Phillip Island Hiking Tour: Cape Woolamai to Penguin Parade

Hike the Pinnacles and watch penguins emerge at sunset

A 12-hour guided tour of Phillip Island combines a 6.8km hike through the Pinnacles rock formations at Cape Woolamai with visits to the Koala Reserve, the Nobbies boardwalk, and the Penguin Parade at sunset. The tour includes entry to both the Koala Reserve and Penguin Parade, an air-conditioned vehicle, rain ponchos, and a lunch break in Cowes. Groups stay under 12 people and a guide leads in English. Travelers need moderate fitness and should bring hiking boots, water, sunscreen and warm layers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Phillip Island hike and wildlife tour

• Hike through Pinnacles rock formations
• Lunch in Cowes
• Visit Phillip Island Koala Reserve
• Stroll boardwalk at The Nobbies
• Watch sunset Penguin Parade

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Koala Reserve Entry included 1h
2. Nobbies Centre Entry included 1h
3. Penguin Parade Entry included 2h

What’s included

• Entry to the Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Koala Reserve.
• air-conditioned transport between stops.
• a guided 6.8km hike through the Pinnacles at Cape Woolamai.
• rain ponchos and first aid kit.
• an English-speaking guide for the full day.

Times

Next departure: 18 Mar 2027

12 departing soon ›

Before you book

Group Up to 11 · max 8 per booking

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 8 with pickup ›

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

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

Moderate physical effort Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Hike & Seek

Prices and times updated yesterday

Traveler reviews

4.89 ★★★★★ Exceptional 18 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The day starts at Cape Woolamai, where you lace up and hike 6.8km through rugged rock formations called the Pinnacles: an easy to moderate circuit that takes you across Phillip Island's highest point. After the hike, you head into Cowes for lunch before moving on to the Koala Reserve, where tree-top boardwalks and close viewing areas let you see koalas in their eucalypt woodland habitat without the distance a typical zoo keeps between you and the animals.

The Nobbies Centre comes next: an easy stroll along the boardwalk past a thundering blowhole and out to views of the coastline. This stretch is also where you spot Australia's largest seal colony, little penguins, and silver gulls before the main event. The tour finishes at the Penguin Parade at sunset, when hundreds, sometimes thousands, of little penguins emerge from the surf and make their way back to shore. The air-conditioned vehicle carries the group between stops, and rain ponchos are provided if the weather turns.

You'll need moderate fitness for the hike and should bring hiking boots or comfortable trainers, a water bottle, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Warm layers are worth packing even in summer. Cash or a card covers lunch in Cowes (around $25). The minimum age is 15, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Top questions

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.

How long is the hike at Cape Woolamai?

The hike through the Pinnacles is 6.8km and rated easy to moderate, taking up a portion of the 12-hour day but leaving time for the other stops.

Will I definitely see koalas at the Koala Reserve?

The Koala Reserve's tree-top boardwalks and close viewing areas are designed to let you see koalas in their natural eucalypt woodland habitat, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What time do the penguins come ashore at the Penguin Parade?

The Penguin Parade happens at sunset, when hundreds or sometimes thousands of little penguins emerge from the surf: the timing shifts with the season, and the tour is scheduled to catch it.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. You'll stop in Cowes where you can buy a meal for around $25 before heading to the Koala Reserve.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring hiking boots or comfortable trainers, a 1-liter water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and warm layers. In summer months, a swimsuit and towel are useful if you want to swim in the ocean.

How many people will be on the tour?

Groups stay between 4 and 11 guests, keeping the experience small and manageable across the day's stops.