Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne

Melbourne City > Melbourne City

All Ages | Easy

10 Hours | 11:45 to 13:45 - 21:30 to 23:30

200% Co2 Offset

Melbourne City > Melbourne City - Please check itinerary for detailed start point. Operators will provide exact details after booking.

All Ages | Easy - This represents the restricted/recommended age/s and expected difficulty of the tour.

| 10 Hours | 11:45 to 13:45 - 21:30 to 23:30 - This represents the accommodation style used for this tour and the duration of the tour. Please look below for specific accommodation details and booking options. One day Tours will only display the tour duration

Every tour we offer is 200% Climate Positive.

We calculate your trip's CO₂ footprint (including transport, food, and gear) and fund twice that amount in landscape restoration projects—creating a genuine net-positive impact on the planet.

Travel knowing you're helping restore ecosystems, not just offsetting.

This Tours Co2 Emissions are tonnes of Co2. Each booking results in a Co2 reduction of 200% these emissions in restoration projects.

Melbourne Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Discovery Day Tour

General

$175.00 AUD

Melbourne Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Discovery Day Tour

Tour Overview

Witness the nightly ritual of Little Penguins returning to shore on Phillip Island during this wildlife-focused day tour from Melbourne, with all logistics taken care of. This guided experience includes the Penguin Parade at dusk, koala viewing at the Koala Conservation Reserve, seal observations from Seal Rocks, and clifftop walks at The Nobbies Centre for ocean vistas.

You’ll travel in a modern air-conditioned coach with an experienced driver-guide who shares insights on local history, Aboriginal culture, wildlife conservation, and eco-practices. Every booking is 200% climate positive through landscape restoration offsets and conducted with full respect for Bunurong Traditional Owners.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: Approx. 9.5–12 hours (seasonal departures: 11:45am Apr–Sep / 1:45pm Oct–Mar)
Group size: Average 35 guests
Physical level: Low to moderate – easy short walks/boardwalks
Age: All ages welcome (children must be accompanied; under 18 with adult)
Start / Finish: Selected inner-city pick-up/drop-off points in Melbourne (arrive 5–10 mins early)
Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, WiFi, and USB ports

Excited to see penguins, koalas, and seals up close? Book your tour today.

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Tour Highlights

Sunset Penguin Parade Spectacle: Witness hundreds of Little Penguins waddling ashore at Summerland Beach in one of the world's largest colonies, with strict no-photography rules to protect wildlife.

Up-Close Koala Encounters: Explore the Koala Conservation Reserve via self-guided boardwalks for views of koalas in their natural eucalypt habitat, supporting the island's last significant population.

Seal Spotting at The Nobbies: Stroll clifftop boardwalks at Seal Rocks to observe Australian fur seals basking, view penguin burrows, and enjoy dramatic ocean vistas in a biodiversity-rich marine area.

Educational Driver-Guide Insights: Learn about penguin behaviors, koala conservation, local history, Aboriginal culture on Bunurong Country, and eco-practices during the scenic coastal drive.

Eco-Friendly and Climate Positive: Every booking is 200% carbon offset through landscape restoration projects, focusing on minimal disturbance and respect for fragile ecosystems.

Comfortable Group Travel: Journey in a modern air-conditioned coach with WiFi and USB ports for up to 38 guests, with seasonal departures from Melbourne inner-city points for a 9.5–12-hour low-to-moderate physical adventure suitable for all ages.

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INQUIRE ABOUT TOUR

★★★★★

Luesa Healy

Wonderful experience at Philips Island and the cute blue penguins. Fiona is an amazing guide, with her clear explanation and guidance on what to look out for and think ahead for us so that we know where we will be heading. Thanks so much Fiona!

★★★★★

Kevin Kassirer

Had a fantastic experience with Fiona’s bus. The Koala centre was really informative and you get to see the koala’s in their natural habitat. The scenery is incredible and then you get to see the brilliant penguin parade. If you can, I would pay the extra for the penguin plus tickets.

★★★★★

Eveleen T

Highly recommended to join this trip to the Philip Island to see lovely koalas at the conservation center and the penguins at the penguin parade place. James is our guide and he’s doing a wonderful job all along the journey. We are all very grateful to have him

ITINERARY

Detailed Day Tour Itinerary

Hike Distance: Short easy boardwalks (~1–2 km total, flat/accessible paths) · Drive: ~250–300 km round trip

Depart Melbourne from selected inner-city points (e.g., central like Immigration Museum 400 Flinders St; staggered 11:45am–13:45pm seasonal to optimise sunset timing – arrive 5–10 mins early).

