Join our Phillip Island Penguins Tour, and weâll showcase the very best Phillip Island has to offer. Located on Victoriaâs South Coast, Phillip Island is home to a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins. Each night, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of penguins emerge from the surf and waddle across the beach at the world-famous Penguin Parade. This full-day tour includes nature walks along Phillip Islandâs stunning beaches and boardwalks, meeting some of the local furry residents and of course the Penguin Parade. Your tour guide will explain the best places to sit in each Penguin Viewing Area to maximise your overall experience.
Phillip Island Penguins Tour Highlights
- Watch the wildlife spectacle that is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve
- Discover and explore the natural beauty, history and significance of Phillip Island
- Travel off the beaten track on dirt roads along the Phillips Island coastal cliffs spotting wallabies and birds of prey
- Take a stroll around the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks
- Explore the Phillip Island Penguin visitor centre
Why Should You Visit Phillip Island?
This Phillip Island Penguin Tours is an animal loverâs dream! Join us on an adventure south of Melbourne to the beautiful Phillip Island. One day we will experience a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve, walk along wild and rugged surf beaches, spot wild Kangaroos and Wallabies, and at the end of the day, visit the world-famous Penguin Parade.
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Google & TripAdvisor Reviewsâ
- We did a 1-day tour of Phillips Island out of Melbourne. Our driver Fiona was a helpful guide in pointing out wildlife and giving great tips on seeing the penguins. We had plenty of time to grab lunch in Cowes and explore a little before heading to the Koalas, and then the penguins. Overall, an excellent trip. Would recommend!C Summers5/30/2023
- Just got back from the Penguin Parade tour at Philip Island. Our tour guide Dandy was the best guide ever. So informative, patient, fun and very responsive to his passengers. The day was great, penquins sooooo cute! So pleased we went. The biggest thank you to Dandy, canât recommend him or this tour enough.. Tena koe, the kiwi girls!Hayley Kilmister5/13/2023
- Great tour! This was a very nice tour with close up penguin and koala viewing. The tour guide also provided interesting information about the penguins and other Aussie animals on the way to Phillip island. It is a big group tour, but it didn't bother me. Everything worked smoothly. Perhaps a little rushed feeling at times.Joel11/28/2022
- Une experience innoubliable Nous avons passÊs un super moment! Le guide nous à montrÊ pleins de choses, il Êtait très agrÊable. Nous avons pu observÊs des wallabies, des kangourous et des penguins de très très près ! Je recommande cette excursion à 100%, cela vaut le prix !itspaulm11/18/2022
- Fabulous Penguins Driver & guide Pete was great - good information & fun.Late for Koalas due to delay because of road accident. Staff at sanctuary gave us 10 minutes - completely inadequate - we took longer. Post grand prix some of Philip island shops sleepy & shut!Loved the sea walkways & dramatic coastline.LOVED the penguins đ§ GREAT DAY đŚđşđŚđşđŚđşđđđđđđđAl10/18/2022
- A great day of koalas, wallabies, geese, gulls and tiny penguins. I had been to see the penguins before, but this was a better trip overall. Madge was knowledgeable, helpful, and careful to keep the group together. The places we visited prior to the Penguin Parade were full of animal sitings and natural beauty. A long but wonderful day!Margaret S10/05/2022
- Exciting day I had a perfect day, visiting the Maru Wildlife Park where I saw koalas, wallabies, parrots... Don't forget to bring warm clothes for the Penguin Parade if you come in winter because it's getting chilly on the evening đ By the way, the Penguin Parade is really cute with all these little penguins that come from the sea...ZoĂŠ I8/21/2019
- Excellent tour Hice con ellos el tour de un dia a Phillip Island a ver a los pinguinos y estuvo todo fenomenal. El conductor, Dave, se intereso mucho por nosotros y porque estuvieramos bien e hizo que todo el recorrido fuera estupendo.Las actividades y las visitas estan bien elegidas.Maria L.3/29/2015
- Melbourne rocked with Wildlife We has a wonderful week in melbourne in Wildlife's hands- From Penguins to wines at the Yarra to the Great Ocean Road to Lake Mountains's Winter wonderland- Great people who lovewhat they're doing and it shows!You can't see Melbourne without them!!!workinforcruisin6/10/2014
- This tour company values their customers and makes the most of your tour time!! Amazing staff! Even in the mist of near crisis there was not even a hitch in our tour plan! We had the best day ever on the Phillips Island tour and will be taking the Great Ocean rd tour this week! Props to the owner for a very prompt rescue from our smokin van debacle! Thanks for the fun!KAJ10/09/2011
Itinerary
Located 140 km southeast of Melbourne, drive to the majestic Phillip Island, home to a little over 7,000 people and over a hundred different species of animals. This is a small Island. Still, it is steeped in significant areas of beauty with scientific, historic and archaeological interest.
