Phillip Island Wildlife
Few places pack in wildlife like this — penguins, koalas and fur seals, plus wallabies, geese and echidnas, with whales offshore in winter and shearwaters each spring.
Phillip Island Wildlife
Few places pack in wildlife like Phillip Island. Beyond the famous penguins, koalas and fur seals, the island is home to wallabies, Cape Barren geese, echidnas and rich birdlife, while whales cruise offshore in the cooler months and clouds of shearwaters return each spring. Here’s what to look for, and when.
Island Wildlife
Little Penguins
The world’s smallest penguins, ashore at dusk every night at the Penguin Parade.
Koalas & Wallabies
Wild koalas in the reserve’s treetops, with wallabies and echidnas in the bush.
Fur Seals
Australia’s largest fur-seal colony at Seal Rocks, off the Nobbies.
Whales & Shearwaters
Whales offshore in winter–spring; shearwater dusk fly-ins from spring to autumn.
Wildlife Tips
- Keep your distance and never feed wildlife — follow all signage
- Bring binoculars for the offshore fur seals and passing whales
- Dawn and dusk are best for koalas, wallabies and shearwater fly-ins
- Whales are seasonal (roughly May–Oct) and sightings vary
- For timing month by month, see our wildlife calendar
- A guided wildlife tour ties the encounters together
Wildlife — FAQ
What wildlife can you see on Phillip Island?
Little penguins at the Penguin Parade, wild koalas, Australia’s largest fur-seal colony at Seal Rocks, plus wallabies, Cape Barren geese, echidnas, short-tailed shearwaters and — in winter and spring — whales offshore.
When can you see whales at Phillip Island?
Humpback and southern right whales pass through Bass Strait roughly May to October, sometimes seen from the coast or on a cruise. Sightings vary with the season and weather.
What are the shearwaters (mutton birds)?
Short-tailed shearwaters migrate from the northern hemisphere to nest in island rookeries (notably Cape Woolamai), arriving around late September and leaving in April, with spectacular dusk fly-ins in the warmer months.
Where can you see fur seals?
At Seal Rocks off the Nobbies — Australia’s largest fur-seal colony. View them with binoculars from the boardwalks, or up close on a seasonal Seal Rocks cruise from Cowes. See the Nobbies.
Is the wildlife protected?
Yes — much of the island is managed by the not-for-profit Phillip Island Nature Parks for conservation. Keep your distance, never feed wildlife, and follow all signage.
Phillip Island, Planned Around You
The Penguin Parade, koalas, fur seals and wild surf coast — with the driving, timing and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry