From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Stacey Jack
AU

Stacey

Australia
Sep 2025
5/5

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We came in a group of friends, and had the best time in anticipation of the little penguins coming out. It was such an experience to see the little fellas waddling up the sand right in front of us, it made the cold and wet weather absolutely worth it. We brought umbrellas and warm clothes, and though the kids were eagerly waiting, there wasn't too long of a wait until the little ones appeared! The hosts were experts in their knowledge and happy to answer any questions, and suggest best spots to get the best view. We were lucky enough to see some penguins along the side on continuing to their nest as we were walking out. It was an amazing experience for the whole family!
Kim Lugg
AU

Kim

Australia
Jul 2025
5/5

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It's amazing to see all the penguins finding there way back to their homes, and injured ones getting help by the staff .. highly recommend +++
Tusha Cohen
AU

Tusha

Australia
Aug 2025
4/5

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The Churchill heritage farm is beautifull and I thoroughly enjoyed the time. The penguin experience was very crowded and not enjoyable for me and the five koalas at the park seem happy enough but sad how they are only allowed on certain trees near the boardwalk must be noisy for them and the poor penguins but this is conservation apparently
David Wright
AU

David

Australia
Aug 2025
5/5
This is not the first time Pam and I have taken a cruise to see the seals. The newer, larger boat has more comfortable seating indoors that allows one to see the passing scenery out of the wind. there is plenty of outdoors deck space to view and photograph the myriad of seals when the colony is reached.
D M Uranthalawe Gedara J Dissanayake
AU

D

Australia
Nov 2025
4/5
The cruise was great. Although the inclusions mentioned cake with tea or coffee, we only received cake. Some staff members were not very friendly. Other than that, the scenery and the one-hour ride were enjoyable. The Penguin Parade was a bit of a disappointment. If you really want to see the penguins clearly, I’d recommend purchasing premium tickets, the view from there is much better I believe . The general viewing area wasn’t good at all; we could barely see anything, only shadows.
John Carlton
AU

John

Australia
Nov 2025
5/5
We loved the trip. The crew were so friendly and helpful. There were plenty of seating for everyone. I haven't seen that side of Phillip Island before. This is a definite must do!
Cassandra Foley
US

Cassandra

United States
Dec 2025
4/5
We had so much fun on the tour! There was a good amount of walking around and seeing the sites as well as time to relax on the bus!
Romina Reid
AU

Romina

Australia
Nov 2025
5/5
Thanks Mike! We enjoyed our tour to Phillip Island and found the trip very well organised and very informative. You made sure everything was taken care of. The Penguin Parade was certainly an experience to remember and if you can, buy Penguin Plus tickets and make sure to be seated down at the beach as soon as the gates open for best vantage points. All in all a fabulous tour, thank you.


Spend a day on Phillip Island and enjoy sweeping coastal views, quiet nature reserves, and amazing encounters with Australia’s wildlife. Watch penguins waddle to shore, spot koalas in the trees, and take in the island’s stunning scenery along the way.

Overview

  • Distance from Melbourne: Approx. 140 km (≈ 90–120 min drive)
  • Typical travel time: Approx. 2h each way (allow for traffic, especially in peak season)
  • On-site visit duration: 4 to 6 hrs (depending on stops & activities)
  • Cost range: From AUD 155 for standard day tours (adult) according to some tour operators.
  • Best season/time: Summer and shoulder seasons offer milder weather and longer daylight.
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Most tours depart from central Melbourne, with pick-up at Melbourne Central or other designated city spots. You’ll return to the same area by late evening.
  • Key attractions: Penguin Parade, coastal viewpoints/boardwalks at The Nobbies & sea cliffs, seal-colony views at Seal Rocks, wildlife including koalas at conservation reserves.

What to expect on a Melbourne to Phillip Island tour

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Early departure

Meet your transport at the designated pickup point in Melbourne, board the coach or minibus, and begin the drive toward Phillip Island.

Arrival at Phillip Island

Upon arrival, most tours head to a coastal lookout such as The Nobbies to enjoy ocean views, rugged cliffs, and early wildlife spotting.

Coastal walk and views

Walk the boardwalks around The Nobbies and take in views of the Southern Ocean, seabirds, cliffs, and, if you are lucky, even seals in the distance.

Penguin Parade at dusk

The highlight of your tour! Visit the Penguin Parade viewing area at sunset and watch the little penguins return to shore and head to their burrows.

Flexible activities and wildlife options

Depending on the tour, you can go on a seal watching or a Cape Woolamai cruise, visit Moonlit Sanctuary or Brighton Beach, or even spend free time in Cowes.

Return to Melbourne

After the Penguin Parade, travel back to Melbourne by coach with a late-evening arrival.

