Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Moonlit Sanctuary from Melbourne

See Little Penguins Arrive at Dusk on Phillip Island

You get hotel pickup, a private vehicle with a local guide, access to Moonlit Sanctuary's native wildlife, views of Australia's largest fur seal colony at the Nobbies, reserved seating at the Penguin Parade viewing platform, and a two-course dinner with wine before returning to Melbourne. The whole day runs from pickup through drop-off, so transport and timing are handled for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Moonlit Sanctuary1h · entry included
2. Nobbies Centre25m
3. Penguin Parade2h · entry included

Phillip Island wildlife and penguin parade

• Drive from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary
• Meet kangaroos, koalas, and reptiles
• Enjoy views from Nobbies lookout
• Watch penguins at Penguin Plus platform
• Have two course dinner with wine

The experience

So yeah, the penguins actually show up every single night. They swim out in the morning, hunt all day, and then waddle back to their burrows right at sunset. You're standing on the Penguin Plus platform watching them emerge from the water in their little tuxedos, and it's not some manufactured moment. They're just doing what they do. The drive south-east from Melbourne takes you through the coast, and your guide points out the landscape as you go, but honestly the main event is waiting at the end of the day.

Before the parade, you stop at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you'll walk around and see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, and a bunch of colorful birds and reptiles up close. It's not a huge facility, but it's hands-on. You're actually near the animals, not watching them from a distance. Then you head to the Nobbies, which sits above the largest fur seal colony in Australia. The lookout gives you views of the coastline and the seals below, and it's a good spot to stand around for a bit before heading to the main event. After that, dinner happens (two courses with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included), so you're not starving by the time you get back to Melbourne.

The whole thing runs as a private tour, which means it's just you and your group with a local driver and guide in one vehicle. No crowded bus, no waiting around for other pickups after the tour ends. Hotel pickup is included if you're staying at one of the selected hotels, and the driver handles all the timing so you don't have to figure out when to leave or how to get back. The no-photo rule for the penguins is strict (they want to protect the birds and keep the experience about watching, not filming), so you're just there with your eyes and your memory.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Melbourne hotels.
• private vehicle transport with a local guide and driver.
• entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park.
• access to the Nobbies lookout.
• Penguin Plus reserved viewing platform at Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
• live commentary during the tour.
• two-course dinner with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English13:30

Guide in Spanish, French or Italian13:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:30

Book up to17h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Oceania Tours and Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Penguin Parade without arranging your own transport, timing the wildlife stops, or figuring out dinner: the private vehicle and guide handle all three, and the reserved viewing platform means you're not competing for a spot with the general crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

What time do the penguins arrive at Phillip Island?

They return ashore at dusk, which varies by season. Your guide will confirm the exact time when you book, and the tour is timed to get you to the viewing platform before they arrive.

Can I take photos of the penguins?

No, photography and video of the penguins are not allowed. The restriction protects the birds and keeps the focus on the live experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but only from selected hotels in Melbourne. Confirm your accommodation is on the list when you book.

What animals will I see at Moonlit Sanctuary?

Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, colorful birds, and reptiles. You'll have close access to the animals as part of the tour.

Is dinner included in the price?

Yes, a two-course dinner with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink is included.

Can infants come on this tour?

Yes. Infants aged 0–3 years can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant car seats are available if you request one at booking.

How many people will be on the tour?

It's a private tour, so it's just your group traveling together in one vehicle with a guide and driver.

What's the Penguin Plus viewing platform?

It's a reserved seating area at the Penguin Parade with a better vantage point than standard viewing, included as part of your private tour.