Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne

Summary

Little penguins waddle home at dusk on Phillip Island’s wild coast

You’ll feel the wild air on Phillip Island’s cliffs, watch fur seals lazing at Seal Rocks, then settle in for the Penguin Parade as dusk falls. With a local guide handling all logistics—including express return to Melbourne—you get space to just watch those little penguins make their nightly dash home. It’s quietly moving in ways you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind—sharp, salty, almost sweet with that seaweed tang you only get near the southern ocean. We’d just stepped off the bus at the Nobbies, and our guide (Mick, who had that dry Melbourne humor) pointed out Seal Rocks through his battered binoculars. You could actually hear the seals barking over the surf if you listened—kind of a low chaos mixed with gulls squabbling. The boardwalk felt sturdy underfoot but I kept glancing down anyway, half-expecting to see a stray penguin under the planks.

I didn’t expect to care so much about these little penguins. Maybe it’s because you have to wait for them—there’s this hush as everyone settles in by the beach, jackets zipped up tight against the chill. Kids whispering, someone’s thermos hissing open. Then suddenly there they are: tiny shapes popping out of the waves, shaking off water like dogs and shuffling straight past your feet (well, almost). Our local guide explained they do this every night after fishing all day—same route, same burrows. No photos allowed, which honestly made it feel more real. I still think about that silence right before they appeared.

The drive back to Melbourne was quiet; everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts or scrolling through blurry phone pics of everything but penguins (since you can’t photograph them). We got back late—could’ve been 11pm? Hard to tell after all that sea air and excitement. But yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Melbourne that isn’t just ticking boxes, this Penguin Parade tour is something I’d do again. Maybe next time I’ll bring a better windbreaker.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phillip Island wildlife and Penguin Parade

• View Phillip Island's south coast
• See Australia's largest fur seal colony
• Visit Penguin Parade visitor centre
• Walk boardwalks to spot penguins
• Watch little penguins waddle ashore at dusk

Top questions

What time does the Penguin Parade tour return to Melbourne?

The tour returns to Melbourne between 9pm and 12am depending on the season.

Is hotel pickup included for this Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I take photos during the Penguin Parade?

No, photography and video are not permitted at the Penguin Parade.

Are infants or people with limited mobility able to join?

Specialized infant seats are available and it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What animals will I see on this day trip from Melbourne?

You’ll see Australia’s largest colony of fur seals at Seal Rocks and little penguins at Summerland Beach.

Is lunch included in this Phillip Island tour?

No mention of lunch is included; only entry fees and transport are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes general viewing entry fees for the Penguin Parade and park areas, air-conditioned vehicle transport with WiFi onboard, plus an informative local guide handling everything from wildlife facts to timing—so you can just focus on watching those penguins waddle home before returning express to Melbourne late evening.