1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade

Outty Ranking 70 4.8 · 32 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $320

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September 2026

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From, per person$320
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade worth booking?

1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade is a 11-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $320 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (32)
Duration
11 hours
From
$320 per person

This bestselling private 11 hour tour with POSH PENGUINS includes entry to some of the islands most popular attractions, including the Penguin Parade, The Koala Conservation Centre, Cape Woolamai and a Local Wildlife Par

What you get

  • Private transportation
  • Professional Driver / Guide
  • Warm blankets for the Penguin Parade
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
  • All Fees and Taxes

About this experience

This bestselling private 11 hour tour with POSH PENGUINS includes entry to some of the islands most popular attractions, including the Penguin Parade, The Koala Conservation Centre, Cape Woolamai and a Local Wildlife Park. We also make a stop for wildlife spotting as we search for wild wallabies in a quiet natural woodland location and visit other beauty spots on the island. ***Please note that our visit includes a General Entry ticket to the 'Standard Viewing Platform' at the Penguin Parade. If you wish to upgrade your ticket option to 'Penguins Plus, Underground Viewing, Guide Ranger, Ultimate Adventure', please note this is strictly subject to availability and often sold out in advance. We therefore recommend you call / text us on +61 466 888 775 to discuss the many different options you have on this tour. We can check upgrade availability for you, on your requested date***

What's included

Included

  • Private transportation
  • Professional Driver / Guide
  • Warm blankets for the Penguin Parade
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Pre-paid entry to The Penguin Parade (General Viewing) *Upgraded tickets available at aditional cost
  • Pre-paid entry to the Koala Conservation Centre
  • Entrance fee's to all the attractions that we visit are included in the tour price

Not included

  • Upgraded ticket option to the Penguin Parade (*subject to availability if you wish to upgrade).
  • Food and beverages

What you'll see and do

  1. Penguin Parade

    Guests will experience a private tour on Phillip island, stopping at different attractions on the way (included in your tour cost). Attractions include the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Centre and a local waildlife park.

    480 minutes here · Admission included

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  3. Maru Koala and Animal Park

    This attraction is included in your tour.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  4. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  5. Phillip Island Wildlife Park

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  6. Churchill Island

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not. Please note that Churchill Island is only offered on a seasonal basis.

    45 minutes here · Admission included

  7. Churchill Island Heritage Farm

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not. Please note that Churchill Island is only offered on a seasonal basis.

    45 minutes here · Admission included

  8. Seal Rock

    This is an OPTIONAL EXTRA (and an additional cost is involved). This tour is via eco boat and needs to be booked at least 72 hours in advance. It is subject to availability and weather conditions. Participation in this tour will result in the substitution of other attractions, as the boat tour duration is approximately 3 hours.

    180 minutes here · Admission not included

  9. A Maze'N Things

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' Upon booking, you will be contacted as to which ''Optional Extra'' your group would like to add to the tour. Maximum of one complimentary optional attraction per tour. A minimum of 2 hours is required for this attraction, so one other attraction will need to be substituted out from your tour (e.g Churchill island). This Optional Extra needs to be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

    120 minutes here · Admission not included

  10. Koala Conservation Reserve

    Entry to the Koala Conservation Centre is included in your tour price. This private 1 day tour to Phillip island offers a range of attractions to visit, which offering the flexibility to spend more time at the sights that interest you the most. We also have added 'Optional Extras'. Please contact us prior to the travel date to choose which option you would like to choose as some require 24 hours notification to book.

    45 minutes here · Admission included

  11. F Oswin Robert Koala Reserve

    Guided walk through this reserve with your guide to spot some of the islands unique wildlife. This private 1 day tour to Phillip island offers a range of attractions to visit, which offering the flexibility to spend more time at the sights that interest you the most. We also have added 'optional extras'. Please contact us prior to the travel date to choose which option you would like to choose as some require 24 hours notification to book.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

  12. Purple Hen Winery

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not. Please note, this winery closed on certain days of the week.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

  13. National Vietnam Veterans Museum

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  14. The Nobbies Centre

    This private 1 day tour to Phillip island offers a range of attractions to visit, which offering the flexibility to spend more time at the sights that interest you the most. We also have added optional extra's. Please contact us prior to the travel date to choose which option you would like to choose as some require 24 hours notification to book.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

  15. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

    *The tour only passes by the grand prix circuit. Should you wish to visit the circuit, please contact us in advance to enquire of the additional cost and the possibility of a visit.

    Pass by without stopping

  16. Flynns Beach

    This private 1 day tour to Phillip island offers a range of attractions to visit, which offering the flexibility to spend more time at the sights that interest you the most. We also have added optional extra's. Please contact us prior to the travel date to choose which option you would like to choose as some require 24 hours notification to book.

    10 minutes here

  17. Pyramid Rock

    This private 1 day tour to Phillip island offers a range of attractions to visit, which offering the flexibility to spend more time at the sights that interest you the most. We also have added optional extra's. Please contact us prior to the travel date to choose which option you would like to choose as some require 24 hours notification to book.

