Departing from Phillip Island

Phillip Island Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Bus

9am-5pm Daily

Explore Your Way

Discover the best of Phillip Island with the Island Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus — the most flexible and stress-free way to see the island’s top attractions. This small-group sightseeing bus service runs daily and connects you to must-see locations including San Remo, The Nobbies, Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island Winery, Churchill Island, A Maze’N Things, and more.

With one simple all-day bus pass, you can hop on and off at any stop and explore at your own pace. Just choose your pickup time and hub when booking online, and enjoy unlimited travel around Phillip Island. Whether you want to relax at the beach, sip wine at a local vineyard, or walk among koalas, the Island Explorer makes it easy — with friendly local guides to help along the way.

For your next Phillip Island Adventure - you can trust the locals at the Phillip Island Explorer!

Key Highlights

Flexible Island Travel, Your Way
Hop on and off all day at your favourite Phillip Island attractions — including wildlife parks, scenic lookouts, beaches, and cultural landmarks. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace with an all-day bus pass that makes discovering Phillip Island easy, fun, and flexible.
Stops at all Major Attractions - and the small ones too
Our Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops at all of Phillip Island’s most popular attractions — including the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Churchill Island, Phillip Island Winery, and more.We also visit the smaller, lesser-known spots that locals love — so you can discover hidden gems and enjoy a truly well-rounded Phillip Island experience.
Semi-Hybrid Route for Customisation
We customise each Phillip Island Hop-On Hop-Off bus loop based on passenger-selected destinations. Just let us know where you'd like to stop, and our local driver will take care of the rest.That means no unnecessary stops or waiting around — unless, of course, you’d prefer to stay onboard and enjoy the scenic coastal views with us!
Unlimited Travel with One Ticket
Enjoy unlimited rides all day with your Phillip Island Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass — visit one destination or explore up to five at your own pace.Choose from a flexible “Single Session” (1.5 hours) or upgrade to a “Double Session” (3 hours) at each stop to make the most of your time at Phillip Island’s top attractions.

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Phillip Island Explorer Hop on Hop Off Information

All Day Access to the Hop on Hop Off Bus
Discover all that Phillip Island has to offer with ease
Option for 1.5 or 3 hours at each of your selected destinations
Picked Up and Returned to your Nominated Hub
Modern Air Conditioned Touring Bus
Experienced Driver-Guide with commentary and local insights
WiFi on Board

Cost
$35pp

Departure Location:
Local Pickups from your Nominated Hub

Departure Days:
Daily

Duration:
Starting 10.00am
Finishing 4.30pm
Special Nightly Penguin Service Available – 3 Hours Prior to Sunset
-we provide special individual pickups and returns for this service.

Phillip Island Pickups & Returns

Local Way Tours provides convenient Central Hub pickups and drop-offs for all accommodations across Phillip Island. Whether you’re staying in Cowes, San Remo, or near the surf coast, we’ve got you covered with multiple pickup locations that connect seamlessly to our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus route and daily timetable.

Not sure where your closest hub is? Please contact our office at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist.

Phillip Island Pickup Hub Map

View all hub locations on our full map:
Click Here

Our Pickup Hubs by Area

Cowes Main: Hotel Phillip Island –
Click Here
Cowes West: Glen Isla Bus Stop –
Click Here
Newhaven: The Big Wave –
Click Here
Cape Woolamai: The Wooli Tavern –
Click Here
San Remo: Fisherman’s Co-Op –
Click Here
Smiths Beach: Back Beach Road Bus Stop –
Click Here

Free 24-Hour Cancellation

We understand that plans can change. That’s why we offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before your tour departure.
To cancel your booking, simply email us at [email protected]

Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are not eligible for a refund, as preparations for your tour will already be underway.

Please note: Any change to your tour date that requires cancelling the original booking is treated as a cancellation. If you arrive late and we are unable to contact or wait for you, this will also be considered a cancellation with no refund available.

In the rare event that we need to cancel a tour, we will either reschedule your booking or issue a full refund — whichever you prefer.

How it Works

We want to make exploring Phillip Island as easy and accessible as possible, which is why our Hop-on, Hop-off bus allows for All Day Travel to Every Part of Phillip Island.

Bookings are Essential – we are unable to take Walk Up Bookings at Location

In order to ensure we have space for you on board, bookings need to be made prior to you arriving at location.

Either book online (on this page) OR give us a call/text on +61 0417 887 234

This would either be Run 1, 2, 3, 4 – depending on how early in the day you wanting to start exploring.

Remember, you aren’t limited to just one run – you could pick Run 1, and then join us for every Run from there.

Our Departure Hub are chosen so that every accommodation location on Phillip Island is within easy walking distance of one of our central hubs.

All you need to do is pick the Hub that is closest to where you are staying, and we will be there to pick you up at the time shown.

This is the fun bit – where do you want to go!?

Its good for us to know this when booking, as it helps us to arrange the logistics on the day so we get you there as quick as possible.
We understand plans may change though.

