Melbourne · MELBOURNE WILDLIFE AND KOALA TOURS

The 15 Best Wildlife & Koala Tours near Melbourne

37 tours  ·  from $24

Healesville, Moonlit Sanctuary, the open range at Werribee, and kangaroos on the coast at dusk. The 15 below say which animals you are realistically going to see, how close you get and what the day costs.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour - Torquay and Bells Beach begin the coastal story
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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

1.Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6,020 reviews · 13h 30m · from $94Our pick

Travel from Melbourne with an English-speaking guide such as Warren or Theo, spotting wild koalas and parrots, walking through tall forest, and visiting Torquay, Apollo Bay, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Morning tea, transport, and hotel pickup are included, but lunch and dinner are not.

“The Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles are spectacular!! We were really lucky with the weather, it was such a beautiful day!! I was in awe of the beauty of the coastline, there were so many amazing viewing platforms and the 12 apostles just took my breath away!! Really recommend this trip, when you‘re in Melbourne, it’s an absolute must do!”

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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Brighton’s bathing boxes make an easy first stop
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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

2.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Top rated

Spend about 12 hours with Go West Tours, traveling from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Bob, and Graeme are known for lively commentary. Expect a late return, cool evening weather, and no photography at the parade.

“Very informative touring experience. Simon is very friendly, informative, puncture and funny. Everything is on schedule. The tour experience went smooth for us.”

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Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife - Loch Ard Gorge brings the coast’s dramatic side
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Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

3.Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,252 reviews · 12 - 13 hours · from $46

Travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road in a reverse-route coach or small-group van. Expect London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, wildlife stops, and Memorial Arch. Guides including David Hsu, William, Philip, and Daniel are known for clear commentary and careful driving.

“The tour was wonderful! We traveled with Daniel, an incredible person! He described the places and told stories with great enthusiasm. Besides the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles, we had the chance to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. I thought the trip would be tiring, but it was great! I highly recommend it!”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach boxes and the first coastal stop
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

4.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, or Charlie, traveling from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a small-group day with wildlife, coastal views, free time, and a late return.

“Incredible trip with lots of lovely stops, really breaking up the journey. The sanctuary was incredible and I still can’t believe I hand fed a kangaroo! The guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, would definitely recommend this tour for value for money and the about learned.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour - Koalas from a treetop boardwalk
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

5.Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,287 reviews · from $115

Ride from Melbourne with an English-speaking guide to Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Reserve, Woolamai Beach, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. Guides such as Fiona, Peter, and Graham add local wildlife tips. Expect a long day, cold sunset winds, and an optional closer Penguin Plus viewing area.

“A great trip but it was very expensive for it's itenary.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Emerald Lake gives you breathing room
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

6.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Spend eight hours beyond Melbourne on a guided day trip with Puffing Billy, Emerald Lake, Healesville Sanctuary, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Expect an English-speaking driver-guide, central CBD pickup, a scenic steam-train ride, Australian wildlife, and free time for lunch.

“Guide was there for us every step of the way. Great tour for the money.”

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Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea - From Torquay beaches to the Great Ocean Road sign
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Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

7.Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,068 reviews

Travel from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road in a small group of up to 24. Look for wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River, walk through Mait's Rest, visit Gibsons Steps, the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, with lunch and dinner at your own cost.

“The tour was really good! We got to visit many places in one day, and the Great Ocean Road is absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide was super helpful and took great photos for us. The only downside is that the bus seats were a bit narrow, but overall it was a fantastic experience!”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai brings sand and surf
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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

8.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island with a guide such as Michael, David, Bluey, or Reuben. Feed wallabies, spot koalas, walk the Nobbies boardwalk, and watch Little Penguins come ashore after dark. Expect a 12 to 14 hour day with a late return.

“My husband and I had an awesome tour with our guide, David! The day was spaced out brilliantly, with plenty of toilet, snack/coffee and walk breaks. Seeing the penguins at the official “parade” was of course amazing! But we also got to see them in their nest at the “Nobbies” and could take pictures there, which was really cool! We also saw Wallaby and Echidna in the wild! Highly recommend this tour! My only warning: when you do go to the penguin parade … head to get your food first and eat inside … or a seagull may swoop down and take your fish taco without a second thought …”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Cowes is the practical meal stop
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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

9.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in a small-group coach of up to 38 people. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before watching Little Penguins return from the sea. Guides such as Cray, Peter, Lauren, and Joel are praised for clear local commentary.

