Australia · WILDLIFE & ZOO EXPERIENCES IN MELBOURNE

The 15 Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne That Earn Their Price

35 tours  ·  from $37

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 wildlife & zoo experiences in Melbourne worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour - Melbourne pickup and the long ride south
Great Ocean Road Tours, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

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

This full-day trip follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Warren or Theo. You’ll see wild koalas and parrots, walk through tall forest, stop at Torquay, Apollo Bay, Gibson Steps, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge.

“Warren was such an amazing guide he really made the experience and I’m so glad that he was the one to show us the great ocean road! He was so funny yet so informative. Such a brilliant day out!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - The late morning pickup and ride from Melbourne
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

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 exploring Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai, Cowes, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Sherif, and Bob are known for lively wildlife commentary. Bring warm layers, snacks, and patience for the late finish.

“We had a great time! We didn't want to drive ourselves, but were worried the experience would be too touristy or dull, happily, it was quite the opposite! Cloe was wonderful! She entertained us with lots of interesting history and wildlife tidbits, talked just the right amount and was very relaxed, even when we came up to the wire on time. Highly recommend this tour and if you can manage one with Cloe as your guide, do it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife - London Bridge: a useful extra stop
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

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

Spend 12 to 13 hours exploring the Great Ocean Road by coach, mid-size bus, or Mercedes-Benz van. The reverse route reaches London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles before the crowds, with chances to see koalas, kangaroos, and parrots. Guides such as David Hsu, Philip, William, and Daniel add local stories and practical help.

“what an absolutely amazing day. my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. David Hsu, our tour guide, is such a genuinely nice guy. He kept everyone entertained throughout the day with his very interesting talks about the history of Australia and the sights you will see on the journey. He made sure everyone new the pick-up times and ensure everyone's safety throughout. David Hsu uses headsets for his tour which are fantastic. Very clear, easy to use and, should you need a bit if quite on the coach ride, can be turned off and you will not be disturbed. We saw some amazing sights and would we couldn't recommend this…”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach Boxes and Melbourne views
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

4.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

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

Spend 12 hours with Wine Hop And Coastal Tours visiting Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Nobbies Boardwalk, and Phillip Island. Guides such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, Charlie, and Toni lead small-group trips with wildlife encounters, coastal stops, and a late penguin viewing.

“The diver late about 30min that make us feel nervous. But he was charming and make tourists fun. So I will give him a A but not A +”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour - Koalas on the reserve’s treetop boardwalk
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

5.Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

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

Ride from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Peter, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Woolamai Beach, and The Nobbies before watching little penguins return from the sea. Penguin Plus seating gives you a closer view, while an audio app offers 10 extra languages.

“We had a fabulous day out with Graham our tour guide. The highlight of the trip was seeing all the penquins on the beach then walking along the boardwalk watching them all go to their nests.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour - Starting in Melbourne and settling into the coach
Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

6.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours · from $109

Spend a full day from Melbourne with Bunyip Tours, visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai in summer, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. Guides such as Chris H, Jools, Jono, and Alisha bring local stories to the drive. Expect a late return, cool coastal air, and standard parade seating.

“What a fantastic day spent by the coast and an utter privilege seeing the penguins. And everyone needs Bob the tour guide in their life! Would highly recommend this company!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Meeting the bus at the Hotel Windsor
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

7.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Lorraine, Terry, Matt, or Nathan, combining a historic Puffing Billy train ride, Emerald Lake, The Nobbies, and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Expect long transfers, free time for meals, cold evening air, and a central Melbourne meeting point.

“it was an amazing experience. Our guide was so informed and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Moonlit Sanctuary gives you close Australian wildlife encounters
Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

8.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

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

Spend 12 to 14 hours exploring Victoria’s wildlife with Bunyip Tours. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary, see koalas and kangaroos, stop at Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies, then watch little penguins return from the sea. Guides such as Michael, David, Bluey, and Reuben have earned praise for clear local commentary.

“Absolutely 5-star experience. Tour guide Chris H. is informative and had given clear and concise account of South Australia nature and native history and best tips to watch penguins. He is very friendly and helpful and sometimes humorous. Enjoyed the tour very much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Cowes gives you a proper break
Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

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 for a koala reserve, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. You get air-conditioned coach travel, general viewing admission, and live commentary from a local driver-guide such as Cray, Fiona, Peter, or Joel. Bring warm clothes and expect a late return.

“Wonder experience as far as the penguins but leader was very disorganized and did not what out for his group”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour - Leaving Southern Cross Station for the Bass Coast
Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

10.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 660 reviews

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with guides such as Shano, Shane, Justin, or Jason. Visit the Nobbies, pause in Cowes when seasonal timing allows, then watch little penguins return from the sea. The bus has Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a toilet, but bring warm waterproof clothing.

“Absolutely loved the day trip and the guide was super kind & informational. Enjoyed going out to see the penguins on the island!! Must visit spot when coming down to Australia!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade - Woolamai Beach gives you a quick taste of the coast
Full-Day, Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

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

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

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

Spend a full day and evening exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne. You’ll visit Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. Guides such as Steve, Luke, John, and James add commentary, but expect a long group day with bus travel and a cold, no-photography penguin viewing.

“It all felt quite rushed. It started off well at the Moonlit Sanctuary but then we felt as though we had to hurry through everything. I’m aware we were stuck in traffic on our way to Phillip Island however even with the extra hour I don’t know how we would have made it to Cowes with time to eat and explore. As it was we had to miss Cowes meaning we only had time to order food (a long queue) go out to see the penguin parade, miss the end as we were aware our food was getting cold. Run in to grab the food and eat whilst walking the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket - Start with the safari bus
Melbourne Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne, Zoos

Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket

12.Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket

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

Spend a full day at Werribee Open Range Zoo, 35 kilometres west of Melbourne. Walk among lions, gorillas, hippos, monkeys, and Australian wildlife, then join the included safari bus for rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more. Guides such as Morris, Holly, and Warren are known for lively commentary.

“A very enjoyable day, plenty to see and the safari bus was fantastic”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - The Melbourne pickup and coach ride
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

13.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

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

Leave Melbourne by coach for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then spend two hours at Healesville Sanctuary seeing koalas, kangaroos, and birdlife with an English-speaking guide.

“I had a wonderful time. As a solo traveller, I didn't feel left out even for a second, thanks to the amazing guide, Gary. Highly recommended him. Truly enjoyed the experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Meeting your guide in central Melbourne
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

14.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

Combine Puffing Billy’s historic steam train with The Nobbies coast and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English-speaking guides such as Gina, Alan, José, and Stuart lead the 12-hour trip, with general penguin viewing included and a Penguin Plus upgrade available.

“It's absolutely fantastic!!! Jessie is such a superstar - she's so knowledgeable, passionate and patient! She's got lovely smiles and positive vibes😊 She's made a memorable day for us!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour - Koalas at the conservation reserve
Full-Day, Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

15.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 local guide such as Fiona, Jacob, or Vicky. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, see coastal sights and possible wallabies, then watch little penguins return after dark. The day lasts about 10 hours and includes both main entry tickets.

“We have a great time travel to the beach, see a lot animals.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Melbourne

★ 4.7Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from MelbourneFrom $10947 reviews
★ 4.8Penguin Parade Afternoon TourFrom $95167 reviews
★ 4.3Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day TourFrom $11340 reviews
★ 4.7Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes TourFrom $140161 reviews
★ 4.5Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day TourFrom $145195 reviews
★ 4.5Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-OneFrom $120128 reviews
★ 4.6Phillip Island Tour & Penguin ParadeFrom $113202 reviews
★ 4.2Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train RideFrom $13334 reviews
★ 4.6French and Phillip Island Wildlife ExpeditionFrom $15538 reviews
★ 4.7Boutique Phillip Island Wine, Dine & Penguin TourFrom $16287 reviews
★ 4.8Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day TourFrom $22642 reviews
★ 4.2Werribee Open Range Zoo & Werribee MansionFrom $10228 reviews
★ 4.3Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Day TourFrom $102114 reviews
★ 4.6Phillip Is Penguin Parade & Koala ReserveFrom $107154 reviews

Keep browsing

Great Barrier Reef Tours72Wildlife & Zoo Experiences178Uluru & Outback Tours46Wine Tasting Tours137Cruises & Boat Tours442Walking Tours76
Scroll to Top

Explore Australia

Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.

On the water

Great Barrier ReefWhitsundays SailingHarbour CruisesSnorkelling & DivingWhale Watching

Wildlife

Wildlife ParksPenguin ParadeDolphin CruisesZoos & SanctuariesAquariums

Out of the city

Blue MountainsGreat Ocean RoadDaintree RainforestIsland Day TripsNational Parks

Food and wine

Wine TastingYarra ValleyFood ToursBar NightsLong Lunches