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A family on Phillip Island, Melbourne, watching hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset during the famous Penguin Parade, enjoying a memorable wildlife experience.
Friends happily posing at Nobbies Centre on Phillip Island, Melbourne, admiring the magnificent coastline and vast ocean views from the green cliffs during a day tour.
A family on a wooden boardwalk at Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island, Melbourne, overlooking groups of little penguins on the rugged southern coastline and vast ocean.
Adorable Australian little penguins gathered on the sandy ground at night on Phillip Island, Melbourne, preparing to return to their burrows after a day's foraging.
Hundreds of Australia's unique little penguins emerge from the blue ocean onto the sandy beach on Phillip Island, Melbourne, waddling ashore during the famous Penguin Parade.

[Eco Tour] Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour | Victoria

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Sold 100+

Duration:8 hour(s)
Guided language: English
Free cancellation 2 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

Visit Phillip Island on this afternoon tour including the world-famous penguin parade!

  • Access to a downloadable audio guide app with 16 languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, and more)
    • Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of little penguins come out of the sea at dusk & head back to their burrows for the night
    • See the best views of Phillip Island’s rugged south coast
    [5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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    Sightseeing Tours

    Tour TypeShared tour
    Tour typesGuided tour, Audio guide
    Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Eco-tourism, Islands tour

    Product Info

    Planning a late night out or a lazy morning in Melbourne, but still want to fit in a trip to Phillip Island to see the penguins? Then this tour is for you. 

    No early morning hotel pick-up – check. Get the morning to yourself – check. Hundreds of cute little penguins waddling up the beach – check. Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour – big check! 

    You'll be picked up at a respectable hour and be taken straight down to Phillip Island. 

    At the island, you’ll visit Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre to take a walk along the boardwalk and soak in the stunning views back towards the Mornington Peninsula from Phillip Island’s most western point. Here you can also get a sneak peek of the main event, the Little Penguins, while they hide under the boardwalks and poke their heads out of the burrows waiting for the sunset when their mates return from the ocean. 

    Just before sunset, we head over to the Penguin Parade to take our spots at the beach, ready to see the hundreds of Little Penguins as they make their way across the sand and return to their burrows in the sand dunes. See them reunited with their partners, where they give each other a little kiss, do a dance, and then waddle up and into their burrows. An unforgettable afternoon – check.


    Pick-Up Time:

    • Seasonal Departure Times: 1:45 pm (April - September), 2:45 pm (October - March)
    • Returns between 9 pm-midnight seasonally
    • Pickup from the Immigration Museum, corner Flinders Street & Market Street

    Important Info

    Reminders

    • A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 3 day(s) before the departure date

    • Appropriate clothing for warm/cool conditions and camera

    • Please note photography is not permitted after sunset at the penguin parade

    • Please refer to your voucher for final information

    • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 to 15 minutes in advance as the bus will depart on time; re-entry or refunds will not be granted to late arrivals

    Cancellation Policy

    • Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
    • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
    NOTE
    • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    FAQ

    1. What time does the Phillip Island Penguin Parade typically start?

    The Phillip Island Penguin Parade occurs at dusk each day. The exact start time varies seasonally throughout the year, as it depends on sunset. It's usually between 5:00 PM in winter and 8:00 PM in summer. Visitors should aim to arrive at the visitor center about an hour before the estimated start time to secure a good viewing spot and explore the facilities.

    2. Is visiting the Phillip Island Penguin Parade a worthwhile experience for travelers?

    Yes, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is widely considered a unique and worthwhile wildlife experience. It offers a rare opportunity to witness hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows at dusk. Many visitors find it to be a magical and memorable natural spectacle, providing an unforgettable encounter with native Australian wildlife.

    3. Are there any options to view the Phillip Island Penguin Parade without purchasing an entry ticket?

    No, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a protected wildlife experience, and viewing requires an entry ticket to access the designated viewing areas. The fees collected contribute directly to the vital conservation efforts and ongoing maintenance of the natural habitat for the penguins. While various ticket types offer different viewing experiences, free public viewing is not available.

    4. Which season is considered ideal for observing the penguins at Phillip Island's parade?

    While the Penguin Parade is a captivating year-round event, many visitors find the warmer months, typically from December to February (Australian summer), to be ideal due to longer daylight hours and generally milder weather. However, the penguin numbers and their charming behavior remain consistent throughout the year, ensuring a great viewing opportunity in any season. Winter evenings can be colder but often less crowded.

    5. What other attractions besides the Penguin Parade are included in a visit to Phillip Island?

    Beyond the iconic Penguin Parade, visits to Phillip Island often include exploring Seal Rocks and the Nobbies boardwalk. From these locations, you can enjoy stunning panoramic coastal views and observe Australia's largest colony of Australian fur seals from a distance. The Nobbies Centre also offers informative interactive displays about the island's diverse marine life, adding to the overall experience.

    6. What transportation options are available for reaching Phillip Island from Melbourne for the Penguin Parade?

    To reach Phillip Island from Melbourne without self-driving, visitors commonly choose guided express tours. These tours typically include round-trip transportation directly from Melbourne, offering a convenient and hassle-free way to visit the Penguin Parade and other attractions like Seal Rocks. Public transport options such as trains or buses do not directly serve the Penguin Parade, making organized tours or private transfers a popular choice for convenience.

    7. Is an audio guide provided for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour, and what languages are available?

    Yes, for an enhanced experience on the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour, visitors are provided access to a downloadable audio guide app. This comprehensive app offers detailed commentary and insightful information about the wildlife and attractions in 16 different languages. These include Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Japanese, ensuring international visitors can fully immerse themselves in the experience in their preferred language.

    8. What kind of views can visitors expect from the Nobbies boardwalk on Phillip Island?

    From the Nobbies boardwalk on Phillip Island, visitors can expect breathtaking panoramic views of Phillip Island's rugged south coast. You'll witness dramatic cliffs, the powerful spectacle of crashing waves, and the expansive Bass Strait. It is an excellent location for observing various seabirds and fully appreciating the natural beauty of the coastline. From designated lookout points, you can also spot Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal colony.

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