Melbourne · PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUIN PARADE TOURS

The 15 Best Penguin Parade Tours from Melbourne

34 tours  ·  from $38

The parade time moves through the year, cameras are banned on the sand, and the general stands fill first. The 15 below compare viewing tiers, what else the day includes and whether the upgrade to the underground stand is worth the money.

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Brighton’s bathing boxes make an easy first stop
Melbourne Wildlife and Koala Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

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

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

Spend about 12 hours with Go West Tours, traveling from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Bob, and Graeme are known for lively commentary. Expect a late return, cool evening weather, and no photography at the parade.

“Very informative touring experience. Simon is very friendly, informative, puncture and funny. Everything is on schedule. The tour experience went smooth for us.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach boxes and the first coastal stop
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

2.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

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

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, or Charlie, traveling from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a small-group day with wildlife, coastal views, free time, and a late return.

“Incredible trip with lots of lovely stops, really breaking up the journey. The sanctuary was incredible and I still can’t believe I hand fed a kangaroo! The guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, would definitely recommend this tour for value for money and the about learned.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour - Koalas from a treetop boardwalk
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

3.Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,287 reviews · from $115

Ride from Melbourne with an English-speaking guide to Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Reserve, Woolamai Beach, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. Guides such as Fiona, Peter, and Graham add local wildlife tips. Expect a long day, cold sunset winds, and an optional closer Penguin Plus viewing area.

“A great trip but it was very expensive for it's itenary.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour - Moonlit Sanctuary: your first close look at Australian wildlife
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

4.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

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

Spend 12 hours travelling from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai in summer, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. An English-speaking guide such as Jools, Chris H, or Graeme leads the day, with air-conditioned transport, Wi-Fi, multilingual audio, and standard parade entry included.

“What an amazing day out! We had various activities - the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary was great - very calm environment with beautiful animals. Phillip Island and the penguin parade was spectacular - the penguins are adorable! Our guide Sherif was excellent, he gave us lots of information and useful tips.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Meeting in Melbourne and heading to the ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

5.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

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

Ride the historic Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk around Emerald Lake, visit the Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Nathan add local stories, wildlife tips, and practical help throughout the long day.

“I had a lovely day filled with 2 very exciting activities. Lorraine, our tour guide, really made sure we got the full experience. Thank you!”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai brings sand and surf
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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

6.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

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

Travel from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island with a guide such as Michael, David, Bluey, or Reuben. Feed wallabies, spot koalas, walk the Nobbies boardwalk, and watch Little Penguins come ashore after dark. Expect a 12 to 14 hour day with a late return.

“My husband and I had an awesome tour with our guide, David! The day was spaced out brilliantly, with plenty of toilet, snack/coffee and walk breaks. Seeing the penguins at the official “parade” was of course amazing! But we also got to see them in their nest at the “Nobbies” and could take pictures there, which was really cool! We also saw Wallaby and Echidna in the wild! Highly recommend this tour! My only warning: when you do go to the penguin parade … head to get your food first and eat inside … or a seagull may swoop down and take your fish taco without a second thought …”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Cowes is the practical meal stop
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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

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

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

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in a small-group coach of up to 38 people. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before watching Little Penguins return from the sea. Guides such as Cray, Peter, Lauren, and Joel are praised for clear local commentary.

“It was really really cold, even though in the middle of the summer take plenty of warm clothes even a hat”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour - Leaving Melbourne for Phillip Island
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

8.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 660 reviews

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with guides such as Shano, Shane, Justin, and Jason. Walk the Nobbies boardwalk, watch little penguins come ashore after sunset, and return by coach with Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a toilet.

“Great trip. Fantastic guide. Saw great views and had a great view for the penguins. Would recommend.”

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade - Moonlit Sanctuary: useful wildlife, but not a wild encounter
Full-Day, Melbourne Wildlife and Koala Tours, Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tours, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife and Koala Tours in Phillip Island

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

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

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

Spend about 10 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne, with wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary, coastal stops, and general admission to the Penguin Parade. Guides such as Steve, Luke, John, Elliot, and James have led past departures, though the guide varies. Bring food, water, and warm layers.

