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Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne

(17 Reviews)
  • Departs from Melbourne
  • 11 hours

 

Highlights

  • Visit Moonlit Sanctuary and hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and meet iconic Aussie wildlife.
  • Stroll the windswept coastline at The Nobbies and spot fur seals or seasonal whale sightings.
  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle home at sunset.

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What to expect

Start your day from Melbourne and head to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where your guide will introduce you to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, attend a koala keeper talk, and learn about rare native species you’ve likely never seen before.

Next, visit Cape Woolamai Beach (time permitting) to stretch your legs and watch local surfers take on the waves. Then travel to The Nobbies, where dramatic cliffs and ocean views await. Walk the boardwalks, look out for fur seals, and during the right season, spot whales or penguin chicks in their nests.

As dusk falls, head to Summerland Beach for the Penguin Parade—the main event. Watch as hundreds of little penguins emerge from the surf and waddle across the sand to their burrows. It’s one of Australia’s most beloved wildlife spectacles.

Return to Melbourne after a magical evening with nature’s cutest locals.

(Unfortunately, we are unable to take wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.)

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 17 reviewsRead all reviews
Lucy

It was amazing!!! We had the most amazing tour guide: Bert. He was funny, upbeat, and just an amazing guy. He talked us through the whole experience, giving key information about the locations and helping us further enjoy the trip. Our first stop in the Moonlight Reserve was FANTASTIC!!! You get to see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, a Tasmanian devil, and more! You can even feed and pet some of them. The beach and lunch in Cowes was really good too. Finally, ending our day with the penguin parade was THE MOST AMAZING experience!!! We got to see the penguins arrive from the ocean and walk into their nests. You’re always very close and get to hear them and see them only a few feet away from you. A great experience with a really amazing guide!!!!

Grace

Amazing trip out to Philip Island from Melbourne. John the guide was awesome! Lots of knowledge, interesting facts and great driving. Went to the Moonlit sanctuary and saw koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, womat's, tasmanian devils etc. Then checked out some cool beaches and landscapes. Had a short break for dinner and then saw penguins, wallabies and birds from nobbys point and also saw so many penguins coming out of the water at the penguin parade around 8pm. It was raining but still the penguins put on a show! It was cold, so bring raincoat and a warm jumper! The boardwalk you got to see lots of penguins too! Got back around 11:30pm so definitely a big long day but totally worth it!

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Tour guide
  • Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary
  • General entry to Penguin Parade
  • Convenient pick-up/drop-off in CBD

Extra

  • Food and drinks

Time and Departure Location

Return hotel transfers are included from selected Melbourne locations. Please check availability to see pick-up and drop-off points and times.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important information

Not suitable for

  • Children under 3 years

  • Wheelchair users

Not allowed

  • Baby strollers
  • Luggage or large bags

 

What To Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Water bottle and snacks

Cancellation Policy

  • All bookings are non-refundable
  • Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
  • Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
  • Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Penguin Parade viewing is included, and can I upgrade?

General Viewing is included, with tiered seating overlooking Summerlands Beach and boardwalks where the penguins pass on their way home. Penguins Plus, Underground Viewing and other premium options may be available for an extra charge, so it’s best to request an upgrade early.

Why do the pickup and return times change through the year?

Penguins come ashore after sunset, so the whole day moves with the season. Melbourne pickups are usually between about 10am and 1:30pm, with return around 9pm to 1am; your confirmation will show the exact time for your date.

Are meals included, and is there time to buy food?

Meals and bottled water are not included. There is usually a stop in Cowes where you can buy dinner, and bringing a reusable water bottle and a few snacks is a smart idea for the long day.

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?

You’re welcome to take photos earlier in the day, but no photos or videos are allowed after sunset at the Penguin Parade. Put the phone away and enjoy the moment—the penguins are tiny, fast and much more magical to watch with your own eyes.

What can I do at Moonlit Sanctuary, and is a koala photo included?

Entry is included, and you can purchase roo food to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. A close-up koala encounter is also extra, must be booked in advance and needs to fit the tour schedule.

Is this tour suitable for young children, strollers or wheelchair users?

Children aged three and over can join, but infants under three cannot be carried on this tour. Strollers cannot be accommodated, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

How much walking is involved, and what should I wear?

Expect several short walks on the beach and coastal boardwalks at Cape Woolamai, The Nobbies and the Penguin Parade. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a warm, windproof or waterproof layer—the island can feel chilly after sunset even when Melbourne is mild.

How many penguins will I see?

The Penguin Parade happens every evening, but these are wild animals, so numbers and viewing conditions naturally vary. Keep watching from the beach stands and along the boardwalks, where you may get lovely close views as the penguins head back to their burrows.

More Phillip Island Penguin Tours from Melbourne

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17 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Grace

Group Traveller

Amazing trip out to Philip Island from Melbourne. John the guide was awesome! Lots of knowledge, interesting facts and great driving. Went to the Moonlit sanctuary and saw koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, womat’s, tasmanian devils etc. Then checked out some cool beaches and landscapes. Had a short break for dinner and then saw penguins, wallabies and birds from nobbys point and also saw so many penguins coming out of the water at the penguin parade around 8pm. It was raining but still the penguins put on a show! It was cold, so bring raincoat and a warm jumper! The boardwalk you got to see lots of penguins too! Got back around 11:30pm so definitely a big long day but totally worth it!

November 18, 2025

Anne

Group Traveller

Thanks, John, that was perfect! Great fun.

November 16, 2025

oceane

Group Traveller

Had a great day. James was an excellent tour guide with a great sense of humour. Enjoyed seeing the penguins.

November 15, 2025

Lisa

Family Traveller

I had an amazing tour with Burt! We visited Moonlit Sanctuary, several beautiful viewpoints, and then the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Everything was really well organized. Burt was fantastic – he explained so much about the animals and gave us great tips on how to spot the penguins and where to stand for the best view. I really enjoyed the tour and wish we could have stayed longer at the parade. I highly recommend it!

November 14, 2025

Anais

Group Traveller

Great to see penguins. Everything else was a bit lackluster due to time of year.

November 10, 2025
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