Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Highlights

Experience the magic of Phillip Island on a wildlife-filled day trip from Melbourne, culminating in one of Australia’s most unforgettable natural spectacles – the world-famous Penguin Parade at sunset.

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island, where dramatic coastlines, native wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes set the scene for an incredible afternoon and evening.

Begin your wildlife adventure at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Wander along peaceful boardwalks through native Australian bushland and look high into the treetops for koalas relaxing amongst the branches. Keep watch for other native wildlife as you explore this protected habitat.

Continue across Phillip Island towards the spectacular western coastline and The Nobbies. Take in sweeping views over Bass Strait, rugged cliffs and offshore Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals. Explore the coastal boardwalks, look for seabirds and wildlife, and keep an eye out for Little Penguin burrows tucked into the surrounding landscape.

As the afternoon draws to a close, make your way to Summerland Beach for the highlight of the tour – the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Visit the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre and discover more about Little Penguins, their habitat and the important conservation work protecting this remarkable colony. Then, as daylight fades, take your place overlooking the coastline and wait for the evening’s main event.

At sunset, watch as Little Penguins – the world’s smallest penguin species – emerge from the ocean after a day of fishing at sea. See them gather along the shoreline before waddling across the beach and making their way through the dunes towards their burrows. It’s an extraordinary wildlife experience and the perfect finale to your Phillip Island adventure.

As the Penguin Parade occurs at sunset, departure and pickup times from Melbourne vary throughout the year in line with seasonal daylight and daylight saving changes. This allows us to maximise your time on Phillip Island and ensure you arrive at the Penguin Parade at the ideal time to experience the penguins returning ashore.

After the parade, relax on the return journey to Melbourne, taking home memories of koalas, spectacular coastal scenery and one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife encounters.

Please note: Meals are not included. Food and refreshments can be purchased during the tour, including at selected stops on Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.

Not suitable for

• Babies under 1 year
• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Cash
• Daypack
• Hat
• Headphones
• Jacket
• Reusable water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Warm clothing
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Windbreaker

Not allowed

• Baby carriages
• Electric wheelchairs
• Non-folding wheelchairs
• Oversize luggage
• Pets

Know before you go

• Children's ticket prices apply for children aged up to 12 years
• Due to the fact that the tour operates with small-group vehicles with limited storage facilities, strollers, wheelchairs, prams, or pushers can not be accommodated on this tour
• Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely seated in a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking
• Live commentary is in English, but a translation app is available for download in 10 different languages: Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish
• No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
• The Tour returns to Melbourne between 8:30 - 9:30 PM during the winter months and between 11 PM - 12 AM during the summer months