Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition
🏎 Why We Picked This
Culture experiences like this one are ideal for free mornings before Friday practice or the quiet Sunday morning before the race — you get depth without eating into race day.
📅 Popular during Grand Prix week
Choose your option
Day Tour with General Penguin Viewing
$155 per person
Day Tour with Penguins Plus Viewing Upgrade
$205 per person
Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition
From $155 per person
About this experience
Start off your journey with a short ferry crossing across Western Port Bay to French Island. Cruise over the crystal-blue sea, taking in views of the picturesque scenery along the way. Arrive on French Island, a hidden treasure of wilderness and where your guided 4WD tour will take place. Buzz around the island as your guide shares knowledge of the surrounding environment. Admire the koalas and the vast array of wildlife that inhabits the island. Stop for a lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate (seasonal), experiencing how locals live. Travel then by ferry across Western Port Bay to one of Australia's most amazing locations, Phillip Island, which is world-renowned and locally loved. Explore this magical place, home to some of the greatest surf conditions, amazing beaches, native Australian wildlife, and the world-famous motorbike circuit. Set off then on a short adventure to Point Grant, known by the locals as Nobbies. Marvel at the remarkable natural sights and discover the home to a seal colony, dramatic sea bluffs, and panoramic ocean views. To finish off the journey, get up close and personal with some cute little penguins and listen to expert ranger commentary on the lives of these delightful creatures at the Penguin Parade.
Highlights
- ✓Visit French Island National Park, a true paradise
- ✓Set off on a 2.5-hour 4WD adventure around French Island
- ✓Stop for lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate (seasonal)
- ✓Spot wildlife in their natural habitat
- ✓See wild penguins at the world-famous Penguin Parade
What's included
- ✓National park fees
- ✓Ferry crossings
- ✓2.5-hour guided 4WD adventure on French Island
- ✓Lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate (seasonal)
- ✓General entry into Penguin Parade
- ✓Round-trip transport to and from selected pickup location
- ✓Informative and friendly tour guide
Not included
- ✕Gratuities
- ✕Snacks and other drinks
Good to know
• This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility • Child fares apply to all travelers 4-15 years; all children must be accompanied by an adult • Child booster seats can be provided when requested at least 72 hours prior to tour departure or you may bring your own • At least 4 people are required for this activity to take place • Tour stops may vary from time to time
Reviews
“Fantastic day. We started with a drive to catch the ferry to French Island. On the journey our guide Peter was great. He had amazing knowledge of the things we would see & do and was also really funny. Once on the Island we met a second guide (Scotty) who was also great. He showed us round the island & helped us spot the Koala's. We then visited a local farm for a late lunch/early dinner where a lovely local lady gave us an idea of what it is like living on French Island. We then returned to the ferry to meet back up with Peter. We had a bit of time to grab some more food/relax before heading to the Nobbies & finally on to the amazing penguin parade. Would highly recommend, the penguin parade was one of the highlights of our trip to Melbourne.”
“We went to French island first and saw lots of Koolas up really close in the wild, fabulous experience. We had a lovely lunch at a local house and then went to see the penguins on Philip island. They were so cute and although a very long day it’s definitely worth the time. Both guides (Locki and Leelee) were very knowledgeable and very friendly.”
“A good occasion to spot Australian native wildlife and enjoy nature. Our guide was Matt, he is an amazing guy: funny and engaging!”
38 reviews on GetYourGuide
We went to French island first and saw lots of Koolas up really close in the wild, fabulous experience. We had a lovely lunch at a local house and then went to see the penguins on Philip island. They were so cute and although a very long day it’s definitely worth the time. Both guides (Locki and Leelee) were very knowledgeable and very friendly.
Fantastic day. We started with a drive to catch the ferry to French Island. On the journey our guide Peter was great. He had amazing knowledge of the things we would see & do and was also really funny. Once on the Island we met a second guide (Scotty) who was also great. He showed us round the island & helped us spot the Koala's. We then visited a local farm for a late lunch/early dinner where a lovely local lady gave us an idea of what it is like living on French Island. We then returned to the ferry to meet back up with Peter. We had a bit of time to grab some more food/relax before heading to the Nobbies & finally on to the amazing penguin parade. Would highly recommend, the penguin parade was one of the highlights of our trip to Melbourne.
A good occasion to spot Australian native wildlife and enjoy nature. Our guide was Matt, he is an amazing guy: funny and engaging!