The 15 Best Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tours

1.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Our pick

Spend about 12 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne, with Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and the famous little penguin parade. Go West provides hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minivan, Wi-Fi, entry fees, and guides such as Cloe, Jono, and Aleks. Expect a late return and a chilly, camera-free evening at the penguin viewing area.

“We had such a great day, full of fun and our tour guide Jools was super informative and went out of her way to make us all feel welcome. She made sure that we saw as much wildlife as possible. She was super friendly. Phillip Island penguin parade was fantastic, we got so close to the little guys.”

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2.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Spend 12 hours with Wine Hop And Coastal Tours visiting Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Nobbies, and Phillip Island. Guides such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, and Charlie lead the day in English, with time to feed kangaroos, see koalas, walk the coast, and watch little penguins return after dark. Expect a long, full day in a small vehicle.

“Overall, the trip was interesting with many diverse stops from marquee vistas (beaches) to wildlife sightseeing. The penguin parade was fun despite a low count of penguins, about 10! You cannot control mother nature.”

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3.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · 9h 30m · from $123

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Peter, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. Expect about 300 kilometers of driving, a late return, cold coastal air, and an optional Penguin Plus upgrade for closer penguin views.

“The guide was great, everything was timed well and logistics explained well. And the attractions were as advertised. The only confusing part was figuring out which of the three buses on the street was the correct one to board at the outset, especially since the correct bus was around the corner from where the app said it would be.”

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4.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours · from $109

Spend 12 hours exploring Australian wildlife and Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Chris, Jools, or Graeme. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary, walk at The Nobbies, see Cape Woolamai in summer, and watch little penguins return to shore at sunset. Air-conditioned transport, Wi-Fi, sanctuary entry, and standard parade seating are included.

“Sherif was a great guide who managed to organise the trip very well - pick and dropoff were timely, the information he provided was very interesting. He gave us good tips at the various locations and made sure we had enough time to enjoy each location. Highly recommend the trip!”

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5.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours combining two Victorian favorites: a Puffing Billy steam-train ride through the Dandenong Ranges and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide, such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, or Nathan, handles the driving and local commentary. Expect scenic stops, free time for lunch, a coastal walk, and a late return to Melbourne.

“This trip was amazing! Lorraine was very knowledgeable on the history of Melbourne and the penguins on Phillip Island. She made it an excellent tour.”

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6.Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,069 reviews · 2 hours · from $22Best value

Arrive before sunset at Phillip Island Nature Parks, explore the visitor centre, then watch Little penguins cross Summerlands Beach from general grandstand seating. Afterward, follow the boardwalks to see them near their burrows. Bring warm clothes, expect a wait outdoors, and leave cameras and phones switched off during the parade.

“It was super funa and well worth the $30. You got to watch them coming in from the sea to shore and watch them head to heir beds for the night. A lot of waiting on bleachers, so If you have a bad back it may be tough. Can also go down and sit on the sand. Go as far front as you can to the outer corners. Don't sit in the middle. Go early as over 2,000 people. It is crazy when leaving so take it slow. About a 10 min walk to your seats. Very cool experience”

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7.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Spend 12 to 14 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, and a guide such as Michael, David, Bluey, or Reuben. Meet koalas and kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit coastal viewpoints, then watch little penguins return from the sea at dusk.

“Good times and worth the money spent. Tim is really good as he explained us on all activities, what to expect, what to do/ not to do. He even accompanied us to locate baby penguins at Nobbies.”

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8.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach with a local guide such as Cray, Fiona, Peter, Lauren, Joel, or Tom. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, Cape Woolamai, and The Nobbies before watching Little Penguins return from the sea. General Penguin Parade admission is included, but lunch is not.

“The koala reserve was a lovely surprise. Wouldn’t have missed the penguin parade! Our guide was so knowledgeable and informative!”

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9.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 660 reviews

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Shano, Shane, or Justin. Walk the Nobbies boardwalk, pause in Cowes seasonally, then watch little penguins return from the sea after sunset. A comfortable coach includes Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a toilet, though the late return and changeable weather require planning.

“Mr. Justin proved to be a seasoned guide. Amazing experience. Must visit, though keep heavy clothes cause the wind to too much for the tropical people.”

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10.Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 658 reviews · from $104

Spend a full day from Melbourne visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, the Nobbies and Phillip Island’s penguin parade. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Steve, Luke, John or James, see Australian animals, and watch little penguins return after sunset. Bring warm layers, water and patience for a long day.

“It was a fun day out. The sights were beautiful. Our guide Luke was a real character. He educated us, entertained us and got us all around the different places safely. Unfortunately for us not alot of Penguins came in that night but they had the previous night. We would definitely do another tour with this company next time we are in Melbourne.”

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11.Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 642 reviews · 10 hours · from $109

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking local guide such as Fiona, Joe, or Ben. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. Expect about two hours on the road each way, chilly evening weather, and a late return.

“Graham was an excellent tour guide and really had great local knowledge. Would highly recommend booking!!”

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12.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Spend about 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart, combining Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a long day, coastal wind, limited food time, and no penguin photography.

“This was a great trip! Absolutely loved it, only thing I would recommend to wear warm clothes on the penguin place as it is so much colder than you’d think.”

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13.Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · from $150

Spend an afternoon and evening with guides such as Travis, Adam, Josh, or Gary, visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s famous little penguin parade. Hotel pickup, transport, commentary, and entry fees are included. Expect a long day, chilly weather, and a small group of up to 11 people.

“Choose the Penguins Plus if you are able. It really is worth it. We were so close to the little penguins. We came in winter and were fine with warm sweaters and jackets. I did have an extra pair of socks I ended up putting on my hands and I was thankful for those, so bring gloves if you have them, extra socks if you don’t. My 18 and 20 year old kids, who are pretty stoic, lost their minds as the adorable penguins emerged from the sea and struggled up the hill. They couldn’t stop smiling and they suddenly needed t-shirts and souvenirs (our 8th day in Australia, touring…”

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14.Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 428 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Lisa, Chloe, or Shane. Visit coastal viewpoints and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. The tour includes Penguin Parade admission, transport, onboard Wi-Fi, and a group of no more than 24 people.

“A great day. Although some parts a bit rushed. Loved the penguin parade. Coach a bit cramped, seating wise.”

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15.1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 415 reviews · 1 hour · from $34

Set out from San Remo Jetty for a one-hour cruise beneath Phillip Island Bridge and along Cape Woolamai’s cliffs, caves and blue water. An English-speaking guide shares local wildlife facts while you watch for cormorants, gannets, seals and dolphins. Tea, coffee and cake are served onboard, making this a friendly, low-cost outing for families.

“Staff were excellent, it could not be improved, Thanks”

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