Day Trips

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Guided Tour

Go on a journey to Phillip Island with round-trip transfers from Melbourne to witness the charming Penguin Parade on this guided tour.

4.8/5(78)

Peter M

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Tom made the day so fantastic and we couldn't recommend anyone higher for your first experience out to Phillip Island. The knowledge he passed on, the little jokes he made here and there made the day so memorable. To top it all off, Tom essentially dropped everyone back to their hotel so no one had to walk far at night time. Thank you Tom.

Kathryn H

Family

Verified booking

4 days ago

The whole tour was excellent. Great value for money. David was an excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and seemed to care about his passengers. The penguin parade was fantastic, we didn't see a huge amount of penguins but the ones we saw were well worth the trip. It was also great to see them whilst just walking around

Donna A

Solo

Verified booking

Yesterday

Our guide and bus driver Ben was a lively and fun companion, preparing us with facts and instructions on how to be with the penguins respectfully and get the best vantage point. We were in safe and happy hands on the long trip there and back.

Scott R

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Sherif was very Knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Helped us with upgrades with our tickets and offered suggestions for things to look for and where to go on the tour. Top shelf operation. Thank you

Amogh B

Solo

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Saw the penguins come onto the shore! Along with other wildlife like cape barren geese and wallabies in the wild :) The tour operator was very kind as well

Hoi L

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

David N ensured our trip was safe and memorable, and his dad jokes are hilarious. His knowledge of the native animals and history provided insight. The tour ran smoothly due to his excellent driving skills, and his care about our comfort on the bus. When we get to a rural area, David can drive and spot some animals at the same time! How Impressive is that! However, there is a family on our bus that arrives 17 minutes late to the first meeting-up time, and the driver decided to wait. I understand they have paid as well, but the fact that there is no consequence for them makes everyone who is on time or early feel it is unfair.

Enjoy a guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, witnessing Australia's largest fur seal colony and the iconic penguin parade.

Go on a scenic ride in plush air-conditioned coaches, guided by expert local guides for a personalized experience.

Marvel at the colonies of seals scattered across Seal Rocks and stroll along the Nobbies boardwalk to learn fascinating insights about the rich marine wildlife.

Witness Little Penguins parading to their burrows at sunset, and upgrade to a premium viewing experience with a seat at the grandstand.

Fun fact: Little Penguins, the smallest of penguin species, ensure they see a sunset every day due to their unique beach-to-burrow lifestyle!

Philip Island tour

Informative driver/guide

AC transfers from Melbourne

Standard viewing at penguin parade

Entry fees and taxes

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

78 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, New Zealand, Germany and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Peter M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Tom made the day so fantastic and we couldn't recommend anyone higher for your first experience out to Phillip Island. The knowledge he passed on, the little jokes he made here and there made the day so memorable. To top it all off, Tom essentially dropped everyone back to their hotel so no one had to walk far at night time. Thank you Tom.
Kathryn H
Family
Verified booking
4 days ago
The whole tour was excellent. Great value for money. David was an excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and seemed to care about his passengers. The penguin parade was fantastic, we didn't see a huge amount of penguins but the ones we saw were well worth the trip. It was also great to see them whilst just walking around
Donna A
Solo
Verified booking
Yesterday
Our guide and bus driver Ben was a lively and fun companion, preparing us with facts and instructions on how to be with the penguins respectfully and get the best vantage point. We were in safe and happy hands on the long trip there and back.
Scott R
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Sherif was very Knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Helped us with upgrades with our tickets and offered suggestions for things to look for and where to go on the tour. Top shelf operation. Thank you
Marion N
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Staff gave us blankets when we were waiting for the penguins in the rain. Much appreciated.

A sea of seals & penguins

As you drive away from the bustle of Melbourne to the tranquility of Phillip Island, relax in an air-conditioned coach as seascapes pass you by, setting the stage for an exciting escapade. The tour takes you first to the Nobbies Centre, a remarkable marine discovery hub where you'll expand your knowledge about local marine wildlife and enjoy an unbeatable view of Seal Rocks, home to about 16,000 seals, making it Australia's largest fur seal colony.

An enchanting evening with Little Penguins

As the day transitions into a sunset, brace yourself for the famed penguin parade. Watch these little creatures, the smallest penguin species standing just 33 cm tall, as they waddle their way across the beach to their burrows. Upgrade to premium viewing to enjoy a better perspective from the grandstand.

What to bring

Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, change of clothes, towel, and power bank for the experience.

Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What's not allowed

Photography is not allowed during the Penguin Parade.

Large bags, luggage, and pram/ strollers are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

The experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

Facilities: Free Wi-Fi.

This tour can accommodate a maximum of 24 people in 1 group.

The tour is conducted in English. However, you can access pre-recorded written & verbal tour information in 16 different languages by downloading the free Go West Tours App from the App Store or Google Play. Download the app before departure or use the complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. Please ensure you bring your own headphones.

Guests will be picked up from the Immigration Museum between 1:45pm to 2:45pm and dropped off between 9:30pm to 12am at the same location.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Immigration Museum (corner of Market street and Flinders street).

Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.

Get directions to the meeting point