Melbourne & Phillip Island: City Highlights with Penguin Parade

Summary

Melbourne’s art alleys, city stories and penguin magic in one day

You’ll wander Melbourne’s famous laneways and markets, catch glimpses of grand cathedrals and gardens, then head out to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade — no cameras allowed, just you and those funny little birds under the stars. Expect laughter with your guide, unexpected quiet moments, and a day that lingers longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

We were still laughing about my attempt at Aussie slang when our guide, Tom, nudged us off the bus at Hosier Lane. The whole place smelled faintly of spray paint and coffee — someone was sketching a new mural right there, barely glancing up as we squeezed past. I’d seen photos of Melbourne’s street art before but it’s different when you’re standing in it, colors layered over old brick, a bit chaotic but alive. Tom pointed out a stencil he said had only been there two days. I snapped a photo but honestly, the best part was just watching locals duck through on their lunch breaks like it was nothing special.

After that it was a blur of landmarks — Flinders Street Station with its mustard-yellow arches (I kept mixing up which tram to look for), St Paul’s Cathedral catching the light in a way that made even my jetlagged brain pause. We did quick stops everywhere: Fitzroy Gardens with the smell of eucalyptus and something sweet from a nearby bakery drifting through; the Shrine of Remembrance where Tom got quiet for a minute and told us about his grandfather. I didn’t expect to get choked up looking out over the city from there. Maybe it was the wind or just being somewhere so far from home.

Lunch was on our own — I grabbed something messy from Queen Victoria Market and ate it sitting on a bench while an old couple argued (gently) over how much cheese to buy. Then we regrouped for the drive out to Phillip Island. The road got quieter, less city noise, more cows and ocean glimpses. At Cape Woolamai we stretched our legs; sand stuck in my shoes for hours after but I didn’t mind.

The Penguin Parade itself is hard to describe without sounding cheesy. You’re not allowed to take photos (which felt weird at first), so everyone just sort of whispered and waited as dusk settled in — cold air, seaweed smell strong on the breeze. Suddenly these tiny penguins started waddling out of the surf in little groups, pausing like they were checking if anyone was watching (we definitely were). There was this hush over everyone — even kids stopped fidgeting for once. On the ride back I realized I’d barely looked at my phone all afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Melbourne city tour and Penguin Parade

• Join morning Melbourne City Discovery Tour
• Visit Melbourne Cricket Ground forecourt
• Walk through Hosier Lane street art
• Drive past Flinders Street Station
• Pass by St. Paul's Cathedral
• Pass by National Gallery of Victoria
• Visit Shrine of Remembrance and view city
• Admire Old Treasury Building
• View Parliament House of Victoria
• Stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Visit Fitzroy Gardens and Cook's Cottage
• Brief stroll at local distillery
• Pass by Lygon Street
• Pass through Royal Exhibition Building
• Drive by Queen Victoria Market
• Meet next to Immigration Museum after lunch
• Travel to Phillip Island for Penguin Parade
• Stop at Cape Woolamai surf beach
• Enjoy dinner stop in Cowes
• View local seal colony
• Watch Penguin Parade at sunset

Top questions

How long does this Melbourne & Penguin Parade tour last?

The tour lasts between 12-14 hours depending on the season.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes all internal transfers but does not specify hotel pickup; check with your provider.

Are entry fees covered for attractions like Phillip Island?

Yes, all entry fees including those for Phillip Island Penguin Parade are included.

Can I take photos during the Penguin Parade?

No photography is permitted during the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time to buy lunch at Queen Victoria Market or nearby spots.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What major sights will we see in Melbourne?

You’ll visit Hosier Lane, Fitzroy Gardens, Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shrine of Remembrance and more.

Does this day trip include WiFi on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board during transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes all attraction entry fees (like Fitzroy Gardens and Phillip Island), comfortable air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, a friendly local guide who really knows their stuff (and isn’t shy about sharing stories), plus all internal transfers between Melbourne highlights and out to see those penguins waddle ashore at sunset before heading back late evening.