We’ve created the ultimate Melbourne three day itinerary for animal lovers. From penguins to kangaroos and koalas, we’ve got you covered.
A visit to Australia must include at least some of the country’s iconic wildlife. There’s nothing quite like seeing kangaroos hopping across a field in real life, or gaze at the face of a sleepy koala. You’ll be amazed to witness these Australian animals – either up close or in the wild.
We’ve put together a Melbourne itinerary that takes in the best wildlife experiences in the city and surrounds. You can visit the Melbourne Zoo, take a tour to a wildlife park and see the famous Penguin Parade, and so much more.
Fill out your itinerary with some of Melbourne’s best dining options and you’ve got yourself a great holiday or long weekend in the city. Here’s our suggested Melbourne three day itinerary for animal lovers.
Day 1 – Phillip Island Tour
Welcome to Melbourne! It’s time to get straight into the animal action – with the ultimate wildlife tour.
Jump on board our Phillip Island Tour to create some magic moments that you won’t soon forget. This is the ultimate Melbourne wildlife tour – and it includes the world-famous Penguin Parade. A visit to Moonlit Sanctuary is part of the day tour. It is the best way to meet Australian wildlife up close. Capture your magic moment hand-feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, cuddling up to a koala, or watching the Tasmanian Devils in their enclosure.
Next the tour goes to Phillip Island where you can discover the penguin colony and seal colony that nest on The Nobbies rocks and Seal Rocks. The views from the Point Grant boardwalk are spectacular and a great way to experience the wildlife on the island.
The highlight of the tour is of course the Penguin Parade. Phillip Island is home to over 30,000 penguins and each evening thousands of them return from the ocean and waddle up the beach. You can watch them crossing the sand and then follow them through the sand dunes as they return to their burrows.
Day 2 – Melbourne Zoo
Have an easy start to the morning with some great Melbourne coffee and breakfast. Then its on to the Zoo!
Check out our list of the best cafes in Melbourne to find one near you. Or if you are staying in the suburbs, you’ll find some excellent suggestions in our guides to Melbourne’s suburbs. Melbourne is famous for its coffee and for the cafe culture, so why not try it for yourself.
At the Melbourne Zoo you will discover many different species in a wide range of habitats. You can also learn about the conservation work that they do to help endangered animals. Follow the Trail of the Elephants, discover the Gorilla Rainforest or deep dive into the Sea. You can also pay a visit to the native Australian animals that call the Zoo home – including kangaroos, koalas, dingos and more.
There are many events that happen at the Zoo throughout the year. Check the Melbourne Zoo website to see if any of them coincide with your visit. You also be able to get a timetable for the daily shows and presentations on the day of your visit. Watch the zookeepers as they feed the animals and learn more about their habitat, daily routines and conservation programs.
After a day at the Zoo, it’s time to refuel and relax. Head to nearby Lygon Street in Carlton for an Italian experience like no other. Lygon Street is sometimes referred to as Little Italy. The street is lined with Italian restaurants and cafes, with authentic cuisine. You’ll also find some great wine bars and some famous gelato as well.
Day 3 – Grampians Day Tour
Join our Grampians day tour to discover Australian animals in their native habitat.
This full day tour lets you explore the main natural attractions in the Grampians National Park, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Join your guide to discover canyons, waterfalls and scenic views of the mountains, forests and valleys. It’s the landscape and native flora that provides an excellent home for so many animals.
The Grampians are home to kangaroos and wallabies. There are also over 250 species of birds, including the largest Australian bird – the emu. Look for cockatoos, kookaburras, magpies, crimson rosellas, king parrots and more amongst the trees and bushland. The unique habitats that you will discover include rainforest, wetlands, grassland, dense bush and eucalyptus forest.
On this tour you will visit Silverband Falls, walk through the spectacular Grand Canyon and explore the popular MacKenzie Falls. Our lunch break is in the small town of Halls Gap in the centre of the Grampians National Park. You can also enjoy panoramic views from Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout – all in a day trip from Melbourne.
There are so many wildlife experiences waiting for you in Melbourne. We think at the end of these three days your heart will be full, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime – and your camera roll will be bursting with koala photos and kangaroo selfies.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
