What animals are on Phillip Island?

Phillip Island offers a wildlife experience like no other with some unique animal sightings.

Phillip Island is an hour and a half drive from Melbourne and has a range of cute and exclusive animals to see.

Most people will travel to Phillip Island as a perfect day trip or even a weekend getaway. Experience looking for animals, eating delicious food, wine tastings, and the Nobbies, and Cowes.

Little penguins

Phillip Island is the home to the world’s largest little penguin colony, also known as fairy penguins or blue penguins. At sunset each night you can watch these small penguins waddle up Summerland Beach on Phillip Island at the Penguin Parade.

At the Penguin Parade, there are different viewing areas and experiences you can do at sunset. The most common is the general viewing area but to get up and close to the penguins, it’s best to upgrade your ticket to Penguin Plus.

Australian fur seals

Australian fur seals are often found hanging around the Nobbies or out on Seal Rocks. It’s almost guaranteed you will see at least one of the fur seals while visiting the Nobbies all year round.

Whales

Between May to September, you can do some whale spotting! Most often you’ll see humpback and southern right whales, and even sometimes killer whales.

The best time to see the whales is June and July. The best spots to go to on Phillip Island include the Nobbies, cape Woolamai, Cowes, Summerland, Grossard Point, and Pyramid Rock.
There are also cruises available to get closer to the whales.

Koalas

Koalas are another animal that you can catch a glimpse of while visiting Phillip Island. You can check out these cuddly animals at the Koala Conservation Reserve.

At the conservation reserve, there are two boardwalks for you to walk across to get closer to the koalas as they sit up in the trees. You can learn more about these creatures at the visitor centre.

You may even see other animals in the area like wallabies, echidnas, and birds!

Experience a day like no other and visit Phillip Island. You can drive yourself or book a one-day tour and see all kinds of wildlife, especially the cute little penguins!

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.