Phillip Islandâs Koala Reserve
It is only a 1hr 45min drive from Melbourne directly to Phillip Island. On arrival, you will be greeted by Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger for a guided walk through Phillip Islandâs Koala Reserve. You will be given a presentation about Koalas, the history and relevance of the Reserve and the last area of natural woodland on the island.
Learn of the History and Aboriginal culture of Phillip Island
Phillip Island was a favourite hunting, fishing and foraging ground of the Yalloc Bulluck, one of the largest clans of the Bunurong people. These first Australians would cross over to the island in the Summer months and during the âegging seasonâ. With the abundance of wildlife still here today it is understandable why the area was popular. Evidence of the Yalloc Bullukâs foraging can be found today, with middens viewable at the Penguin Parade and within the Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is actively working to enhance visitor understanding and preservation of these areas of cultural significance.
The Nobbies Rocks Phillip Island Nature Park
As you enter Summerlands, you will notice the absence of any housing. This is the part of the island which is all National Park. You will see the small wooden man-made burrows in which penguins who have not gone out fishing for the day are hiding. We will take a walk along the boardwalks of âThe Nobbiesâ and have a look to see if we can spot any Little Penguins in their burrows. Follow the walkways to view âThe Blowholeâ, where waves come crashing onto the dark volcanic rock. The caves and formations at this naturally craggy peninsula make for many dramatic photos, with the backdrop of Seal Rocks â on a sunny day, you might be lucky enough to see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun. If you do not fancy braving the boardwalks, then step inside the Nobbies Information Centre. Here you can peruse the gift shop, grab a hot drink or discover the âAntarctic Journey Experienceâ. Antarctic Journey Entry can be added on for $18 per person and gives an immersive insight into the many marine animals of the Southern Hemisphere. As a WWF attraction, your entrance fee will go directly back into helping protect and preserve these majestic creatures of the deep Southern Ocean.
Off-Road Wildlife Coastal Drive
Departing the Nobbies, we embark on your off-road journey with incredible views and opportunities to spot Wallabies on the drive. Your guided tour will build up the anticipation of seeing wild Little Penguins, providing information about their unique habits and features. Did you know they have over 3000 feathers?
The Phillip Island Tour Penguin Parade
As the sun begins to set, it is time to make your way to the Penguin Parade. The Little Penguins only come out of the water after the sun has gone down so that they can be sure to stay out of the way of any predators in the air above them. The Penguin Parade ask that no photography is taken from this point on. This is to protect the sensitive eyes of the Little Penguins and ensure they are not scared. Wildlife Tours fully supports this request. We believe you will enjoy witnessing such an amazing natural spectacle without the distraction of getting the âperfect photoâ â allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience! If youâre also considering travelling the Great Ocean Road, combine the two destinations deals for an overnight trip with us on our 2 Day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour. Take the hassle out of planning and driving, sit back and enjoy the journey.
Trip Details
What you need to bring?
Our central meeting point for this tour will be Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45AM (winter) / 13:45PM (summer).
Winter | Summer
- 11:05 | 13:05 â Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 AâBeckett St, Melbourne
- 11:10 | 13:10 â Melbourne Marriott Hotel - Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
- 11:15 | 13:15 â Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 11:20 | 13:20 â Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance, Melbourne
- 11:30 | 13:30 â Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St, Melbourne
- 11:35 | 13:35 â The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 11:45 | 13:45 â Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St on the corner of Market St, Melbourne
- 11:50 | 13:50 â Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, and departure time changes to maximize the sunset experience.
