
Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 855 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade worth booking?
Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade is a 11-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $106 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 855 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (855)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $106 per person
Every night at sunset, the truly incredible spectacle of the Penguin Parade occurs on the beaches of Phillip Island. The local colony of little penguins emerges from the water to make their way to the burrows in the sand dunes - and this tour is your chance to witness this unforgettable phenomenon in real life! We’ll spend the day exploring top attractions including Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and the Nobbies, before settling in on the sand, ready for the main show at the Penguin Parade. Including all entrance fees, this great value tour is the best way to discover the wild coastal scenery and delightful animals of Phillip Island.
What you get
About this experience
Every night at sunset, the truly incredible spectacle of the Penguin Parade occurs on the beaches of Phillip Island. The local colony of little penguins emerges from the water to make their way to the burrows in the sand dunes - and this tour is your chance to witness this unforgettable phenomenon in real life! We’ll spend the day exploring top attractions including Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and the Nobbies, before settling in on the sand, ready for the main show at the Penguin Parade. Including all entrance fees, this great value tour is the best way to discover the wild coastal scenery and delightful animals of Phillip Island.
What's included
Included
- Entrance to the Moonlit Sanctuary
- Wildlife Viewing
- General admission to the Penguin Parade
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Free Audio Guide App
- Melbourne CBD Pick up and Drop off
Not included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Moonlit Sanctuary is home to stacks of well-known Aussie animals including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, plus many lesser-known species such as the spot-tailed quoll, yellow-bellied glider and long-nosed potoroo.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Woolamai Beach
Located at the base of Cape Woolamai, Woolamia Beach is one of Victoria's most beautiful and rugged beaches. With huge surf and a soft golden sand, any trip to Phillip Island must include a stop here.
20 minutes here
Cowes
Cowes is located at the Northerly tip of Phillip Island is and is the Islands most populated town. It offers a village feel full of restaurants and bars. Cowes Beach and Jetty offer magnificent views over the gentle waters of Western Port Bay back to the Mornington Peninsula.
45 minutes here
The Nobbies Centre
Stroll the Nobbies board walk for views of the awesome volcanic rock formations. Check out seal rock which is home to the largest colony of Australian Fur seals. Keep you eyes peeled for more Aussie Wildlife including Swamp Wallabies and even Penguins.
45 minutes here
Penguin Parade
As the sun begins to lower, we’ll make our way to Summerland Beach ready for the main event. Once the sun has set, the little penguins will feel safe enough to emerge from the water in small groups and make their way across the beach. Take a stroll along the boardwalks to walk alongside these adorable birds as they waddle their way back to their nests with their bellies full from a day out at sea fishing.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Corner of Flinders Street and Market Street
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Corner of Flinders Street and Market Street
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, hi, de, vi, ko, pt, ja, en, zh-CN, it, fr, nl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sightseeing Tours Australia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Unfortunately we cannot take infants under the age of 3 years old
- Please note: Evenings on Phillip Island can be cold and windy during the Penguin Parade. We recommend wearing warm clothing, such as a good jacket, to stay comfortable.
- Most travellers can participate
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 851 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
851 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good Experience
The entirety of the tour was good. Would have loved to see more kangaroos in the Moonlit Santuary. But it was afternoon time and they were mostly asleep. Got to see many penguins walking. The best time I heard during Aussy summer.
via Tripadvisor
Too busy of an itinerary with not enough information or preparation to enjoy the penguins
I found this itinerary to be too busy to be enjoyable and more stressful than fun. We spent the first hour of the day driving in a square around the city to various pick up points, but actual hotel pick up was not offered. It is then a long drive during which very little information is provided as the driver is also the guide - which is concerning. On our particular trip, the microphone did not work well and we had difficulty understanding what bit of information we did get. The Moonlit sanctuary closes at 4:00 pm, and by the time you arrive there the animals (at least on our day) were not interested in interacting. People were returning unused food cups they’d purchased as the animals were not interested in eating at this point which seemed to be a function of the time of day. There is not enough time to enjoy any of the stops on the way to the penguins or to really learn about them, and I felt like I spent most of the tour asking questions/trying to figure out what to do/ what was happening next. We were extremely unprepared by the time we arrived to the Penguin parade and did not know that upgraded viewing options were available which were all sold out by the time we arrived. I may have missed this when I booked originally, but I do not recall seeing the upgrade options, which are definitely recommended as general viewing is very crowded and there is apparently an ideal system for viewing which we did not know about ahead of time. I ended up not having time to eat dinner and we missed the first group of penguins because my travel companion is elderly and no one advised us that it would be a very long walk from the main building to the viewing area. The drive home was difficult as everyone is exhausted, and it feels a bit unsafe being dropped off alone on the streets after midnight and left to your own devices to get back to your hotel. Our guide, Craig, was lovely, and I do not fault him for any of this - I think he did the best he could with the itinerary he was given. I just found that this is a very poorly designed tour and would not recommend it for those who are prioritizing maximizing the Penguin parade experience and understanding and learning about it. It also felt like the bus was not climate controlled as it was extremely cold on the way back.
via Viator
Mixed feelings
We were very unfortunate that we were the last ones to get on the bus since the pick-up process was based on the location of your stay. We were 3 of us, 2 adults and a kid, so basically we had to go to the last row. But the last row was lover then than the rest of the seats level and on top of that our kid had to sit on a tiny emergency seat. I raised this issue to the driver politely, but you got the regular answer.... He could not do anything. Our driver's English was very much limited and was not easy to understand. He changed frequently the meeting times, causing misunderstandings among the passengers. Otherwise the highlights of the tour were great. It was a long tiring day in a small bus. The penguin parade was great! Exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach was nice and also the native wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
via Tripadvisor
Elliot the GOAT
We had such an amazing time on this tour! Elliot was so funny and had us dying and cackling with laughter, definitely a major highlight on this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Phillip island
Was such an awesome day even with some rain, and our tour guide was absolutely amazing! Would definitely recommend this to anyone!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $106 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 299
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sightseeing Tours Australia, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.8.
See everything Sightseeing Tours Australia runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade cost?
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Prices start at $106 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 Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and 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 Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 855 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and 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 Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade?
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Around 299 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 Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and 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 From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate tour, Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade, 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.
What is included in Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade?
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Included: Entrance to the Moonlit Sanctuary; Wildlife Viewing; General admission to the Penguin Parade; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Free Audio Guide App. Not included: Lunch; Dinner; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 6 listed pickup locations in and around Melbourne.
What languages is Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic, Hindi, German, Vietnamese, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Chinese, Italian, French, Dutch and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Unfortunately we cannot take infants under the age of 3 years old. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Melbourne. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade?
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Across 855 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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