Phillip Island Penguins & French Island Day Tour from Melbourne

• Ferry crossing to/from French Island
• 4WD on French Island
• Farm lunch or afternoon tea depending on the season
• General entry ticket to Penguin Parade
• Friendly and informative guide
• Transport to/from Melbourne in a modern bus

• Dinner is available to purchase on the day at a local venue
• Coffee, tea or beverages are available to purchase from a local cafe.

Below are our pickup locations;

Mercure Melbourne Southbank – 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank
Regent Theatre – 191 Collins St
Her Majesty’s Theatre – 219 Exhibition St
Mail Exchange Hotel – 688 Bourke St

Check availability to see starting times.

• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

• A 95% refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel, with a 5% non-refundable administration and booking fee retained. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
• Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
• Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

General Viewing is included, with tiered grandstand seating overlooking Summerlands Beach and time to watch the penguins continue along the boardwalks. Premium viewing upgrades aren’t included in the standard tour.

French Island offers an excellent chance to spot koalas in their natural habitat, and your local guide knows where to look during the 4WD tour. They’re wild animals, so sightings can’t be guaranteed, but koala spotting is a frequent highlight in guest reviews.

In winter, the tour includes a farmgate lunch; in summer, it includes afternoon tea. Dinner and extra drinks aren’t included and can be purchased during the day. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.

The schedule follows sunset, with departures usually around 10am in winter and 12:30pm in summer. Melbourne return is approximately 9pm in winter and 11:30pm in summer, so treat this as a full day and follow the pickup time on your booking confirmation.

Yes, you can take photos throughout the daytime stops. At the Penguin Parade, all photography and filming must stop after sunset to protect the penguins’ sensitive eyes, so settle in and enjoy this special moment phone-free.

Yes. The ferries, 4WD wildlife drive and Penguin Parade make this an engaging day for families, and children must travel with an adult. Child or booster seats can be requested at least 72 hours before departure, but strollers and baby carriages can’t be carried.

This experience best suits guests who can board ferries, step into a purpose-built 4WD and manage short walks and boardwalks. It isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs can’t be carried.

The tour operates in varied coastal weather, so bring warm, waterproof layers. Strong winds can occasionally prevent the French Island ferry from operating; if that happens, an alternative itinerary will be offered.