    5 minutes here

  18. Phillip Island Winery

    This attraction is one of our ''OPTIONAL EXTRAS'' To enjoy this attraction you will need to upgrade your booking to add 1 x additional hour. You may only do this but contacting us after making your booking, to check if this option is available or not. Please note, this winery closed on certain days of the week.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

  19. Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre

    We stop here for a restroom break and to purchase any souvenirs. This private 1 day tour to Phillip island offers a range of attractions to visit, which offering the flexibility to spend more time at the sights that interest you the most. We also have added optional extra's. Please contact us prior to the travel date to choose which option you would like to choose as some require 24 hours notification to book.

    5 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Melbourne

From outside Eureka Tower observation deck - underneath the palms trees

Hotel pickup

Pickup is available for selected locations.

Ends at

From outside Eureka Tower observation deck - underneath the palms trees

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 5 travelers per booking
Operated by
James Williams

Know before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted travel
  • Tours operate in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately according to local conditions
  • Comfy trainers/sneakers are advised. A warm jumper, plus a waterproof jacket is advisable.
  • We wish to advise larger groups of 4 or 5, that our luggage capacity is limited, so we recommend 1 x airplane cabin-sized bags per person. For groups of 3 passengers or less, 1 x standard size suitcase & 1 x cabin-sized bag per person is acceptable.
  • Please note that we do not stop at every attraction we have listed. This is just an advisory of the different options. The tour can be extended to include some of these options. On every tour, we do of course still stop at the Penguin Parade and the koala conservation centre. We do also try and include as many other attractions as we can to maximise your time and enjoyment on the island.

Photos

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Viewing Point (This photo depicts the Penguins Plus and the underground bunker upgrade option. If you wish to book this option, please contact us in advance).Travel in comfort - We have a range of SUV options for groups of 1-2 and larger MPV's for groupsVisit the stunning Churchill Island as part of the tourThe Penguin Parade is the highlight of the tour.Include a visit to a local Phillip Island winery, as one of your complimentary 'optional extras'Guaranteed koala viewing at The Koala Conservation Centre

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

9 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

6 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Photo opportunities

3 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Value for money

2 mentions

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Food and drink

2 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Pace and timing

2 mentions

Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

Traveler reviews

32 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
30
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
2
Sort
justin43210 · January 2026

Ultimate tour of penguins was well worth it!

James reached out after we booked the tour and suggested that we upgrade to the ultimate tour. It was worth it! We had a guide with a separate private beach away from the crowds with a small group of less than ten people. We also got up close with the penguins on the walk from the beach back to the main building. Our guide Richard was great and gave lots of interesting info at each stop.

via Tripadvisor

Jack_G · October 2025

Do not book. we booked...

DO NOT BOOK. We booked this several months in advance and thought it would be a highlight of the trip. We were never contacted by the tour guide and when we tried calling, we learned that the phone numbers were disconnected. Luckily we were able to find a last-minute alternative through our hotel concierge, but I’m now having to work out a refund in the middle of my vacation. Again, DO NOT BOOK. This listing should really be taken down by Viator.

via Viator

Curious19928630416 · September 2025

Certainly a Posh day out

Really enjoyed our time on Phillips island with our guide Erin. Prior to booking we had been in communication with James who not only assisted us with this booking but even offered some really helpful advice about other aspects of our trip to Melbourne which It turned out, was worth its weight in gold. Tip - not matter where you go, always check if there are to be any major events on the local calendar. We got stuck during an event but James wasn’t equally great to offer helpful suggestions even though it was on his own time and it had nothing to do with the tour he was supplying. Just good Old fashioned customer service - something which seems to be lacking these days. But back to the tour itself. We were disappointed that James wasn’t doing the tour as he had guided our friends the year before (he did warn us in advance he wouldn’t be available) but Erin wasn’t equally as fabulous. Witty, knowledgeable, friendly and a very safe driver. We knew we had made the right choice before we had even turned onto the freeway 10 minutes into the start of the tour. The day flowed really well ending in the culmination of the Penguin Parade - A marvel not to be missed. Top marks.

via Tripadvisor

Stacey_P · September 2024

Perfect Day Exploring Phillip Island with Posh Penguins - Highly Recommend

We had a wonderful day exploring Phillip Island with Posh Penguins. James was fantastic - very professional and ensured our day was a success. He reached out in advance of our tour for any last minute details. He was on time and had even brought water and great healthy snacks in the car, which was a very clean and comfortable mini van. Phillip Island is scenic and beautiful, and James is knowledgeable about the area. The penguins are super cute as well! Highly recommend a trip to Phillip Island using Posh Penguins and James as your guide.

Response from the operator: Thanks Stacey, for taking the time to detail your day out on the island. I'm happy James was able to showcase the island in its best light.

via Viator

sftrav · September 2024

Highly recommended!

Wonderful all day tour! Not just the Penguin Parade, which was a highlight, but many other animals and beautiful walks, with James, who is not only charming and easy to talk to but very knowledgeable!

Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to review your experience. Yes Phillip Island does have many beautiful walks. I'm glad James was able to guide you well.

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
11 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
12+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$320 to $800
Hotel pickup
Available for selected locations
Booked in 30 days
11
Verdict
Solid Choice

Why this scores 70

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
Review evidence (18% weight)48
Booking momentum (14% weight)39
Value for money (12% weight)68
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)56
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.

How much does 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade cost?

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Prices start at $320 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade take?

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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.

Is 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 11-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade?

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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Melbourne?

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On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour, Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Melbourne?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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