Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour & Coastal Walks

Summary

Little penguins at dusk wild coastlines and salty air on Phillip Island

You’ll ride from Melbourne to Phillip Island with a local guide, stroll wild beaches at Cape Woolamai (in summer), breathe salty air along Nobbies’ clifftops, grab dinner in Cowes, then watch little penguins shuffle ashore at dusk. No photos allowed — just pure wonder as nature does its thing.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Melbourne behind when the chatter on the bus faded into that half-sleepy silence you get on afternoon drives. Our guide, Matt, had this way of pointing out things you’d miss — like the weird angle of sunlight on the gum trees or how the ocean always smells sharper out near Cape Woolamai. When we stopped there (just in summer, apparently), I kicked off my shoes and let the sand stick to my feet. The waves were loud enough to drown out my thoughts for a bit. Didn’t expect to feel so far from the city so quickly.

Later, at Nobbies, the wind nearly stole my hat — everyone laughed, including this older couple from Brisbane who kept joking about “penguin formalwear.” The boardwalk wraps right along these cliffs where you can spot seals if you’re lucky (I saw one, or maybe it was just a rock with attitude). It’s all salt spray and gulls circling overhead, and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer just watching the sea crash below.

Dinner in Cowes was casual — nothing fancy but plenty of options. I grabbed fish and chips and ate outside; someone nearby was speaking Italian, which felt oddly comforting. But really, it’s the Penguin Parade that sticks with me. You’re not allowed to take photos (which is good), so you just sit there as dusk falls and wait. And then they appear — tiny shapes wobbling out of the surf in these little groups, heading home across the sand. It’s quiet except for a few whispers and the sound of their feet pattering over pebbles. I still think about how small they looked against all that dark water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Tour

• Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island
• Stop at Cape Woolamai surf beach
• Enjoy views of local seal colony
• Dinner stop in Cowes
• Watch the Penguin Parade at sunset

Top questions

How long is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour from Melbourne?

The afternoon tour typically lasts several hours including travel time from Melbourne and returns late evening depending on season.

Is dinner included on this Phillip Island day trip?

Dinner isn’t included but there’s a stop in Cowes with various dining options available during summer months.

Are entry fees for the Penguin Parade included?

Yes, your entry fees for Phillip Island Penguin Parade are covered in the tour price.

Can I take photos of the penguins during the parade?

No photography is permitted during the Penguin Parade to protect the penguins.

Is pickup provided for this tour?

The tour includes pickup from central locations in Melbourne.

Are infants or people with limited mobility able to join?

The tour offers specialized infant seats and is suitable for all physical fitness levels; large strollers or walkers aren’t permitted onboard.

What should I bring for this day trip to Phillip Island?

Bring layers for changing weather and avoid bringing large bags or luggage as these aren’t allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes comfortable transport with WiFi onboard from Melbourne, all entry fees for the Penguin Parade experience, guided walks along wild coastlines with a friendly local guide sharing stories along the way, plus a relaxed dinner stop in Cowes (dinner not included). Everything’s taken care of so you can just watch those little penguins make their nightly journey home before heading back late evening.