Phillip Island is in far south Gippsland, about as far as Gippsland stretches. Phillip Island would be the most popular of Gippsland tourist attractions. Phillips Islands close proximity to Melbourne allows it to draw big crowds all year round.
The Koala Conservation Centre is one of the best things to do in Phillip Island. Now, who does not like a koala! The Phillip Island Koala Conservation Centre is located on 6 acres of bushland in the middle of Phillip Island.
Phillip Island Wildlife Park Koalas
You enter this venue through the gift shop, cafe information centre. Staff will happily give you any information you need about the park and tips for seeing the Koalas. There is a great information section inside the centre. You should spend the first 10-20 minutes of reading and be learning about the koalas’ habitat, what they eat, how long they sleep and much more.
Outside you will find 2 treetop boardwalks. The Tree Top Koala Boardwalk is an 800-meter loop and the Tree Top Woodland boardwalk is 600 meters long. Just walking the boardwalks is a great experience it is like your walking through the treetops.
The treetop boardwalks help bring you into close proximity with the koala. We were amazed that you could see the Koalas so up close and personal. Because Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day it can be hard to spot them from a distance.
We spotted about 6 at close range some even only a few feet away from us. You could just about reach out and touch them, BUT that’s a no don’t ever touch native animals. Down on the ground away from the koalas, you will also be able to spot wallabies, echidnas and colourful native birds that also live on the reserve. For those of you that don’t know a wallaby is a smaller version of a Kangaroo. Wallabies are everywhere at the Koala Park Phillip Island.
This is a must-see for anyone wanting to see the native Australian animals. Let’s be honest who does not love Koalas! You may never get this close to a koala again. The Phillip Island Conservation Park can put you an arm’s length away.
Where is the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Centre?
The address you will need for the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Centre is 1810 Phillip Island Road, Phillip Island, Victoria 3923
How do I get to the Koala Reserve from Melbourne?
Driving to Phillip Island from Melbourne is the best way to see the island and all the Phillip Island tourist attractions. Phillip Island is located approximately 90 minutes drive from Melbourne via the M1 freeway.
Allow a further 15 minutes after you cross the Phillip Island bridge to get to the Koala Reserve. There is plenty of free car parking on site.
Is there public transport to Phillip Island from Melbourne?
While there is a V/Line (Victoria’s rural transport operator) bus that runs daily to Phillip Island there is no regular and reliable public transport to get you around Phillip Island to see all of the tourist attractions on Phillip Island.
If you are unable to hore a car to see Phillip Island you may find these day trips to Phillip Island with a tour company helpfyul.
What are the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Center opening hours?
– 10 am to 5 pm daily (First Sunday in April to first Saturday in October)
– 10 am to 5:30 pm daily (February 1 to first Saturday in April and first Sunday in October to Christmas Day)
– 10 am to 6 pm (Boxing Day to end of January)
– 2 pm to 5:30 pm (Christmas Day)
* Please note: last access to Koala viewing boardwalks is 15 minutes before closing time
How much is entry to the Koala Conservation Centre Phillip Island?
You will find the Koala Conservation Center Phillip Island prices for tickets below. Tickets can be purchased at the conservation park when you arrive or below we have options for you to save some money on entry to the Koala Conservation Park.
| Tickets | Prices |
| Adult (16 years+) | $13.50 |
| Child (4-15 years) | $6.75 |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | $33.75 |
| Australian Pensioner (ID required) | $9.40 |
Can I save money on my Koala Conservation Park tickets?
You absolutely can. For many people visiting Phillip Island, they find purchasing the 5 park pass the best way to save money on entry to attractions on Phillip Island. The 5 park pass is a brilliant way to see all the amazing sights Phillip Island has to offer and one of the best Gippsland attractions.
Phillip Island Accommodation
For our Phillip Island accommodation, we stayed at the Ramada Resort Phillip Island. The self-contained cabins were roomy and comfortable with all the modern cons. The resort has features such as a pool, games room, restaurant and much more. You will find a great review of the Ramada Resort from Wyld Family Travel on their website.
⇒ Find current prices on Ramada Resort Phillip Island here
If you plan to visit Melbourne then Phillip Island should be on your travels in Gippsland itinerary. You will not easily forget your time on Phillip Island with some of the world’s most beautiful and unique wildlife right there with you. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click through to our Phillip Island page for more brilliant inspiration.
Some more travel inspiration for your trip to Gippsland
About the Author
Mark has grown up and lived in the Gippsland area all his life. Being born and raised in Gippsland he knows a thing or 2 about this amazing region. When Mark is not working he is out exploring the best of Gippsland with his wife and kids