Travel ~1.5–2 hours to Phillip Island, arriving at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve – the last significant koala habitat on the island. Enjoy a self-guided boardwalk stroll among eucalypts to observe koalas in the wild (close-up views of these iconic marsupials resting and feeding).

Short drive to The Nobbies Centre at Seal Rocks – explore boardwalks along dramatic cliffs for spectacular ocean views, spot Australian fur seals basking on rocks, and peek at Little Penguin burrows in the coastal dunes (10,000-hectare marine area rich in biodiversity).

Optional brief stop in the charming township of Cowes for coastal vibes, beaches, and local shops/cafés.

Proceed to the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach – home to one of the world's largest Little Penguin colonies (~32,000 birds). Arrive in time to explore educational displays, enjoy the café (meals own expense), and settle in for the nightly spectacle.

As the sun sets, watch hundreds (sometimes thousands) of the world's smallest penguins (Little Penguins/Fairy Penguins – ~30 cm tall, 1 kg, blue-grey plumage) emerge from the surf after a day fishing and waddle across the beach to their burrows in a charming, natural procession. Your guide provides insightful commentary on their behaviours, conservation, and the unique ecosystem.

No photography or filming allowed (penguins' sensitive eyes; rangers enforce strictly to avoid disturbance). Remain quiet, on designated paths, behind barriers – no touching, feeding, or rapid movements.

Return journey to Melbourne, arriving late evening (seasonal). Itinerary may adjust slightly for weather, daylight savings, penguin arrival times (sunset varies), or conservation needs. Low fitness required for easy walks.

Key Tour Information

ROUTE MAP

WHAT'S INCLUDED & WHAT'S NOT

✅ What’s Included
Itinerary Activities

Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve entry & boardwalk
The Nobbies Centre & Seal Rocks clifftop exploration
Penguin Parade general viewing at sunset
Wildlife spotting (koalas, seals, penguins in burrows)
Scenic coastal drives and commentary

Guides

Experienced, accredited driver-guide
Entertaining & informative commentary on Aboriginal connections, wildlife, conservation, and sustainability

Meals

None included (plenty of opportunities to purchase)

Transport

Comfortable air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Selected inner-city Melbourne pick-up/drop-off

Equipment & Support

Onboard WiFi & USB charging
Translation app (10 languages)

Fees & Impact

All entry fees (Penguin Parade general + Koala Reserve)
Eco-focused: minimal disturbance, wildlife respect, refillable bottle encouragement, education on protecting fragile ecosystems

🚫 What’s Not Included

Meals/snacks (own expense)
Hotel transfers to/from pick-up points
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal expenses
Headphones for translation app
Penguin viewing upgrades

WHAT TO PACK

What to Pack
Evenings on Phillip Island are cool and windy – pack for variable coastal weather.

✅ Essentials

1L refillable water bottle
Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
Warm layers (jumper, windproof jacket)
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
Small day pack (5–7 kg max)
Money for meals/snacks
Camera/phone (no use at parade)

🧼 Toiletries & Extras

Personal medications
Insect repellent (seasonal)
Hand sanitiser

🧳 Luggage Limits

Small day pack/hand luggage only (no large suitcases/prams; limited storage)

LOCAL INSIGHTS

Local Insights — Phillip Island • Penguin Parade • Koala Reserve
Big-picture snapshot
Wildlife-rich island with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and marine colonies ~90 mins from Melbourne. This is Bunurong Country – respect Traditional Owners.

Best time to go (what the weather really means)
Year-round (penguins daily at sunset); summer warmer/more active, winter cooler/fewer crowds. Evenings always chilly – layers essential.

Culture & conduct (essential respect)

Acknowledge Traditional Owners.
No drones without permits.
Stay on tracks/boards; no touching/removing flora/fauna.
Wildlife: quiet, no feeding/touching – report distressed animals.
Penguin Parade: no photos/filming (enforced).

Park passes (plain English)

Included in tour.

On the road (fuel, coverage, driving sense)
Good services; coach handles travel.

Trails, closures & safety (the rules that actually matter)

Easy boardwalks; stay behind barriers.
Hydration & sun: water & sunscreen.
Emergencies: guides first aid; good coverage.

Where the light sings (scenic highlights)

Sunset Penguin Parade – magical waddle home.
Nobbies cliffs & seal rocks.

