Phillip Island Wildlife Park is a hidden gem that’s only 90 minutes from Melbourne. It’s one of the best places in Victoria to see wildlife up close. You can feed kangaroos by hand, see koalas sleeping in trees, and hear the calls of colorful native birds—all in a calm. It is an open space that feels far away from the crowds.
This park is a great place to spend a day or a weekend if you’re a family with kids, a tourist interested in Australia’s unique animals, or a local who loves nature. Let’s look at everything you need to know before you leave.
What is the Phillip Island Wildlife Park?
Phillip Island Wildlife Park is a 60-acre private sanctuary that is home to more than 100 native Australian animals. It has open spaces and bushland areas where people can walk among kangaroos and wallabies that are free to roam, interact with birds, and see rare species in naturalistic enclosures.
The park is a living display of Australian wildlife, with kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, emus, and Tasmanian devils. And unlike zoos, this park gives you the rare opportunity to interact with many of the animals directly—making it a memorable experience for all ages.
Animals You Can See at the Park
Here are a few things you can expect to see:
Wallabies and kangaroos
The main characters! You will get a bag of kangaroo food as soon as you walk in. Red kangaroos, wallabies, and pademelons will be all around you, happily hopping up for a snack. A lot of them have joeys in their pouches, and they are very nice to people who come to see them.
Koalas
A raised boardwalk takes you up to the level of the koalas, giving you a great view of these famous Australian animals relaxing in eucalyptus trees. You won’t need binoculars like you do in some parks; they’re right there, usually within a meter or two.
Echidnas and wombats
Look at the burrows and enclosures that wombats, one of Australia’s cutest marsupials, live in. Echidnas are also on display, and they often dig holes or waddle around in their enclosures.
Dingoes and Tasmanian Devils
Get up close and personal with the famous Tasmanian devils and find out why they are in danger of extinction. There are also dingoes in the park. They are surprisingly quiet but always on the lookout.
Lots of Birds
The birds here are amazing, from huge emus to rainbow lorikeets, owls, and cockatoos. The emus can move around freely, and the colorful parrots talk and squawk in the trees and aviaries.
Bats and Reptiles
The reptile house has skinks, pythons, and lizards, so don’t miss it. You might also see flying foxes hanging upside down and flapping slowly in the afternoon heat in their shady spots.
Experiences that are hands-on
One of the best things about Phillip Island Wildlife Park is that you can touch the animals. You’re not just looking through glass; you’re interacting.
• Give kangaroos food by hand; they’ll gently nibble it right out of your hand.
• As they hop along the trails, pet friendly wallabies.
• Walk through open-air enclosures where animals can move around freely.
• Get a close look at koalas without the crowds.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the staff questions; they love to talk about how to care for animals and share facts about them.
Kids love this kind of interactive learning, but adults often remember it just as well.
Educating and protecting the environment
Phillip Island Wildlife Park is important for both education and conservation.
They are part of a bigger effort on Phillip Island to protect native species and help the environment last. A lot of the animals are in breeding or rehabilitation programs, especially Tasmanian devils and eastern barred bandicoots.
The park has a lot of useful information about how animals act, where they live, and the problems that Australia’s wildlife faces, such as climate change, habitat loss, and new predators.
There are signs around the park that explain more about each species, and the staff is happy to answer any questions you have to help you learn more.
What Makes It Different
- Phillip Island Wildlife Park is different from other wildlife parks in Australia for a number of reasons:
• A huge open area—60 acres of bushland that you can walk through.
• Kangaroos and emus that roam freely, not in pens, but with people.
• Realistic environment—more like a nature reserve than a zoo. - Peaceful, uncrowded place—no long lines or huge crowds.
• Family-run feel: the park has a friendly, local vibe.
• Affordable—less expensive than many commercial attractions.
• Easy to get to—close to Melbourne and other things to do on Phillip Island.
Essential Information
Hours of Operation
The park is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays through Tuesdays. The last entry is at 4 PM, so plan to get there at least an hour or two before that. To avoid the hottest part of the day and give yourself plenty of time, it’s best to get there in the morning.
Entry Fees: Right now, adults pay about $23, kids (4–14 years) pay $12, families (2 adults and 3 kids) pay $60, and extra bags of kangaroo food cost $1 each. Most of the time, kids under 4 are free.
Please note that tickets can only be bought at the gate. There is no online booking, so just show up!
Place
2115 Phillip Island Road, Cowes VIC 3922 is where the park is.
There are clear signs and plenty of free parking on site. The South Gippsland and Bass Highways make it easy and beautiful to drive from Melbourne.
Easy to get to
The paths are mostly flat and good for strollers and wheelchairs, but some parts are bumpy because of the natural bushland. In the summer, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat or sunscreen.
If the weather changes, there are public restrooms, places to sit in the shade, and an indoor picnic room.
Facilities
- Free on-site parking
- Toilets
- Snack bar with light refreshments
- Indoor picnic area—bring your own food!
- Souvenir shop with plush toys, books, and local gifts
- Friendly staff who love a chat and know the animals well
Make a list of Events to Do on Phillip Island
There is more to Phillip Island than just the wildlife park. Why not make it a whole weekend?
Here are some things to do nearby that you can do while you’re here:
Parade of Penguins
The world-famous Penguin Parade, which is only 20 minutes away, sees hundreds of little penguins go back to their burrows at dusk. You should book your tickets ahead of time because this is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Nobbies Center
Walk along the rough coastline on boardwalks, see Australia’s biggest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks, and learn about penguins and Antarctica through interactive displays.
Koala Conservation Area
Another great place to see koalas up close in their natural habitat, with nature trails and walkways that let you get up close and personal.
The Heritage Farm on Churchill Island
Take a trip back in time with working farm demonstrations, gardens, and tours of homesteads on an island nearby that is connected by a bridge.
Watching Whales
You can see southern right and humpback whales migrating from coastal lookout points in the winter (May to October).
Best Time to Visit
The park is lovely year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather.
- Summer: Warm and sunny but can be hot by midday. Arrive early.
- Winter: Cooler with fewer crowds, great for spotting wildlife during the day.
- School holidays: Popular with families, but the park still never feels too crowded.
Insider Tips
- Arrive early to enjoy the animals when they’re most active.
- Bring water and snacks—there’s a small café, but options are limited.
- Wear closed-toe shoes—paths are natural and sometimes uneven.
- Keep food secure—emus are curious and may come in for a peek.
- Don’t miss the reptiles and aviaries—they’re often overlooked!
- Take your time—the park is big, and there’s plenty to explore slowly.
- Respect the animals—they’re friendly but deserve space and care.
Temporary Closures
The park sometimes closes in order to make improvements. For example, it was closed for three weeks in July 2025 to put up new fences and make the kangaroo habitats better. Always check their website or social media before you go, especially in the winter or during school breaks.
Conclusion
Phillip Island Wildlife Park gives you a rare chance to really connect with nature these days. This park is a breath of fresh air in a time when so many wildlife attractions are all about shows and crowds.
You can spend hours walking its trails, feeding kangaroos by hand, or just sitting quietly and watching the birds fly by. The kids leave with big eyes. Adults leave feeling relaxed and inspired. And everyone learns more about how amazing Australia’s wildlife is.
The wildlife park is a must-see whether you’re going to Phillip Island for the first time or going back for more native adventures. It’s real, cheap, and something you’ll never forget. So, get your camera, bring the kids, and have a day with the animals. The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is waiting.
Read more about the best places to visit in Australia.
