Melbourne · PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUIN TOURS

The 15 Best Phillip Island Penguin Tours

92 tours  ·  from $14 a head

Everyone sees the same penguins at the same sunset; what changes is the afternoon before it and the seat you watch from. These 15 are compared on wildlife stops, viewing upgrades and what time they get you back to the city.

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Moonlit Sanctuary brings Australian wildlife into focus
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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

Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned minivan to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island. The day ends with the Penguin Parade, when little penguins return ashore after dark. Your guide leads the stops, with guides such as Cloe, Jono and Aleks praised for lively commentary. Bring warm layers, and leave your camera packed away at the parade.

“Great tour, plenty of stops for coffee and food. Graeme was a wealth of knowledge and made sure we were at each place early enough to not miss views.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach’s bright boxes and city views
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

2.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

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

From Melbourne, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies Boardwalk and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with guides such as Dirk, Matt and Charlie noted for sharing local facts and keeping the journey lively. Wildlife sightings vary, and the penguins arrive on nature’s schedule.

“We had a fantastic time from the moment Dirk our guide picked us up until he dropped us back he couldn’t have been a better guide with knowledge of everything on the way and of the sites with visited which were beautiful cheers Dirk.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour - The Nobbies and the island’s rough edge
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

3.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

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

Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach with a local driver-guide to Phillip Island’s koala reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes and the Penguin Parade. Expect coastal views, wildlife stops and a late return. Penguin Plus viewing is an optional upgrade, and the penguin arrival is watched without cameras.

“Great day seeing some Australian Wildlife with comfortable journey. Our Guide and driver Fiona was very friendly and provided lots of additional interesting Information about Australia and conservation.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour - The Nobbies puts the coast on the route
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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

Travel from central Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies and the sunset Penguin Parade, with Cape Woolamai included in summer. A guide such as Chris H, Jools or Jono leads the day, while air-conditioned transport, sanctuary admission and standard penguin viewing are included. Bring warm layers and your own food.

“Fantastic trip! Our driver, Sherif, was excellent! He was super knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. The day was a great pace, and full of surprises.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Emerald Lake: a welcome breather
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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

Spend 12 hours combining a Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave, a break at Emerald Lake, coastal views at the Nobbies and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Return transport from Melbourne CBD and train and parade tickets are included. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry and Nathan have led the tour, though your guide may vary.

“Lorraine was a great guide. She was very knowledgeable and explained all about the penguins and the history about the train. Would you 100% recommend this trip!”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai brings beach time in summer
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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 in a small group of up to 24, stopping at Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai in summer and the Nobbies before the evening penguin parade. The full-day tour includes a guide, transport, sanctuary entry and general penguin viewing. Bring warm layers: the coastal wait can be cold and windy.

“Absolutely 5-star experience. Tour guide Chris H. is informative and had given clear and concise account of South Australia nature and native history and best tips to watch penguins. He is very friendly and helpful and sometimes humorous. Enjoyed the tour very much.”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai, Cowes and a pause for food
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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 by air-conditioned coach from Melbourne to Phillip Island for a koala reserve visit, coastal stops at Cowes and the Nobbies, and the sunset Penguin Parade. The 9.5-hour trip includes general viewing and park admission, plus live commentary from a local driver-guide. Bring warm layers, plan to buy your own lunch, and leave your camera packed at the penguin viewing area.

“Wonderful experience! I enjoyed the koalas and the sanctuary, walking on the boardwalk at the Nobbies, and the penguin parade!”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour - Seal Rocks and the Nobbies: a short coastal pause
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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 in a coach with Wi-Fi, USB charging and toilet facilities. Stop at Seal Rocks and the Nobbies for ocean views, then watch little penguins return to their burrows after sunset. Guides such as Shano, Shane and Justin have helped bring the island’s wildlife and local stories to life.

“Bus driver was so kind and knew loads about the area!”

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade - Cowes: a meal stop with a village feel
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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

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in an air-conditioned vehicle, with stops at Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, Cowes and the Nobbies before the penguin parade. Penguin admission and sanctuary entry are included. Expect a long day, plenty of bus time, cold evening winds and no photography during the parade.

“A great trip especially the last stop with the penguins, very cute. Our guide Elliot was fab lots of history and facts about Melbourne and beyond. In Cowes, grest recommendations for food.”