Things to know before booking your Phillip Island tour

  • Shared vs private tours: Most tours run as shared coach or minibus trips from Melbourne, a simple and social way to see Phillip Island. If you’re in a group or want privacy, the Phillip Island Guided Tour with a stop at Brighton Beach Boxes is available as a private option.
  • Penguin Parade viewing options: If you want a closer look at the penguins, choose Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing for better sightlines and a more immersive experience. General Viewing is budget-friendly and included in many combo tours, making it a great option if you’re looking for value.
  • Add-ons and combos: If you want scenic stops, choose tours that include The Nobbies, Seal Rocks, Brighton Beach, or Moonlit Sanctuary. Nature enthusiasts can combine the Penguin Parade with a Seal Watching Cruise, Cape Woolamai Cruise, or Puffing Billy. For a full wildlife experience, the 3 Parks Pass covers the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island.
  • Duration: Choose a full-day tour if you want the complete Phillip Island experience, from wildlife encounters to coastal viewpoints before the Penguin Parade. If you're short on time or mainly interested in seeing the penguins, half-day tours offer a shorter, more focused visit.
  • Food & drinks: Meals aren’t part of the tours, so packing snacks is helpful. Cafés, kiosks, and visitor centres are available at key stops, and certain cruises offer light refreshments onboard.
  • Transfers: Most guided tours include return transport from Melbourne with central pick-up and drop-off points. However, combo tours, standalone Penguin Parade tickets, and the Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass do not include transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport for these experiences.
  • Budget-friendly options: If you're looking for great value, consider the Penguin Parade tickets (standalone) or the 3 Parks Pass, which bundles major attractions at a lower combined price. Combo tours, like Seal Watching or Cape Woolamai cruises paired with the parade, also offer savings compared to booking each experience separately.

Which Phillip Island tour to choose

Experience namePenguin viewing optionsOther attractionsInclusionsAdd-ons/UpgradesDurationPrice

Half/Full-Day Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade

General viewing, Penguins Plus

Nobbies Blowhole, Seal Rocks Lookout

Round-trip transfers from Melbourne, guided tour, Penguin Parade ticket, English-speaking guide, access to boardwalk and visitor center

Full-day tour

5–10 hours

From AU$155

Full-Day Guided Tour with Penguin Parade & Brighton Beach Boxes

General viewing

Brighton Beach Boxes, The Nobbies, wildlife stops

Round-trip Melbourne transfers, full-day guided tour, Penguin Parade ticket, English-speaking guide, Brighton Beach boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary, access to boardwalk and visitor center

Private transfers

12 hours

From AU$159

Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Day Trip

General viewing, Penguins Plus, Underground viewing

Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies

Round-trip Melbourne transfers, guided tour, Penguin Parade ticket, English-speaking guide, Brighton Beach boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary, access to boardwalk and visitor center

-

10 hours

From AU$175

Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Guided Tour

General viewing, Penguins Plus, Underground viewing

Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies

Round-trip Melbourne transfers, guided tour, Penguin Parade ticket, English-speaking guide, Moonlit Sanctuary, access to boardwalk and visitor center

-

12 hours

From AU$165

Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

General viewing

Puffing Billy Train, The Nobbies, wildlife stops

Puffing Billy train, Round-trip Melbourne transfers, guided tour, Penguin Parade ticket, English-speaking guide

-

11 hours

From AU$234

Combo: Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise + Penguin Parade Tickets

General viewing

Dolphins, fur seals, seabirds, penguins, wallabies, and koalas

Cape Woolamai morning cruise, tea & coffee with cake, Expert local commentary, and a Penguin Parade ticket

Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass

5–10 hours

From AU$78

Combo: Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise + Penguin Parade Tickets

General viewing

Fur seals, dolphins, seabirds

Coastal cruise, Seal spotting, tea & coffee with cake, expert local commentary, Penguin Parade ticket

Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass

5–10 hours

From AU$135

Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Guided Tour with Penguin Parade

General viewing

Healesville Sanctuary, The Nobbies

Healesville Sanctuary, round-trip Melbourne transfers, Full-day guided tour, Penguin Parade ticket, English-speaking guide, access to boardwalk and visitor center

-

12 hours

From AU$177

Penguin Parade Tickets (Standalone)

Standard viewing, General viewing, Underground viewing

Penguin Parade ticket, access to the boardwalk, and the visitor center

Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass

Flexible

From AU$33

Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass

General viewing

Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island

Penguin Parade ticket, access to boardwalk and visitor center, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island

-

Flexible

From AU$58
Skip the planning!

Guided tours take care of transport, tickets, and peak-time logistics so you can just relax, watch the penguins, and soak up the coast.”

Whether you want a simple penguin-only visit or a full wildlife, coast, and seal-sightseeing combo, a guided tour from Melbourne makes it seamless and stress-free.

Explore more along the way

Brighton Beach & Bathing Boxes

Experience one of Melbourne’s most iconic seaside spots.

  • Sights covered: Colourful bathing boxes, beachfront, photo opportunities.
  • Time required: 30 to 45 minutes

Recommended experience

Visit the Brighton Beach Boxes

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Meet Australia’s native wildlife in a family-friendly setting.

