Phillip Island: Penguin Parade & Wildlife Day Trip from Melbourne

Summary

Penguins at dusk, wild beaches, and koalas near Melbourne

You’ll get close to wallabies and koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary before feeling the wind at Cape Woolamai’s surf beach. Watch seals laze at The Nobbies, then settle in for Phillip Island’s famous penguin parade as dusk falls—all with local guides and easy pickup. It’s a day full of small surprises and real wildlife moments.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the bus—classic me. Turns out “pickup” in Melbourne means you actually need to be outside on time (our driver, Tom, grinned but didn’t let me live it down). We set off for Phillip Island and the city faded fast; eucalyptus trees everywhere, that sharp green scent sneaking in through the van window. At Moonlit Sanctuary, our guide Li handed us little bags of feed for the wallabies. One nibbled my sleeve instead—felt like a tiny handshake. The koalas looked bored with us, honestly, but Li told us about their sleep cycles and I learned they’re even lazier than I am on Sundays.

Cape Woolamai was next—sand so fine it got everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes). The surf was wild and loud; we watched a couple of locals in wetsuits just disappear into the waves. Someone spotted a seal way out by the rocks. I tried to snap a photo but mostly caught my own finger. There’s something about salt air that makes you hungry—luckily we’d packed snacks because there’s not much around except gulls eyeing your chips.

The Nobbies boardwalk felt almost too windy to stand straight; everyone’s hair was doing its own thing. We peered down at Seal Rocks through binoculars—they really do look like lumpy brown stones until one flops over or barks. But it was the penguin parade that got me. You sit on these wooden benches as dusk falls, and suddenly there they are—hundreds of little penguins waddling up from the sea, totally ignoring us. No photos allowed (they’re strict), so you just watch. It’s quieter than I expected—just shuffling feet and soft chatter from people nearby. I still think about those tiny shapes vanishing into the dunes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phillip Island wildlife and penguin tour

• Start Phillip Island wildlife tour
• Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park
• See kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas
• Stop at Cape Woolamai beach
• Walk boardwalks at Nobbies
• View fur seal colony at Seal Rocks
• Explore Penguin Parade visitor centre
• Watch Little Penguins at dusk

Top questions

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

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Melbourne with return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Phillip Island tour?

Yes, pickup from selected hotels in Melbourne is included.

Can I see koalas up close during this tour?

You can see koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary; close encounters may require an extra fee paid directly there.

Are meals or snacks provided on this day trip?

No meals are included; bringing your own snacks is recommended.

Is photography allowed during the Penguin Parade?

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

What wildlife can I expect to see besides penguins?

You may encounter kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife, reptiles, Tasmanian devils, seals, and koalas.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available if requested directly with the tour operator before travel.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from selected Melbourne hotels, entry fees for Moonlit Sanctuary with guided exhibits tour, general admission to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, WiFi onboard your vehicle, plus an experienced local guide throughout—all wrapped up before returning to Melbourne that night.