Experience the very best of Phillip Island on our Phillip Island Penguins Tour. Phillip Island, located on Victoria’s South Coast, has a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins. Every night, hundreds, sometimes thousands, of penguins emerge from the surf and walk across the beach at the world-famous Penguin Parade. Our full-day Phillip Island tour includes nature walks on Phillip Island’s beautiful beaches and boardwalks, encounters with local furry residents, and the Penguin Parade. Our knowledgeable tour guide will provide information on the best places for optimal viewing during the Penguin Parade.

Tour Information

  • Day 1
  • Price $ 125 -165 AUD

Highlights

  • Experience the wildlife phenomenon known as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
  • Experience a guided ranger tour of the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
  • Experience the natural beauty, history, and significance of Phillip Island.
  • Travel along the dirt roads of Phillips Island’s coastal cliffs to spot wallabies and birds of prey.
  • You can explore the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks by taking a leisurely walk.
  • Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre.

What you can actually see!

What are the reasons to visit Phillip Island?

The Phillip Island Penguin Tours offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers. Participants can explore Phillip Island, located south of Melbourne, and enjoy a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve. Additionally, they can explore wild and rugged surf beaches, spot Kangaroos and Wallabies in their natural habitat, and conclude the day with a visit to the renowned Penguin Parade.

Itinerary

Phillip Island is located 140 km southeast of Melbourne and has a population of just over 7,000 people. It boasts over a hundred species of animals and features significant areas of beauty with scientific, historic, and archaeological interest.
The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, a Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger will greet you and lead a guided walk through the Koala Reserve. During the walk, a presentation will be given about Koalas, the history and importance of the Reserve, and the remaining natural woodland on the island.
The Yalloc Bulluck, a large clan of the Bunurong people, used to hunt, fish, and forage on Phillip Island. They would come to the island in the summer and during the egging season. The area was popular because of the abundant wildlife. Today, evidence of the Yalloc Bulluk’s foraging can be seen at the Penguin Parade and the Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is working to educate visitors and preserve these culturally significant areas.
When you enter Summerlands, there are no houses, as it is all National Park. You will see wooden burrows where penguins hide when they haven’t gone fishing. Walk on ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks to look for Little Penguins in their burrows. Walk to ‘The Blowhole’ to see waves crashing on volcanic rock. The caves and formations on this peninsula make for dramatic photos, with Seal Rocks in the background. If you don’t want to walk on the boardwalks, go to the Nobbies Information Centre. There, you can shop, get a hot drink, or explore the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. For an additional $18 per person, you can learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. Your entrance fee helps protect these creatures of the Southern Ocean.
Leaving the Nobbies, we begin our off-road excursion with stunning vistas and chances to observe Wallabies. Your guided tour will heighten the excitement of encountering wild Little Penguins, providing insights into their distinctive behaviours and characteristics. Were you aware that they possess more than 3000 feathers?
The Penguin Parade takes place after sunset to protect the Little Penguins from predators. Photography is not allowed to ensure the penguins are not scared. Wildlife Tours supports this request. Witnessing this natural spectacle without distractions is recommended. Combine the Penguin Parade with a trip to the Great Ocean Road for an overnight tour. Let us handle the planning and driving while you enjoy the journey.

Details

Pricing and package Deal Discounts

Fare prices: $165 Adult (13+) / $125 Children (0-12)

To organize your private tour of Phillip Island, contact our charters team at charters@gltg.com.au. Follow our itinerary or customize your own; it’s up to you. Enjoy the convenience of a pickup and drop-off at your address, and relax exploring new places with loved ones.

Aditional Information

  • Penguin Parade entry
  • Inner city pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced driver/guide and tour commentary
  • Koala Reserve Entry Fees
  • Water bottle
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm and cool clothing
  • Rain jacket
  • Camera
  • A sense of adventure

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45 AM11:45 am (winter) / 1:45 pm (summer).

Winter | Summer

  • 11:05 | 13:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
  • 11:10 | 13:10 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
  • 11:15 | 13:15 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
  • 11:20 | 13:20 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance, Melbourne
  • 11:30 | 13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St, Melbourne
  • 11:35 | 13:35 – The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
  • 11:45 | 13:45 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, on the corner of Market St, Melbourne
  • 11:50 | 13:50 – 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 – 01 Apr 2023 summer @ 1:45 pm
  • 02 Apr 2023 – 30 Sep 2023 winter @ 11:45 am
  • 01 Oct 2023 – 06 Apr 2024 summer @ 1:45 pm.

***If you cannot find your desired pickup location, please get in touch with our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.* You should 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, contact our office on 03 9393 1300.

FAQs

The best time to visit Phillip Island is during the warmer months, from November to April when the weather is most pleasant.

Pack warm clothing, a refillable water bottle, sun protection, comfortable shoes for walking, and don’t forget your camera!

Phillip Island is accessible by car from Melbourne. It’s about a 90-minute drive via the M1 and A420 roads.

Yes, you can feed kangaroos and wallabies under supervision at designated places like Maru Koala Park. However, it’s crucial not to feed animals in the wild.

While booking a tour is unnecessary, guided tours offer added benefits like knowledgeable guides, planned itineraries, and transportation, which can enhance your visit.

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