Easy wins & accessibility

Boardwalks suitable for most; commentary accessible.

Local-style extras (strong recommends)

Arrive early at parade for displays/café.
Spot seals at Nobbies.

Zero Trace (do it right)
Stay on paths, pack out waste, no interference with wildlife, support conservation.

TOUR FAQ'S

Tour FAQ
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes – child fares 0–12; infants 0–4 with ticket (some unsuitable). Under 18 with adult. No pram storage.

What are the departure times?
Seasonal: 13:45pm Oct–Mar / 11:45am Apr–Sep (optimised for sunset).

What if flying into Melbourne?
Depart afternoon/early; arrive prior. Use transport to pick-up.

What meals are included?
None – buy en route/café. Notify dietary needs; bring extras.

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?
No – strictly prohibited (penguin safety; enforced).

What if dietary requirements?
Self-cater mainly; advise ahead.

How fit do I need to be?
Low – easy short walks.

What about bad weather?
Operates unless extreme (storms); proceeds in rain.

How large is the group?
Average 35; up to 38.

An enchanting evening of wildlife wonder – Little Penguins, koalas, and coastal beauty. Our sustainable tours sell out fast – book your Phillip Island Penguin Parade day now!

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Here’s how it works—clean, simple, no surprises:

A) "Book with Deposit"

Place a deposit. You’ll pay the deposit at checkout.
Tell us the details. You’ll receive an email asking for your tour name/date, passenger details, and any special requests (room type, extras, dietaries, etc.).
We secure your spots. If everything’s clear, we confirm your booking by email so you can lock flights and plan the rest.
If we need anything (e.g., room configuration, add-on activities), we’ll ask—then issue confirmation once sorted.
Final balance invoice. After confirmation, you’ll be invoiced the remainder in line with the trips booking terms & conditions (each trip/partner has its own timeline but full payment is generally required at least 30 days prior to departure).
If we are unable to confirm your spot: you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit. Zero stress.

B) Instant confirmation route (selected trips)

Some departures use live operator booking calendars. These can deliver instant confirmation inside the operator’s system.
If you book this way, the operator’s terms & conditions apply immediately (including payment schedules and change/cancellation rules).

Good to know

Each trip may have slightly different deadlines and deposit rules—You can find the terms and conditions for your chosen booking on the listing page.
You can still flag special requests after deposit—earlier is better for availability.

Before your booking is confirmed

If we can’t confirm your spots after you’ve paid a deposit, we’ll issue a full refund of that deposit.

After your booking is confirmed

Cancellations follow the operator’s cancellation schedule (varies by trip and how close you are to departure).
Expect possible fees or non-refundable items (e.g., internal flights, permits, certain accommodations).
If a refund or credit is due, we’ll process it once the operator releases the funds and pass it back to your original payment method.

Instant-confirmation bookings (live operator calendars)

The operator’s T&Cs apply immediately on these. Some departures are non-refundable or have stricter windows.

How to cancel

Email us your booking reference, names on the booking, and a one-line request (“Please cancel”).
We’ll reply with the exact penalties/refund or credit per your operator before proceeding.

If the operator cancels or significantly changes your trip

You’ll be offered an alternative date, a travel credit, or a refund according to that operator’s policy. We’ll advocate for the best outcome for you.

Good to know

Refunds are returned to the original payment method; bank/FX fees aren’t usually recoverable.
Travel insurance is your friend for recovering non-refundable costs.
The earlier you contact us, the better your options typically are.

Short answer: Usually yes, but it depends on the operator’s rules and how close you are to departure.

Date changes

We’ll check new-date availability with the operator.
If a change is possible, you’ll pay any applicable operator change fee plus any price difference for the new date.
The closer to departure, the tighter (and costlier) changes become; some trips treat late changes as a cancel + rebook under the operator’s policy.

Transfer to another person (name change)

Many operators allow a name change/transfer up to a certain cut-off.
Fees and deadlines vary by operator and services booked (e.g., flights may be non-transferable).

Instant-confirmation bookings

If you booked via a live operator calendar, the operator’s T&Cs apply immediately. Some departures are non-changeable or have stricter windows.

How to request a change

Email us with your booking reference, preferred new date/person’s details, and any flexibility.
We’ll confirm options, fees, and any price differences before making changes.

Pro tips

Ask early—more seats = more options, lower fees.
Consider travel insurance that covers change/cancellation costs.
Always check booking terms and conditions, links displayed on each tour page under the overview.

