The 9 Wildlife Parks in Melbourne That Earn Their Price

1.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

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

Spend 12 hours with Wine Hop And Coastal Tours visiting Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Nobbies, and Phillip Island. Guides such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, and Charlie lead the day in English, with time to feed kangaroos, see koalas, walk the coast, and watch little penguins return after dark. Expect a long, full day in a small vehicle.

“Overall, the trip was interesting with many diverse stops from marquee vistas (beaches) to wildlife sightseeing. The penguin parade was fun despite a low count of penguins, about 10! You cannot control mother nature.”

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2.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · 9h 30m · from $123

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Peter, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. Expect about 300 kilometers of driving, a late return, cold coastal air, and an optional Penguin Plus upgrade for closer penguin views.

“The guide was great, everything was timed well and logistics explained well. And the attractions were as advertised. The only confusing part was figuring out which of the three buses on the street was the correct one to board at the outset, especially since the correct bus was around the corner from where the app said it would be.”

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3.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

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

Travel from central Melbourne with an English-speaking guide such as Peter, Matty, David, or Emily. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk around Emerald Lake, see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and platypus at Healesville Sanctuary, then finish with chocolate and Yarra Valley views. Lunch is extra.

“Our guide was excellent. The train ride was quite fun. Did not expect it to be so enjoyable. The sanctuary was an intimate experience with Australian animals. I appreciate this given how hard it has been to spot the animals in the wild. Our guide was knowledgeable and very attentive.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,068 reviews

Spend about 13 hours tracing Victoria’s Great Ocean Road from Melbourne. You’ll see wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River, walk among giant trees at Mait’s Rest, visit Gibsons Steps, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge, with guides such as Warren, Theo, Mat, or Fio leading the day.

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

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

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach with a local guide such as Cray, Fiona, Peter, Lauren, Joel, or Tom. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, Cape Woolamai, and The Nobbies before watching Little Penguins return from the sea. General Penguin Parade admission is included, but lunch is not.

“The koala reserve was a lovely surprise. Wouldn’t have missed the penguin parade! Our guide was so knowledgeable and informative!”

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6.Melbourne Zoo: 1-Day Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 747 reviews · 1 day · from $37Best value

Spend a full day meeting more than 320 species at Melbourne Zoo, from Sumatran tigers and lions to koalas, kangaroos, penguins, and fur seals. Walk through Asian and African rainforest habitats, visit the Butterfly House, and catch scheduled keeper talks. The zoo is 10 minutes from central Melbourne by tram, train, or bus.

“Amazing zoo. Very well laid out exhibits. Some of the nicest dining options I've seen at a zoo.”

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

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

Spend a full day from Melbourne visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, the Nobbies and Phillip Island’s penguin parade. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Steve, Luke, John or James, see Australian animals, and watch little penguins return after sunset. Bring warm layers, water and patience for a long day.

“It was a fun day out. The sights were beautiful. Our guide Luke was a real character. He educated us, entertained us and got us all around the different places safely. Unfortunately for us not alot of Penguins came in that night but they had the previous night. We would definitely do another tour with this company next time we are in Melbourne.”

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8.Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 646 reviews · 1 day · from $37

Set aside a full day for Werribee Open Range Zoo, 35 kilometres west of Melbourne. Your ticket includes a guided safari through the open savannah, where you may see rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and antelope. Walk to lion, gorilla, hippo, monkey, meerkat, and Australian animal exhibits, then add keeper talks or paid animal encounters if you want more.

“We took our grandchildren aged 3 1/2 and 22 months. All had a marvelous time. Highly recommended. Best zoo experience for all ages. A must do in Melbourne.”

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9.Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

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

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, stroll beside the water, explore Healesville Sanctuary, and finish with chocolate and ice-cream tastings. Guides such as Bonnie, Peter, Matt, Emily, and Graham have been praised for friendly, useful commentary. The tour runs about 8 hours and includes transport and entry fees.

“It was a great, informative experience. Loads of fun for all ages! The Healesville Sanctuary was amazing!”

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