Penguins, Roos & Koalas: Postgrad Day Trip to Phillip Island

Take a well-deserved break from your studies and join VUPA for a full-day coastal escape to Phillip Island. Meet native wildlife, breathe in the fresh sea air, enjoy fully catered meals, and cap off the night watching the world-famous Little Penguins waddle up the beach to their burrows.

🎟️ What’s Included

• Round-trip private coach transport from Melbourne CBD

• Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

• General admission to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade

• Complimentary lunch and dinner

• A dedicated driver-guide and a free audio guide app

• A bus full of fellow postgrads ready for a day off

🗺️ The Itinerary

• 11:30 AM | Registration & Lunch (MANDATORY) Meet us at the Immigration Museum (400 Flinders St, corner of Market St—close to Flinders Street Station). You must arrive at 11:30 AM sharp. We need this time to check you in, distribute your provided lunch and dinner, and get everyone organized before the official tour check-in at 12:00 PM.

• 12:30 PM | Wheels Up Depart Melbourne and head south-east for the scenic 75-minute drive.

• 1:45 PM | Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park (1 hr) Get up close with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and quolls.

• 3:30 PM | Woolamai Beach (20 min) Take in the wild surf and stunning golden sands below Cape Woolamai, perfect for a group photo.

• 4:15 PM | Cowes (45 min) Explore Phillip Island's main beachside town.

• 5:15 PM | The Nobbies Centre (45 min) Stroll the clifftop boardwalk, check out the awesome volcanic rock formations, and look out over Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal colony.

• Sunset | The Penguin Parade 🐧 (Approx 2 hrs) The main event. Settle in on the beach before sunset to watch the Little Penguins emerge from the ocean in small groups and waddle home after a day of fishing.

• Post-Parade | Homeward Bound Settle in for the 2-hour drive back (naps highly encouraged).

• 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Arrive back in Melbourne CBD Drop-off back near Flinders Street Station. Note: Summer tours may return closer to midnight.

Please note: Times from the afternoon onwards are approximate as the penguin arrival shifts with the sunset. We will confirm exact drop-off times closer to the day via emails.

🎒 What to Bring

• A warm, windproof jacket: The coast gets extremely cold and windy after dark, even in the middle of summer.

• Comfortable walking shoes.

• A refillable water bottle (single-use plastics are discouraged on the island).

• Your phone and a power bank.

👀 Important Details

• Cancellation Policy: Please note that tickets are strictly non-refundable if cancelled less than 7 days prior to the event.

• Endurance: This is a full, 11-to-12-hour day trip door-to-door.

• Getting Home: Because we return late to the CBD, please plan your safe trip home in advance. Check the night train schedules or organize a rideshare buddy from the bus.

• Penguin Protection: Photography and videography are strictly prohibited at the Penguin Parade to protect the penguins' sensitive eyes. Phones away, enjoy the moment.

• Dietary Requirements: Please list any specific dietary needs when you register so we can organize your meals.

• Accessibility: Please note this specific tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility access needs, please contact us prior to booking so we can consult with the tour operator about accommodations.

• Unable to attend? Please cancel your ticket through Humanitix so someone else can take your spot.

For any questions or further information regarding the event, please contact:

Wania Anoosh (Vice President - Research) – vpresearch@vupa.org.au or +61 424 331 432