“It was really really cold, even though in the middle of the summer take plenty of warm clothes even a hat”

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade - Moonlit Sanctuary: useful wildlife, but not a wild encounter
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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

10.Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 658 reviews · from $104

Spend about 10 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne, with wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary, coastal stops, and general admission to the Penguin Parade. Guides such as Steve, Luke, John, Elliot, and James have led past departures, though the guide varies. Bring food, water, and warm layers.

“1) The biggest CATCH of this whole Penguin Parade thing is this: Photos are NOT ALLOWED during the parade, not just flash camera, but ALL cameras - you will be constantly reminded and monitored to ensure no photo taking. This - we should note that - is NEVER communicated on their website nor by the tour guide (at least not by our tour guide Luke) whatsoever - meaning that we were all told literally 30mins before the parade took place. 2) Massively disorganized cluster-mess of a picking-up / onboarding experience - truly the worst I’ve ever had so far out of tons of day-tours I did: Instead of proactively checking…”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - Leaving Melbourne from three central pickup points
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

11.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Leave Melbourne by minibus for a one-hour Puffing Billy steam-train ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, followed by two hours at Healesville Sanctuary. Expect rainforest views, open-sided carriages, koalas, kangaroos, birds of prey, and a friendly English-speaking guide such as Gary, Stuart, or Anthony.

“We had an amazing time Stuart as a tour guide was fantastic”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

12.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Join Explore Australia for a 12-hour trip from Melbourne with guides such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Bring warm layers and consider the Penguin Plus upgrade.

“Nathan was amazing! Super knowledgeable and was really friendly. Thank you for making this trip one of our main highlights of Melbourne.”

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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour - Koalas in the Phillip Island bush
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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

13.Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 539 reviews · from $102

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Vicky, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Woolamai Beach, Nobbies, and Seal Rocks, then watch little penguins return from the sea at the Penguin Parade.

“Just fabulous in every way! Fiona was so knowledgeable and really made sure we got to see the best of everything.”

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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Healesville Sanctuary is the day’s biggest stop
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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

14.Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $163

Travel from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges for a Puffing Billy steam-train ride, Emerald Lake, Healesville Sanctuary, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. The small-group tour includes entries, WiFi, air-conditioning, and coffee or tea. Guides such as Peter, Matt, Emily, and Graeme add local stories along the way.

“This is a great day trip from Melbourne because it covers some pretty exciting spots in southern Melbourne. If you’re looking for a day trip that’s shorter than the great ocean road or Philip island this would be an ideal choice. Our guide Graham was fantastic and very patient and understanding with all the passengers. Highly recommend!”

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From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour - Moonlit Sanctuary gives you close wildlife encounters
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From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

15.Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 380 reviews · 12 hours · from $105

Spend 12 hours with Explore Australia visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a small-group coach, free time at the wildlife park, coastal viewpoints, and guides such as Gary, Gina, Alan, or LeeLee sharing local wildlife and history.

“Our guide Gary was perfect, he told us a lot about our activities, about Philipps Island & about the penguins. The Moonlit Sanctuary was very nice, even tough it is not as big as Healesville, but the opportunity to feed and pet Wallabies & Kangaroos was lovely. The Noobies is also nice to see, the given time was just perfect for us to enjoy the view. We even saw some penguins sleeping in their homes. The penguin parade was our highlight of the day! As Gary informed us already beforehand, the best way to enjoy the parade is not at the beach where you see them from far away. The…”

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New in Melbourne Wildlife and Koala Tours

★ 5.0Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles & KoalasFrom $675 reviews
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★ 4.0Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Iconic Stops & WildlifeFrom $4061 reviews
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★ 4.5Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wildlife and Beach Boxes Bus TourFrom $11189 reviews
★ 4.5Grampians National Park with MacKenzie Falls and KangaroosFrom $96121 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Penguins and Wildlife Nature Experience from MelbourneFrom $114150 reviews
★ 4.7Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach Boxes TourFrom $73152 reviews
★ 4.6Phillip Is Penguin Parade & Koala ReserveFrom $107154 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with HikingFrom $111160 reviews
★ 4.5Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park Entry TicketFrom $24163 reviews
★ 5.0Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon & Kangaroo Safari!From $125211 reviews
★ 5.0Boutique Great Ocean Road, wildlife and Rainforest ExperienceFrom $178198 reviews
★ 4.5Healesville Sanctuary General Entry TicketFrom $40217 reviews

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