Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne

Highlights

  • A beloved day-trip destination for Melbournians, Phillip Island offers a combination of rolling farmland, windswept cliffs and unique animal encounters. After pickup at your Melbourne hotel in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the city’s leafy suburbs as we head south-east of Melbourne to visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park at the top of Mornington Peninsula. You will meet endangered Australian native wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, kookaburras and dingoes. Look out for a variety of bright colored birds and reptiles.  Cross a bridge to access Phillip Island, where the Australian Motor Grand Prix and home of our famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the island depending on the time of year and your interest, we will visit Woolamai Beach to admire surfers gliding along the waves. We will then head to the southern tip of the island to view the rugged windswept cliffs of the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, home to a large fur seal colony. In the warmer months between October to March we will spend time on the island town of Cowes where you might dine (own expense) in one of the delicious restaurant options and browse local shops. In the cooler months between April to September, you will return to Melbourne after the Penguin Parade visit to indulge in one of Melbourne City's decadent restaurants.  As dusk approaches, make your way to a local beach and settle in to a shoreline viewing platform for the world-famous Penguin Parade. Every night, hundreds of petite fairy penguins — the smallest in the world — emerge from the water here after fishing all day. Watch the awe-inspiring spectacle as the adorable penguins waddle across the sand and through the bush to tuck into their burrows for the night. Your tour includes an upgraded Penguins Plus experience for a VIP boardwalk view of the parade. Once all penguins have gone home for the night, relax on the approximately 2-hour return drive to Melbourne.

Summary

A beloved day-trip destination for Melbournians, Phillip Island offers a combination of rolling farmland, windswept cliffs and unique animal encounters. After pickup at your Melbourne hotel in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the city’s leafy suburbs as we head south-east of Melbourne to visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park at the top of Mornington Peninsula. You will meet endangered Australian native wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, kookaburras and dingoes. Look out for a variety of bright colored birds and reptiles.  Cross a bridge to access Phillip Island, where the Australian Motor Grand Prix and home of our famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the island depending on the time of year and your interest, we will visit Woolamai Beach to admire surfers gliding along the waves. We will then head to the southern tip of the island to view the rugged windswept cliffs of the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, home to a large fur seal colony. In the warmer months between October to March we will spend time on the island town of Cowes where you might dine (own expense) in one of the delicious restaurant options and browse local shops. In the cooler months between April to September, you will return to Melbourne after the Penguin Parade visit to indulge in one of Melbourne City's decadent restaurants.  As dusk approaches, make your way to a local beach and settle in to a shoreline viewing platform for the world-famous Penguin Parade. Every night, hundreds of petite fairy penguins — the smallest in the world — emerge from the water here after fishing all day. Watch the awe-inspiring spectacle as the adorable penguins waddle across the sand and through the bush to tuck into their burrows for the night. Your tour includes an upgraded Penguins Plus experience for a VIP boardwalk view of the parade. Once all penguins have gone home for the night, relax on the approximately 2-hour return drive to Melbourne.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Be treated to a visit at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will have the opportunity to interact with an array of Australian native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, an array of colorful birds & reptiles. Visit the Nobbies - home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Then it is on to the gala event! Delight in the magic of visiting the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you will have the privilege of witnessing a true miracle - our beautiful little penguins arriving ashore to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. After a long swim at sea, they will be dressed up in what looks like a tuxedo - marvel at these stunning flightless birds as they waddle right past you on the way to their home. Depending on the time of year, you can tailor your tour and include free time exploring Phillip Island at your own pace.

What’s included?

  • Transport by private vehicle

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

  • Local guide/driver

  • Live commentary on board

  • Penguin Plus access

  • Moonlit Sanctuary access

  • Entry/Admission - Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

  • Entry/Admission - Phillip Island Nature Parks - Penguin Parade

  • Food and drinks

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 8h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Oceania Tours & Safaris

About operator:

Oceania Tours operate small group tours for up to 11 passengers in Melbourne and surrounds. You will love the personalized experiences and enjoy the interaction with our friendly and expert guides. You will discover the best city sights on our Melbourne City Tour or if you choose to venture out of the city, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of the Great Ocean Road featuring the Twelve Apostles and special interactions with kangaroos, koalas, tiger quolls and bandicoots. Perhaps you prefer a trip to visit the famous little penguins on our Phillip Island tour where you will have time to fully explore the island and chat to your expert guide. We look forward to sharing our beautiful city with you.

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