- 02 Oct 2022 â 01 Apr 2023 summer @ 1:45pm
- 02 Apr 2023 â 30 Sep 2023 winter @ 11:45am
- 01 Oct 2023 â 06 Apr 2024 summer @ 1:45pm.
***If you cannot find your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.* It is strongly recommended that you arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, then contact our office on 03 9393 1300.
Pricing and package Deal Discounts
Fare prices:Â $165 Adult (13+) / $125 Children (0-12)
To organise your own private tour of Phillip Island contact our charters team on charters@gltg.com.au. Follow our itinerary or customise your own itâs up to you. Enjoy the convenience of a pickup and drop off at your address and relax exploring new places with loved ones.
What you need to bring?
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm and cool clothing
- Rain jacket
- Camera
- A sense of adventure
What's Included?
- Penguin Parade entry
- Inner city pick-up and drop-off
- Experienced driver/guide and tour commentary
- Koala Reserve Entry Fees
FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Phillip Island?
The price of a 7-day trip to Phillip Island is $2000 for a single tourist, $3600 for a couple, and $6800 for a family of 4. Hotels in Phillip Island range from $60 to $175 a night, averaging $100, and vacation rentals will cost from $170 to $1050 a night for the whole house.
Is Phillip Island worth?
Do you have to pay to see the penguins at Phillip Island?
What is so special about Phillip Island?
Phillip Island delivers an incredible experience of Australiaâs wildlife against a backdrop of stunning scenery. The famous penguin parade is just the beginning, so get ready for a holiday filled with nature, regional cuisine, wine and fresh sea air. Phillip Island is most conveniently reached by car.
What is the best time to visit Phillip Island?
The best time to visit Phillip Island is during the warm months, from November to March. During summertime, the weather is perfect, and you can enjoy all the experiences this gorgeous part of Australia offers!
Can you swim at Phillip Island?
Are cars allowed on Phillip Island?
Connection to the mainland by a bridge, Phillip Island is comfortable and convenient to reach by car. The journey from Melbourne or Gippsland and check out the numerous scenic spots, attractions, wineries and eateries along the way.
How cold is the water in Phillip Island?
The water temperature (59 °F) in Forrest Caves (Phillip Island) is quite remarkable. If the sun is forecast to come out, the water should be warm enough to surf in a well-covered spring wetsuit. Some surfers prefer to wear gloves and boots.
How much does it cost to see penguins at Phillip Island?
Ticket options ¡ Adult (16 years+) â $13.70 AUD ¡ Child (4-15 years) â $6.85 AUD ¡ Family (2 adults and 2 children) â $34.30 AUD ¡ Australian Pensioner (ID required) â $9.55 AUD.
Do you have to book to see penguins at Phillip Island?
What time do the penguins come in Phillip Island?
Sunset time
The Penguin Parade visitor centre currently opens at 5 PM. The penguins arrive every evening at sunset. We recommend that you arrive about an hour before penguin time.
âI had a wonderful day! Tour guide (Dan) was full of knowledge about all the animals I have seen. Besides that, he was really friendly and helpful for the entire day. Travelled in a small group which was perfect to speak to one another. Long story short, perfectâ â Patrik â Netherlands
Our Phillip Island Tour departs daily from Melbourne at convenient locations throughout the city. All online bookings and deals are secure and encrypted, powered by Eway payments. Book online and save.
17 thoughts on â1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tourâ
I went to Phillip Island this July 2019 and that was a perfect day. If you love animals, here is the place. We visit the Maru Wildlife park with koalas, wallabies, parrots⌠Donât forget to bring warm clothes in winter for the Penguin Parade because itâs getting chilly aha
By the way, the Penguin Parade is something to see in your life, this is a cute moment
Had a fab day
Dan was a great guide, top tips on how to get the most out of each experience. Thoroughly kick started my holiday in the right fashion đ penguins, wallaby and koalas galore
Thanks again for a great day
I had a lovely day on the Phillip Island tour, started at the Maru Wildlife park and then went on to a chocolate factory as most people wanted to go there, had some really good chocolate! After this we went on to a board walk with beautiful views over the sea. As the evening was nearing it was time to go the Pengiun parade. We got time ourselves to walk around and watch the penguins coming out of the water. The penguins were so much smaller than i expected which made them really cute! Overall had a great day and will not forget about the cute little penguins!
