Famous for the evening penguin parade, Phillip Island is home to the iconic little penguins who march back up the beach at sunset after a day of fishing offshore. They are the world's smallest penguin and their routine can be observed from several of the different viewing platforms that have been erected, so as not interfere with the adorable birds' routines.

The penguins are the perfect end to any day. Why not spend the day leisurely driving over to Phillip Island before settling in to watch the parade? For something extra special, you can maximise your experience by booking into the underground viewing platform, which brings you to eye level with the penguins as they scurry across the beach back home. No matter what the weather, this underground viewing area allows you to get the full experience of the animals and their natural habitat without being exposed to the elements. 

Everyone is catered for at the Penguin Parade. For those wanting a more intimate view of the penguins, the behind the scenes tour gives you ranger-led access, allowing you a unique view into the research and care of the little penguins. You'll also receive expert tips on the best spots to view them as well as getting complimentary jumpers and penguin memorabilia, truly making your penguin experience a night to remember!

Phillip island is famed for being, not only a fantastic place to view wildlife, but also a leader in the conservation and care of its native residents. The koala sanctuary is a fantastic example of this. Upon arrival, you are welcomed into the sanctuary and given a glimpse into the struggles and problems affecting koalas today.  

Throughout the conservation centre boardwalks have been erected high in the Eucalyptus trees so that you can get the best view of the adorable little bears. Koalas by nature are a very docile animal and spend most of their life either eating or sleeping, being known to sleep up to 20 hours a day! While strolling across the boardwalk, keep your head up as their favourite napping spots tend to be in the crooks of trees and branches. Why not make your trip even more memorable by adding in the Koala Eco-Explorer tour in which a ranger guides you around the centre giving you an intimate and in depth insight into the day to day life of the koalas and their carers?

If you still haven't had your fill of these fascinating marsupials, head over to the Maru Koala and Animal Park. Maru Park offers a hands on experience into the native wildlife of Australia letting you get up close and personal with everything from Pythons to Possums. You can even feed an albino kangaroo and mingle amongst dingoes! This is the perfect spot for families, breaking up the journey and giving the kids a fun-filled day certain to outlive their wildest dreams!

For a completely different perpective why not hop on to an eco boat tour? Cruising around the rugged coastline, you'll get a great view of the playful fur seals. Underwater cameras give you a truly unique view of these charismatic creatures in their natural element. As well as spending time with the seals, the cruise also takes in some of the spectacular coastal formations including the Nobbies Sea-Cave and Blowhole, formed by centuries of tidal pressure and erosion. 

While cruising around the island, keep your eyes peeled for some of the larger aquatic animals which frequent these waters. Humpback and southern right whales visit the island from May to October. They come in so close, in fact, that you can also see them from the coast in many instances. Pyramid Rock provides a perfect high spot to keep a look out. Keep an eye out for the sooty oyster catchers and other sea birds who breed and roost around the headland, providing the area with a diverse avian population.

Philip Island can be reached on a full day tour from Melbourne. Our Philip Island Penguin Plus tour combines the famous Penguin Parade with a visit to the Koala Conservation Centre and a heritage farm.

Alternatively why not head out on the open road on our Victoria's Wildlife and Wine fly drive holiday that includes two nights on Philip Island and also takes in the charms of Mornington Peninsula, Wilsons Promontory National Park, the vineyards of the Yarra Valley and Melbourne.

For more inspiration on the rest of the state's attractions, take a look at our Victoria holidays pages.