Enjoy ferry rides, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking ocean views on this small-group adventure.
From
Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure from Melbourne, exploring the untamed beauty of French Island and the iconic shores of Phillip Island in a single day. This full-day tour immerses you in Australia’s most cherished wildlife encounters, from cuddly koalas to the world-famous Penguin Parade, all set against breathtaking coastal vistas. Cruise across Western Port Bay’s crystal waters on two scenic ferry crossings, delve into French Island’s wilderness via a 4WD adventure, and marvel at Phillip Island’s rugged cliffs and seal colonies. Journey into Australia’s natural wonders, blending conservation, culture, and heartwarming wildlife moments.
Your day begins with a ferry ride from Stony Point to French Island, where a 2.5-hour guided 4WD tour unveils a pristine sanctuary teeming with koalas, echidnas, and rare birds like sea eagles and peregrines. Pause at a local farmgate for a rustic lunch or afternoon tea, savouring island life and local produce. Another ferry crossing lands you on Phillip Island, renowned for its surf beaches and wildlife. Stroll the Nobbies Boardwalk at Point Grant, soaking in panoramic views of Seal Rocks’ fur seal colony, dramatic bluffs, and the Southern Ocean’s expanse.
As dusk falls, settle into the Penguin Parade’s General Viewing area at Summerland Beach, where thousands of little penguins waddle ashore, their tuxedo-like feathers glinting under eco-friendly lights, accompanied by ranger commentary. Book now for a wildlife odyssey across two islands, where koalas, penguins, and ocean vistas create memories to treasure.
- Close Wildlife Encounters: See koalas in their natural habitat on French Island and witness the famous little penguins at Phillip Island.
- Scenic Ferry Journey: Enjoy beautiful coastal views during the ferry ride between the islands.
- Explore The Nobbies: Visit the dramatic sea bluffs at The Nobbies, home to a thriving seal colony and stunning ocean vistas.
- Small Group Experience: Benefit from a more personalized and attentive guided tour with a smaller group size.
- Unforgettable Sunset Parade: Watch the magical penguin parade at sunset as the penguins return to their burrows after a day at sea.
Itinerary
Duration: 12.5 Hours
Pickup from Selected Melbourne CBD Locations
Choose from four convenient pickup locations based on the time of year (Daylight Savings or Non-Daylight Savings). Pickup times range from 9:20 AM to 12:30 PM. Exact pickup details will be confirmed after booking.Ferry Crossing to French Island
Begin your adventure with a scenic ferry ride across Western Port Bay to French Island, soaking in the stunning ocean views along the way.4WD Adventure on French Island
Explore the untouched wilderness of French Island on a 2.5-hour guided 4WD eco-tour. Spot koalas, birdlife, and native flora, and visit a local farmgate for an authentic insight into rural island life.Lunch or Afternoon Tea at Local Farmgate
Enjoy a hearty lunch (April–September) or delightful afternoon tea (October–March) at a charming local farm, showcasing the flavors and hospitality of French Island.Ferry Crossing to Phillip Island
Hop on the ferry again for a short crossing to Phillip Island, famous for its rugged coastlines, surfing beaches, and abundant wildlife.Visit The Nobbies Boardwalk
Walk along the Nobbies Boardwalk, admiring dramatic cliffs, panoramic ocean views, and the rugged beauty of Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony.Witness the Penguin Parade
Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade as little penguins return from the sea at sunset. Watch them waddle across the beach to their burrows in the general viewing area—an unforgettable wildlife encounter.Return to Melbourne(Pass by)
After the Penguin Parade, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Melbourne. Depending on the season, arrival time back to the city ranges between 9:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Additional information
Pickup Offered:
Pickup available from four Melbourne CBD locations:
- Mail Exchange Hotel, 688 Bourke Street
- Mercure Melbourne Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay
- Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street
- Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street
Pickup Times:
- 12:30 PM Departure (October–March) (Daylight Savings)
- 10:00 AM Departure (April–September) (Non-Daylight Savings)
- Exact pickup times will be confirmed via email after booking.
End Point:
- This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Duration:
- 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Please dress appropriately for the weather; bring a jacket as it can get chilly at night.
- Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle are recommended.
- Participants must be 18 years or older to consume alcohol.
- Return time to Melbourne varies between 9:00 PM and 12:00 AM depending on the season.
- Maximum group size: 11 travellers.
- Downloadable Explore Australia Tours app with multilingual content: App Store | Google Play
- Infant seats available upon request.
- Most travellers, including families, can participate.
- Comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Jacket for cooler evenings.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle.
- Camera for wildlife and scenic photography.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Near public transportation.
- Suitable for most travellers.
- Confirmation will be received instantly after booking.
- A full refund is available if cancelled at least 2 days before the scheduled experience.
- No refund if cancelled within 2 days of the experience date.
- Mobile ticket accepted.
- Present your mobile ticket at pickup.
Location
Provider
Explore Australia Tours
Frequently asked questions
USD 153.77
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