  • Sights covered: Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, and native birds.
  • Time required: 1 to 2 hours

Recommended experience

Visit Moonlit Sanctuary

Puffing Billy Steam Train ride

Take a scenic heritage train ride through lush forested ranges.

  • Sights covered: Emerald Lake Park, Dandenong Ranges, historic railway.
  • Time required: 1 to 2 hours

Recommended experience

Take a Puffing Billy Train ride

Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise

Discover spectacular coastal views and pristine beaches.

  • Sights covered: Cape Woolamai cliffs, ocean vistas, beaches, wildlife spotting.
  • Time required: 1 to 2 hours

Recommended experience

Go on a Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise

Plan your Melbourne to Phillip Island tour

Timings - Phillip Island tours

Tour durations: The duration of your tour usually depends on the type of tour you pick and the inclusions in your experience.

  • Half-day tour: up to 10 hours
  • Full-day tour: 10 to 12 hours
  • Combo tours: up to 12 hours

Penguin parade timings

  • Nov to Feb: Penguins arrive around 8:15pm to 8:45 pm
  • March: Around 8pm
  • April: Around 7pm
  • May to July: Around 6pm
  • Aug to Oct: Around 6:45pm
Phillip Island tours - Best time to visit Phillip Island
  • Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before sunset for general or “Penguins Plus” viewing, or 30 mins before sunset for underground viewing.
  • Shoulder seasons (spring/ autumn) offer good weather, fewer crowds. Summer is popular. Book well in advance.

Penguin Parade: Best time to visit & what to expect

  • Jul to Aug (Nest building & mating): Penguins begin preparing burrows, pairing up, and starting courtship.
  • Sep to Oct (Egg laying & incubation): Adults take turns guarding the nest and incubating eggs.
  • Nov to Jan (Chick feeding): Chicks hatch and parents return regularly to feed them.
  • Feb to Apr (Molting season): Adults come ashore to shed and regrow feathers; they stay on land for extended periods
  • May to Jun (Non-breeding winter period): Minimal breeding activity; penguins spend more time at sea preparing for the next season.

Address: Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia.
Distance from Melbourne: 142 km
Travel time: Approx. 90 minutes

  • By coach/bus or tour-van: Most day-trip packages include pickup from Melbourne city or major hotels, drive ~90–120 min to the island, and return same day.
  • By car: If you drive yourself, allow ~1.5–2 hours from Melbourne to Phillip Island (plus ~20 min after the bridge to reach the Parade site). On-site free parking is available.
  • Public transport: Public transport is limited. You can reach Cowes by V-Line bus, but there’s no direct service to the Penguin Parade or guaranteed return buses afterward.

Parking: Plenty of parking is available near all Nature Parks and major attractions, with additional paid options across the island.

Rules & regulations - Phillip Island tours
  • Warm jacket, wind-breaker, or sweater because evenings on the coast can be chilly.
  • Comfortable shoes (boardwalks, sand, rocky paths possible).
  • No flash photography or bright lights. Respect the penguins’ environment.
  • Camera/phone (photos allowed up to sunset; during the Parade, avoid flash or bright screens).
Tips - Phillip Island tours
  • Visitor centre at Penguin Parade offers toilets, a café, and ticket counters.
  • Boardwalks and viewing areas are designed to be accessible with ramps, accessible paths, and wheelchair-friendly facilities.

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne to Phillip Island tours

What can I see on a Phillip Island tour?

Top attractions include the Penguin Parade, The Nobbies, Seal Rocks, Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island. Most tours depart from Melbourne, and Penguin Parade times vary by season, while other attractions are generally open during daylight hours.

What ticket options are available?

Options include General Viewing, Penguins Plus, Underground, combo tours, and the 3 Parks Pass.

Are tours accessible and family-friendly?

Yes, the visitor centre and boardwalks have ramps and accessible restrooms. Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring layers for the evening.

Are meals included?

Meals are generally not included, but cafés and visitor centres offer food and drinks for purchase.

Are transfers included?

Some guided tours include return transport from Melbourne, with central pick-up and drop-off. Combo tours, standalone Penguin Parade tickets, and the 3 Parks Pass do not include transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

How long is a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

A typical day trip lasts about 12–14 hours, including transport and time at attractions.

What is included in a day-trip package?

Most packages include transport, a Penguin Parade ticket, and basic viewing. Some tours also include coastal walks, wildlife experiences, or seal-watching add-ons.

What transport options are available?

Most travellers use a tour coach or minibus. Self-driving is possible, but public transport is limited; buses reach Cowes but not the Parade site.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, especially for Penguin Parade tickets and seating, which fill quickly during peak periods and holidays.

Can I visit other attractions on the same day?

Yes, many tours include coastal boardwalks, Seal Rocks, township visits (Cowes), and some wildlife parks or additional activities.

Can I do the trip on my own?

Only if you have a car and carefully plan transport, ticket bookings, and timing. Guided tours make the experience much easier.

What should I avoid at the Penguin Parade?

Do not use flash photography or bright lights. Stay on designated boardwalks and avoid making noise to prevent disturbing the penguins.

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