Yes. Your money is protected by our own accreditation and safeguards, plus the protections of our tour partners and the payment methods we use.

Our business safeguards

Legally registered business with documented booking & refund policies.
Commercial insurance appropriate to our operations.
VTIC Quality Tourism Accreditation (Quality Tourism Accredited Business) confirming we meet industry standards for customer service, safety, and risk management.

Operator-level protection

We partner only with established operators who maintain their own financial protections and clear refund/credit policies.
When you book via a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly by the operator and their protections/terms apply immediately.

How your payment is handled

All card payments run through a secure, PCI-compliant gateway; we don’t store your full card details.
If you book through a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly into the operator’s system, and their terms & protections apply immediately.

Your legal rights

Your purchase is also covered by consumer laws in your country/state (fair trading/refund rights). We reference the applicable jurisdiction on your paperwork.

Extra peace of mind

Paying by credit card may add chargeback protection from your card issuer.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover situations outside operator/consumer protections (your own cancellation, medical, delays).

Absolutely. Our prices update live from the operator, but if you spot the same tour on the same dates with the same inclusions and terms advertised for less — even in a public sale or promo — we’ll match it.

Already booked? We’ll refund the difference to your original payment method (eligibility applies, based on the final checkout price including taxes/fees from an authorised seller). And yes, the matched price still includes our 200% carbon offset — no dilution of benefits.

Not for every trip—but for most travellers, we strongly recommend it

Some itineraries and partner operators do require insurance (especially remote treks, glacier walks, or bookings made via live operator calendars with mandatory cover).

When it’s required

Certain partners/departures make insurance compulsory and may ask for proof before departure. If you book one of these, their T&Cs apply immediately.

What good cover includes

Medical treatment & emergency evacuation/repatriation (high limits).
Trip cancellation/interruption (protects your deposit and balance if plans change).
Baggage & travel delay, and supplier default where available.
Coverage for all activities on your itinerary (e.g., trekking, glacier hikes, kayaking) and any relevant altitudes/conditions.
24/7 assistance hotline and a clear claims process.

When to buy

At booking. That way, cancellation benefits start immediately and you’re covered if something crops up before you travel.

How to share proof

Email us your policy certificate (names, policy number, assistance phone).
If you booked via an instant-confirmation operator calendar, follow their proof instructions and deadlines exactly.

Most departures run as planned, but guarantees depend on the operator and minimum numbers. If there’s a wobble, we’ll tell you fast and give you options.

How it works

Minimum group size: Most partners need a minimum number of travellers to confirm a trip.
When we confirm: Each operator has a confirmation window (often 30–60 days before departure). We monitor load and update you as status changes.
Any listing from "G-Adventures" will be guaranteed to run with a booking

If a trip is under-subscribed

We’ll contact you with clear options:

Move to another date (same tour)

Switch to a comparable trip

Full refund of monies paid (per the operator’s terms)

Any price differences for new dates/trips will be discussed before you decide.

If a trip is suspended (weather, park closures, strikes, force majeure)

First, we’ll look to re-route or adjust (e.g., alternative park, similar activities).
If that’s not viable, you can move dates, choose a different trip, or receive a refund/credit according to the operator’s policy.

Our promise

Proactive comms: We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more—no last-minute surprises if we can help it.
No pressure choices: You pick the outcome; we handle the admin.
Flight advice: Until your tour is confirmed, book flexible/refundable flights or add insurance that covers schedule changes.

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Melbourne Phillip Island

Penguin Parade & Wildlife Discovery Day Tour

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200% Climate Positive

Supports Small Business

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Climate Positive

Supports Small Business

Melbourne Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Discovery Day Tour

Tour Overview

Tour Highlights

ITINERARY

Key Tour Information

Sustainable Travel Tools

BOOKING & PAYMENT FAQ's

Choose Tour

Pick Dates

Reserve Spot

Sort Logistics

Adventure Time!

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Supports Small Business

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Supports Small Business

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Melbourne Phillip Island

Penguin Parade & Wildlife Discovery Day Tour

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Climate Positive

Supports Small Business

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Climate Positive

Supports Small Business

Melbourne Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Discovery Day Tour

Tour Overview

200% Climate Positive

Secure & Vetted Operators

Tour Highlights

ITINERARY

Key Tour Information

Sustainable Travel Tools

BOOKING & PAYMENT FAQ's

Choose Tour

Pick Dates

Reserve Spot

Sort Logistics

Adventure Time!

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Supports Small Business

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Supports Small Business