Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, then follow them home along illuminated boardwalks.

A full-day small-group tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island combines wildlife encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary, coastal views at the Nobbies, and the world-famous Penguin Parade at sunset, with all entry fees, transport and a local guide included. The tour runs 12 hours and departs from selected Melbourne pick-up points. You can choose between General Viewing of the Penguin Parade or a Tour Plus option. Lunch and dinner are available to purchase at the respective stops.

Options for this experience

2 options

From AU$ 169 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

General Viewing 12:30 Guide in English

Tour Plus Penguins Pus 12:30 Guide in English Penguin Plus upgrade: enjoy superb up-close viewing from the tiered seating in Penguins Plus.

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Phillip Island wildlife and penguin parade

• Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park
• Stroll Cape Woolamai Beach (summer only)
• Relax and explore Cowes township
• Walk Nobbies Boardwalk and view seals
• Watch sunset Penguin Parade

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Moonlit Sanctuary Entry included 2h
2. Nobbies Centre 45m
3. Penguin Parade Entry included 2h

What’s included

• All National Park entry fees.
• transport in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a small group.
• entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
• general viewing of the Penguin Parade with boardwalk access.
• a local English-speaking guide.
• multilingual audio commentary via the Explore Australia app.
• selected Melbourne pick-up and drop-off.

Times

• Every day 12:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 27

Live guide English Another language? ›

Audio guide Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Ages Adult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4)

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

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby

Operated by Explore Australia Tours

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

The day starts with a drive from Melbourne aboard a small-group tour bus, arriving at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in natural bushland. There you walk among koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles and Tasmanian devils in a conservation setting. Close-up encounters with koalas or wallabies are available for an extra fee. The guide is a local expert who speaks English and provides multilingual audio commentary through the Explore Australia app.

After Moonlit Sanctuary, the tour moves to the Nobbies, where clifftop boardwalks overlook Bass Strait and Seal Rocks: home to one of Australia's largest fur seal colonies. On the way, there's a scenic stop at Cape Woolamai Beach (weather permitting), a world-class surf beach where you can watch the ocean and coastal cliffs. In Cowes, Phillip Island's main township, you have time to walk the foreshore and pier, browse local shops and cafés, and grab food or drinks at your own expense.

The highlight arrives at sunset: the Penguin Parade. Hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows. As darkness falls, you follow their journey along illuminated boardwalks for close-up viewing from the general platform. This is the moment the whole day builds toward: the largest colony of little penguins in the world, returning home in their natural rhythm. All entry to the parade is included. The tour ends with the return drive to Melbourne.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see at Moonlit Sanctuary?

Moonlit Sanctuary holds koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles and Tasmanian devils in a natural bushland setting. You walk among them and can arrange a close-up encounter with a koala or wallaby for an additional cost.

When does the Penguin Parade happen and what do I actually see?

The Penguin Parade occurs at sunset, when hundreds of little penguins return from the ocean. You watch from general viewing platforms and boardwalks as they waddle ashore, then follow them along illuminated boardwalks as darkness falls for close-up viewing of these seabirds in their natural habitat.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes all National Park entry fees, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Moonlit Sanctuary, general entry to the Penguin Parade, a local English-speaking guide, multilingual audio via the Explore Australia app, and selected Melbourne pick-up and drop-off.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs 12 hours from start to finish, departing from selected Melbourne pick-up points and returning there at the end of the day.

Can I get food during the tour?

Lunch is available to purchase at Moonlit Sanctuary and dinner at Phillip Island. You also have time to buy snacks and drinks in Cowes at your own expense.