The tour was excellent. Seeing more than 500 little penguins parade on the beach was a beautiful experience. The tour is greatly recommended. I went there Sunday April 8, and I had fun.
On the off chance that you like penguins, at that point this is the visit for you! In spite of this being a significant tourist trap area, this group tour completes an extraordinary activity giving you guidance on how best to see the thousand penguins coming up the shoreline/cliffside. It is such a cool experience and I thoroughly recommend it. You additionally get the opportunity to sustain some child and grown-up kangaroos and hang out with them and get the chance to see some other extraordinary Australia natural life also. You can likewise pay additional cash to get a photograph holding a koala, which is really one of a kind because there arenât a considerable measure of areas that let you do that. Visit manage was an extraordinary child with a great deal of good data and they set up lunch for you and everything, which is pleasant, yet normal.
Visit was awesome fun⌠penguins are so charming and Phil our guide was exceptionally fascinating! Would prescribe to everybody who visits Melbourne.
We enjoyed seeing the parrots and the penguin parade. It was nice. I highly recommend this tour. We went there last July. It was chilly that night. Make sure to have a warm coat. We love it.
The penguins were extraordinary, I liked the experience! The nature park was pleasant. It was an extraordinary a whole day. The tour guide was beautiful and lovely.
Great tour. Our guide/driver was Philip. He was cool. Not so much penguins as I thought, but still it was great.
Incredible outing to a wildlife stop on Philip Island. Our tour guide was Kelly, she was extremely enlightening and awesome. Sheâs fun as well. The penguin parade was beautiful. I certainly suggest this tour.
We did the Phillip island tour and for us it was a great experience. We were 25 people, so not to big of a group and the pick up bus arrived on time.
For lunch we had a choice between chicken or ham sandwiches and with that a roll and some dried fruit. We were also offered coffee and tea.
All the stops were good, and one of the things that really made our day great was our guide Neal who did an excellent job telling us what we could expect of the different stops. I think enough time was offered at each stop.
We got to see a great deal of wildlife, both in the park and out in the wild. Remember to bring warm clothes when watching the parade, since the night gets cold even in summertime.
I chose âWildlife Tours Australiaâ because the programme itinerary was nice and the expenses were suitable to my pocket. It was a one day trip to Phillip Island. I would like to thank the friendly tour guide (Mike was his name, conducted the whole trip, drove us there and managed everything so well) especially for such a nice experience. The trip included visit to Maru wildlife park, Churchill island and the Phillip island. The evening visit to penguin parade was an incredible experience. I would highly recommend people to take this trip.
Timely pick-up from hotel. The driver/tour guide for my tour was Mr Matt D who had a good knowledge regarding the places in the agenda even took the effort to remember everyoneâs name for that tour.
Pretty commendable. Sandwiches, biscuits and drinks were provided prior to Maru Koala Park visit. The beaches visited were beautiful. Got to see the Penguins coming out from the sea in the evening, Not to be missed. Recommended
I went on the Phillip Island Day Tour on the 24th of October together with my best friend. We didnât know what to expect of the day but we were pleasantly surprised! The day started of with a visit to a nice small wildlife park where you could see some koalaâs and kangaroos. After that we continued our trip to Phillip Island we visited some beautiful sights of the island where we got the chance to do a walk and enjoy the nature. We ended the day with the well known Penguin Parade. It was amazing to see all those cute little penguins searching their homes to spent the night! There were hundreds of them, I couldnât stop smiling. We had a nice lunch included in the tour and the tour guide told us some interesting information about the island and the penguins. I would highly recommend this trip, it was great fun!
Great service from beginning to end. We had a dashing tour guide named Sid, who was considerate, entertaining, and very accommodating. He adjusted the stops accordingly and we were never rushed or spent too long at a stop. My husband and I had a wonderful time and this day tour was one of the highlights of our first trip to Australia.
Bill was our tour operator n he was awesome in detailing.
May be d size of coach was little cramp n should be improved upon.
Quality of lunch also require improvement.
Wow, myself and the wife took this tour to phillip island after extensive travel around australia.
Along with all the wildlife, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, emus etc we got to witness the penguins waddle up the beach.