This would either be at the next run – which would be 1.5 hours later OR if you choose to do a DOUBLE then it would be 3 hours later.

You can either then be returned to your original Hub OR of course, you are welcome to choose another location to visit.

Accommodation: Phillip Island Apartments, Cowes

Morning – Start Your Adventure

You begin your day by booking the 10:00 AM Run 1 Departure. For your first stop, you select the Koala Conservation Reserve and choose the Single Session option, giving you plenty of time to explore. Your driver confirms pickup at 11:40 AM.

Midday – Lunch and San Remo Pelicans

Next, you continue your journey to San Remo, arriving at 12:10 PM. It’s a perfect day for lunch by the water while you watch the famous Pelican Feeding at noon. After a relaxing meal, your driver arranges to pick you up again at 1:35 PM.

Afternoon – Indoor Fun at A Maze’N Things

As the weather changes, you decide to stay indoors and visit A Maze’N Things. Wanting extra time to fully enjoy the activities, you select the Double Session option, giving you 3 hours to explore. Your driver schedules pickup at 4:10 PM for the final run of the day.

Evening – Return to Cowes

At 4:10 PM, you’re comfortably picked up and, with everyone on board also returning to Cowes, it’s a smooth and quick ride back. You arrive back at your accommodation, ready to relax and enjoy the rest of your evening on Phillip Island.

Hop-on, Hop-off Time Table

Things To Do in Phillip Island

Require Transport from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

Skip the stress of driving and enjoy a comfortable, direct bus transfer from Melbourne to Phillip Island with Local Way Tours. Whether you’re heading to the Penguin Parade or a day of sightseeing, our reliable service ensures a smooth, scenic journey with local insights along the way. Sit back, relax, and let us handle the trip.

View Bus Transfers Page

Click image to enlarge.

Why Phillip Island Explorer

We pride ourselves on creating transformative and unforgettable locally inspired experiences through authentic social and sustainable travel, infused with a playful touch of luxury.

Skip the hassle of driving, of rental cars, and parking battles.Our daily transfers from Melbourne and flexible on-island transport make exploring Phillip Island easy, even without your own vehicle.

Whether you’re visiting for just one day or staying several nights, our service adapts to your travel plans — offering transport flexibility other operators don’t provide, and allowing you to truly immerse yourself into this world-class destination.

Start and end your Phillip Island adventure easily with daily, direct connections from Melbourne CBD hotels and Melbourne Airport — ideal for international visitors and domestic travellers alike.

Visit Phillip Island’s top attractions at your own pace, and Hop on Hop off All Day.

With regular stops at world class beaches, famed attractions, idyllic nature reserves, and local eateries and wineries, you are able to create your perfect Phillip Island itinerary – with our help of course

Travel with a company that knows Phillip Island inside-out.

Our friendly team provides helpful local advice, a premium small-group experience, and the personal touch that is only deserve of such a boutique Island.

Departing from Melbourne

Departing from Phillip Island

Departing from Mornington Peninsula

Phillip Island Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Explore Your Way

Key Highlights

Flexible Island Travel, Your Way

Stops at all Major Attractions - and the small ones too

Semi-Hybrid Route for Customisation

Unlimited Travel with One Ticket

Phillip Island Explorer Hop on Hop Off Information

Phillip Island Pickups & Returns

Phillip Island Pickup Hub Map

Our Pickup Hubs by Area

How it Works

Morning – Start Your Adventure

Midday – Lunch and San Remo Pelicans

Afternoon – Indoor Fun at A Maze’N Things

Evening – Return to Cowes

Hop-on, Hop-off Time Table

Things To Do in Phillip Island

Require Transport from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

Why Phillip Island Explorer

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigation

About

Tours

Destinations

Have Any Questions?

Departing from Melbourne

Departing from Phillip Island

Departing from Mornington Peninsula

Phillip Island Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Explore Your Way

Key Highlights

Flexible Island Travel, Your Way

Stops at all Major Attractions - and the small ones too

Semi-Hybrid Route for Customisation

Unlimited Travel with One Ticket

Phillip Island Explorer Hop on Hop Off Information

Inclusions

General Tour Information

Departure Information

Phillip Island Pickups & Returns

Phillip Island Pickup Hub Map

Our Pickup Hubs by Area

Cancellation Information

How it Works

01 Book Online or Call Us

02 Choose your Run Time

03 Choose your Departure Hub

04 Choose your Destination

05 Choose your Return (or continue Hopping)

06 EXAMPLE DAY

Morning – Start Your Adventure

Midday – Lunch and San Remo Pelicans

Afternoon – Indoor Fun at A Maze’N Things

Evening – Return to Cowes

Hop-on, Hop-off Time Table

Things To Do in Phillip Island

Require Transport from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

Why Phillip Island Explorer

Car-Free Convenience

Perfect for Short or Extended Stays

Seamless Melbourne Airport & CBD Transfers

Flexible Hop-On Hop-Off Access

Local Knowledge & Premium Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Any Questions?