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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour - Clifftops, seals, and the view at The Nobbies
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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

10.Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

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

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus for a day of koalas, coastal views, Woolamai Beach, and the evening Penguin Parade. Park entry and a local English-speaking guide are included. Guides such as Fiona, Joe, and Ben have led trips, and the long day includes free time in Cowes before the penguins come ashore.

“We had an amazing time with this tour. Everything was well organised, with enough time for every stop. The enthusiasm and knowledge of our tour guide Fiona, made the whole tour even better. We could see the penguins from very close, and they were absolutely adorable. I definitely recommend this tour.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Starting in central Melbourne
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

11.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

This 12-hour guided trip pairs a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, or the reverse, with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide handles the long transfers and shares local wildlife tips. General parade entry is included; Penguin Plus viewing may be available as an upgrade.

“Excellent long but very enjoyable day out. Puffing Billy train ride was superb. Tour Company has their own reserved carriage. Phillip Island was excellent but very very windy. Take plenty of warm clothing as it gets very cold. Unfortunately no photos allowed of the Penguins!! Our guide Jose was excellent throughout”

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Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne - The Nobbies: a quick coastal pause
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Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

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

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

Leave central Melbourne in a small group of up to 11 for Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies and Phillip Island’s evening penguin parade. Air-conditioned transport, live guide commentary and selected city hotel pickup are included. Expect a long afternoon and evening, with penguin viewing times changing by season and food bought separately.

“What a great day! We enjoyed non-stop wildlife - wallabies, kangaroos, shy koalas, a feisty Tasmanian devil, and lots of cool birds. Our tour guide Travis was an expert at spotting them all. Our evening highlight was the penguin parade. We sRead more”

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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne - The drive sets the scene
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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

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

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

Leave Melbourne in the afternoon for Phillip Island, with a guide such as Lisa, Chloe or Shane leading the trip. Look out for ocean views at the Nobbies, seasonal stops at Cape Woolamai and Cowes, then watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Penguin Parade admission, an air-conditioned vehicle and onboard Wi-Fi are included. Photography is not allowed at the parade.

“Our tour guide Chloe was very warm and helpful. She gave us great service and even told us the best spot to see the penguins. We saw so many adorable little penguins—it was such a joyful experience!”

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Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise - Wildlife Watching Without a Guarantee
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Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise

14.1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic Cruise

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

From San Remo Jetty, take a one-hour morning cruise toward Cape Woolamai, passing beneath the Phillip Island Bridge and along granite cliffs and sea caves. An English-speaking guide shares commentary as you watch for seabirds and marine life. Tea, coffee, and cake are included. Wildlife sightings vary, and the bow is restricted to people over 1 meter tall.

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

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform - A quick look at Phillip Island
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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

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

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

Spend about nine and a half hours traveling from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with a Koala Conservation Reserve visit, time in Cowes, a stop at the Nobbies and an evening Penguin Parade from the Penguin Plus platform. A driver-guide provides live English commentary. Guides named on this route include Fiona, Craig, Vicky and Catherine.

“It’s cold in the evening when the penguins come out of the ocean so bring warm clothes. It’s a fabulous experience and loved the penguins, the koalas and other wildlife. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.”

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New in Phillip Island Penguin Tours

★ 4.5Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife ExpeditionFrom $16437 reviews
★ 3.0Melbourne Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Parade Day Tour EscapeFrom $1214 reviews
★ 5.0Wine and Wildlife Tour with Penguin ParadeFrom $12134 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Sunset CruiseFrom $5638 reviews
★ 5.0Wilson’s Promontory & Phillip Island – ‘Prom & Penguins’ TourFrom $8585 reviews
★ 4.0Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day TourFrom $10517 reviews
★ 5.0Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife TourFrom $16426 reviews
★ 5.0[Private Tour] “Penguin Parade” Phillip Island Tour.From $6454 reviews
★ 5.0Private custom Penguin Tour with Premium Penguin Tickets18 reviews
★ 5.0Phillip Island Penguins and Moonlit Sanctuary Private Day TourFrom $3043 reviews
★ 5.0Phillip Island Wildlife Cruise and Penguin Tour from MelbourneFrom $11830 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip IslandFrom $41218 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Medium Size Group TourFrom $11425 reviews
★ 5.0Phillip Island Penguin and wildlife TourFrom $15921 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Tour – Koala’s, Wallabies & Little Penguins.From $1165 reviews

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