Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Day Trip & Moonlit Sanctuary

Summary

See penguins waddle home up close plus koalas and wild coastlines

You’ll feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary, walk windswept cliffs at Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s famous penguin parade up close with a small group and local guide. Expect laughter, real wildlife encounters, and a few surprises—plus hotel pickup so you can relax into it all.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, handed me a little bag of kangaroo food at Moonlit Sanctuary and grinned, “Don’t worry—they’re gentle.” I’d never been this close to a wallaby before; its fur was rougher than I expected, kind of like an old sweater. There were kids giggling nearby, trying to spot the sleepy koalas in their trees (it’s harder than you’d think). The air smelled a bit sweet—eucalyptus maybe?—and there was this low hum from all the birds. Li told us about each animal in that soft Aussie accent that makes everything sound friendly.

The drive out to Phillip Island was longer than I thought but not boring—lots of rolling fields and cows just sort of staring at us as we passed. We stopped at the Nobbies boardwalk where the wind almost stole my hat. You can see out to Seal Rocks from there; someone had binoculars and let me have a look. The sea was loud and cold-smelling, if that makes sense. By then everyone was talking about the penguin parade like it was some secret show only we knew about. Our group felt small enough that nobody got lost or left behind (I’m always anxious about that).

When it finally got dark enough for the main event, we sat on these wooden benches near the sand. The first little penguin popped out of the surf—tiny, blue-grey, just shaking off water like he owned the place. Then more came, waddling right past us in these funny clusters. It’s quieter than you’d expect; people whisper or just hold their breath. I tried to take photos but honestly gave up after a while—it felt better just watching them find their way home under those weird orange lights. That moment sticks with me more than any souvenir could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phillip Island wildlife and penguin parade

• Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
• See Australia’s unique wildlife
• Explore the Nobbies seal colony
• Visit the Penguin Parade visitor centre
• Watch the Little Penguins arrive ashore

Top questions

How long is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade day trip from Melbourne?

The tour starts between 1-2 pm and finishes between 8:30-11:45 pm depending on season.

Is hotel pickup included for this Phillip Island tour?

Yes, selected city centre hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Can children join this day trip to Phillip Island?

Children 4-7 can join with a booster seat; under 3s aren’t catered for.

What animals can I see at Moonlit Sanctuary?

You’ll see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, birds and reptiles.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to 11 passengers per group.

Does this tour include entry fees?

Yes, entry to Moonlit Sanctuary and Penguin Parade is included.

Will I have time to explore Phillip Island on my own?

You may get some free time depending on season and timing.

What’s included

Your day includes city centre hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, all entry fees for Moonlit Sanctuary and the Penguin Parade, live commentary from your local guide along the way, plus stops at Nobbies boardwalk and Seal Rock before heading back late evening.