Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Watch Little Penguins Walk Out of the Ocean at Dusk

You spend the morning exploring native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary with live shows and self-guided wandering; mid-afternoon you visit the Nobbies Centre for coastal views and the blowhole boardwalk; evening brings the Penguin Parade at dusk, where little penguins return from the ocean to their burrows. Hotel pickup, all entry fees, and air-conditioned transport are included. You arrange your own lunch and dinner at the venues.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Healesville Sanctuary4h · entry included
2. Nobbies Centre3h · entry included
3. Penguin Parade3h · entry included

Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island Tour

• Travel 1 hour to Healesville Sanctuary
• Explore Healesville Sanctuary and watch shows
• Purchase lunch at Healesville Sanctuary
• Visit Nobbies Centre and walk boardwalk
• Purchase dinner at venue
• Watch Penguin Parade
• Travel back to Melbourne CBD

The experience

The bus leaves Melbourne CBD around 8am and heads east for an hour toward Healesville Sanctuary, where the day really starts. You'll have time to wander through the grounds at your own pace (koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey), and catch the live animal education shows if the timing works. Most people grab lunch at the sanctuary cafe before heading back to the bus. It's not rushed, which is the thing: you're not herded through in two hours.

After Healesville, the route takes you to Phillip Island and the Nobbies Centre, a lookout spot overlooking the blowhole and Seal Rock. The boardwalk has ocean views, and on a clear day you can see the swell rolling in. You'll spend maybe 45 minutes here before the bus takes you to the Penguin Parade venue. Dinner is on you, there's a cafe at the site, and then you wait for dusk. That's when the little penguins emerge from the water and walk across the sand to their burrows. It happens every night, and it's the reason most people book this tour.

The return to Melbourne CBD happens after the parade, so you're looking at a late evening arrival. Bring an umbrella if rain is forecast: the boardwalk and the parade grounds are exposed. The whole day is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in summer, and entry to all three sites is included, so there's no stopping at ticket windows.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from selected Melbourne locations.
• air-conditioned bus transport to and from the CBD.
• entry fee to Healesville Sanctuary.
• entry fee to Nobbies Centre.
• entry fee to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
• live animal education shows at Healesville Sanctuary.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (under 15)

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wine Hop And Coastal Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see native Australian wildlife and the Penguin Parade in one day without arranging separate transport, entry fees, or timing. The fixed itinerary handles all three, and the early pickup means you don't have to drive yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 15).

How long is the bus ride from Melbourne to Healesville Sanctuary?

Around one hour from the CBD.

What animals can you see at Healesville Sanctuary?

Koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and other native Australian wildlife. Live animal education shows run throughout the day.

Is lunch included in the tour?

No. You can purchase lunch at the Healesville Sanctuary cafe during your time there.

What time does the Penguin Parade start?

The parade happens at dusk. Dinner is available at the venue, and you'll need to purchase it before the parade begins.

What is the Nobbies Centre?

A lookout and information centre on Phillip Island with views of the Nobbies blowhole and Seal Rock. You can walk the boardwalk to see the blowhole and ocean views.

How long is the full tour?

Around 10 hours, including the return journey to Melbourne CBD after the Penguin Parade.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, the bus is air-conditioned throughout the day.

Can I bring a pram or stroller?

Yes, infants and small children can use a pram or stroller. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the bus ride.