“1) The biggest CATCH of this whole Penguin Parade thing is this: Photos are NOT ALLOWED during the parade, not just flash camera, but ALL cameras - you will be constantly reminded and monitored to ensure no photo taking. This - we should note that - is NEVER communicated on their website nor by the tour guide (at least not by our tour guide Luke) whatsoever - meaning that we were all told literally 30mins before the parade took place. 2) Massively disorganized cluster-mess of a picking-up / onboarding experience - truly the worst I’ve ever had so far out of tons of day-tours I did: Instead of proactively checking…”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

10.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

Join Explore Australia for a 12-hour trip from Melbourne with guides such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Bring warm layers and consider the Penguin Plus upgrade.

“Nathan was amazing! Super knowledgeable and was really friendly. Thank you for making this trip one of our main highlights of Melbourne.”

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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour - Koalas in the Phillip Island bush
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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

11.Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 539 reviews · from $102Best value

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Vicky, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Woolamai Beach, Nobbies, and Seal Rocks, then watch little penguins return from the sea at the Penguin Parade.

“Just fabulous in every way! Fiona was so knowledgeable and really made sure we got to see the best of everything.”

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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai Beach, a summer-only coastal stop
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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

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

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

Join Go West Tours for an afternoon ride from Melbourne to Phillip Island, led by guides such as Lisa, Chloe, or Shane. See The Nobbies, stop at seasonal Cape Woolamai and Cowes, then watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Entry, Wi-Fi, and return transport are included.

“Easy, last-minute booking with good communication about meeting location. Our tour guide, Shane, was knowledgeable, had a good sense of humor, and went out of his way to drop us off close by to our hotels after a long day. The Little Penguins were the highlight, but we also saw a lot of Wallabies and Cape Barren Geese with their chicks.”

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform - Koalas among the boardwalks
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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

13.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Spend about 9.5 hours with Autopia Tours visiting the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s famous penguin parade. Guides such as Fiona, Craig, Vicky, and Ben provide live commentary, while Penguin Plus gives you a closer view of the little penguins returning after sunset.

“Best part of our Aussie journey! Ben, our driver/guide, was professional, informative, friendly and helpful in every way. Everything we had hoped for. Just the best!”

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From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour - Moonlit Sanctuary gives you close wildlife encounters
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From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

14.Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 380 reviews · 12 hours · from $105

Spend 12 hours with Explore Australia visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a small-group coach, free time at the wildlife park, coastal viewpoints, and guides such as Gary, Gina, Alan, or LeeLee sharing local wildlife and history.

“Our guide Gary was perfect, he told us a lot about our activities, about Philipps Island & about the penguins. The Moonlit Sanctuary was very nice, even tough it is not as big as Healesville, but the opportunity to feed and pet Wallabies & Kangaroos was lovely. The Noobies is also nice to see, the given time was just perfect for us to enjoy the view. We even saw some penguins sleeping in their homes. The penguin parade was our highlight of the day! As Gary informed us already beforehand, the best way to enjoy the parade is not at the beach where you see them from far away. The…”

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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour - A long transfer to Phillip Island
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tours, Phillip Island Tours, Puffing Billy Steam Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

15.Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · from $171

Join Wine Hop And Coastal Tours for an approximately 11-hour trip from Melbourne to Puffing Billy, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Russel lead the day, with train admission, park entry, transport, and Penguin Parade admission included.

“From the time we were picked up with guide Lorraine it was a very interesting and fun day. The Puffing Billy train raid was like going back in time and the hour went by fast. On the drive to Phillip Island Lorraine told us a lot about the Island and the animals living there and of course about the penguins. Before we saw the penguin parade we drove around and got to see wallabies, geese and we were lucky enough to see a penguin in his burrow. The penguin parade was very interesting, seeing the penguins in real life.”

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New in Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tours

★ 4.3Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day TourFrom $11340 reviews
★ 4.7Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from MelbourneFrom $10947 reviews
★ 5.0Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour w/ Island PickupFrom $9354 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wildlife and Beach Boxes Bus TourFrom $11189 reviews
★ 4.7Boutique Phillip Island Wine, Dine & Penguin TourFrom $16287 reviews
★ 4.3Penguin Parade and Multi Attraction PassFrom $38135 reviews
★ 4.5Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-OneFrom $120128 reviews
★ 4.3Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Day TourFrom $102114 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Penguins and Wildlife Nature Experience from MelbourneFrom $114150 reviews
★ 4.6Phillip Is Penguin Parade & Koala ReserveFrom $107154 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from MelbourneFrom $96179 reviews
★ 4.8Penguin Parade Afternoon TourFrom $95167 reviews
★ 4.7Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes TourFrom $140161 reviews

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