Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 282 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour worth booking?
Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour is a 14-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $156 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 282 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (282)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $156 per person
Experience two completely different sides of Melbourne in one seamless day. Start with the city’s laneways, landmarks, gardens and sporting culture, then leave the city behind for Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline and the unforgettable Penguin Parade. Travel in a small group of no more than 24 guests with an expert local guide who brings both destinations to life through stories, local knowledge and wildlife insights. With more than 25 years of touring experience, Go West Tours has carefully combined the city and island highlights into one easy, engaging experience. Comfortable upgraded seating, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and multilingual audio commentary through the Go West Tours app help make the long day feel relaxed, informative and easy to enjoy.
What you get
About this experience
Experience two completely different sides of Melbourne in one seamless day. Start with the city’s laneways, landmarks, gardens and sporting culture, then leave the city behind for Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline and the unforgettable Penguin Parade. Travel in a small group of no more than 24 guests with an expert local guide who brings both destinations to life through stories, local knowledge and wildlife insights. With more than 25 years of touring experience, Go West Tours has carefully combined the city and island highlights into one easy, engaging experience. Comfortable upgraded seating, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and multilingual audio commentary through the Go West Tours app help make the long day feel relaxed, informative and easy to enjoy.
What's included
Included
- Entry fees for attractions & Phillip island Penguin Parade
- On-board WiFi
- All internal transfers
- Friendly & Informative Tour Guide
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Food & Drink
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Melbourne
Join us for a morning Melbourne City Discovery Tour, followed by a trip to Phillip Island to experience the Penguin Parade!
120 minutes here
Collins Street
Travel through the elegant eastern end of Collins Street, often known as Melbourne’s “Paris End”, while your guide introduces you to the architecture, stories and character of the city.
Pass by without stopping
Hosier Lane
Step into the heart of Melbourne’s famous street-art scene at Hosier Lane. Wander among colourful murals and ever-changing artworks while experiencing the creative energy that has made this laneway a Melbourne icon.
15 minutes here
National Gallery of Victoria
Travel through Melbourne’s Arts Precinct and pass the National Gallery of Victoria, one of the city’s best-known cultural institutions.
Pass by without stopping
Shrine of Remembrance
Take in the impressive Gothic Revival architecture of St Patrick’s Cathedral, built from bluestone and sandstone. Enjoy time to appreciate one of Melbourne’s most striking historic landmarks.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Stop at the forecourt of the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of Australia’s most famous sporting venues. Hear about Melbourne’s passion for sport and discover the story of Australian Rules Football from your local guide.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Parliament House of Victoria
Appreciate the Parliament House, a landmark with remarkable architecture at the center of the city's political landscape.
Pass by without stopping
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Take in the impressive Gothic Revival architecture of St Patrick’s Cathedral, built from bluestone and sandstone. Enjoy time to appreciate one of Melbourne’s most striking historic landmarks.
20 minutes here
Fitzroy Gardens
Escape the city streets for a stroll through the peaceful Fitzroy Gardens. Explore the greenery, visit the conservatory and enjoy a glimpse into Melbourne’s history at Cooks’ Cottage.
20 minutes here
Little Lon Distilling Co.
Stop for a photo at Little Lon Distilling Co., tucked away in one of Melbourne’s most historic neighbourhoods. Your guide will share a glimpse into the colourful past of the notorious Little Lon district of the 1850s.
5 minutes here
Old Melbourne Gaol
Discover a darker chapter of Melbourne’s past at the historic Old Melbourne Gaol. Hear stories from your guide about the prison’s place in the city’s history, including its connection to infamous bushranger Ned Kelly.
10 minutes here
Lygon Street
Travel through Melbourne’s famous Little Italy, known for its long-standing café culture, restaurants and strong connection to the city’s Italian community.
Pass by without stopping
Melbourne Museum
Pass Melbourne Museum as you travel alongside the beautiful Carlton Gardens and through one of the city’s important cultural precincts.
Pass by without stopping
Queen Victoria Market
Pass the iconic Queen Victoria Market, a much-loved Melbourne institution known for its fresh produce, delicatessens, specialty stalls and lively market atmosphere.
Pass by without stopping
Phillip Island
Once we meet next to the Immigration Museum after lunch, we’ll begin our journey to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade!
300 minutes here
Cape Woolamai Beach
Stop at the spectacular Cape Woolamai and take in rolling surf, rugged coastline and wide-open ocean views. It’s a beautiful introduction to the wilder side of Phillip Island. We visit this spot only during the summer.
30 minutes here
Cowes
Enjoy a relaxed dinner stop in the seaside town of Cowes. Take some time to choose from a variety of local dining options and soak up the island atmosphere before the evening’s main event. We visit this dinner spot only during the summer.
60 minutes here
The Nobbies
Take in dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views at one of Phillip Island’s most spectacular coastal locations. Explore the boardwalks, keep watch for native wildlife and look towards the famous Seal Rocks offshore.
15 minutes here
Penguin Parade
Finish the day with Phillip Island’s most unforgettable wildlife experience. Watch as the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the ocean at sunset and waddle across the beach towards their burrows — a magical natural spectacle and the perfect finale to your island adventure.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait at the corner of Flinders & Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum. **Please do not wait at the front entry of the Museum** - Pickup is at 9am if travelling during non-daylight savings, AEST. - Pickup is at 10am if travelling during daylight savings, AEDT.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please wait at the corner of Flinders & Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum. **Please do not wait at the front entry of the Museum** - Pickup is at 9am if travelling during non-daylight savings, AEST. - Pickup is at 10am if travelling during daylight savings, AEDT.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, de, ru, ko, pt, cmn, ms, en, it, fr, es, ar, vi, th, ja
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go West Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Photography of any kind is not permitted at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
- The total duration of the tour is between 12-14 hours depending on the season
- The itinerary includes vehicle based sightseeing across Melbourne, photo opportunities at key locations, all internal transfers & a visit to Phillip Island
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 280 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
280 verified traveler reviews for Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Gotta go see the penguins
Jono was an awesome guide. He was funny and helpful and knowledgeable.
via Tripadvisor
Alex, Wallabies, Koalas, Penguins rock!
Alex was amazing we had an absolutely incredible time, never had so much fun singing and cheering with a tour group together for the day. Alex is the best!
via Tripadvisor
An amazing tour from Melbourne
Jools and mascot, Gumnut, were amazing. Very informative, personable, and funny too! Really enjoyed this experience.
via Tripadvisor
Go West Tour awesome penguin parade trip
The trip is really awesome. My tour guide Johnel is so experience. Perfect time management. Detailed explanation. The little penguin is so cute and lovely. I strongly recommend this Go West Tour!!!
via Tripadvisor
JAI is awesome
Really good experience, great job!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $156 to $219
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 99
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Go West Tours, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 85.4 and 4 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Go West Tours runsWhy this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour cost?
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Prices start at $156 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 Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour take?
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Plan for about 14 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 Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 282 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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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 Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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Around 99 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 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour 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 Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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Included: Entry fees for attractions & Phillip island Penguin Parade; On-board WiFi; All internal transfers; Friendly & Informative Tour Guide; and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Not included: Food & Drink; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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Please wait at the corner of Flinders & Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum. **Please do not wait at the front entry of the Museum** - Pickup is at 9am if travelling during non-daylight savings, AEST. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Hindi, German, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese. 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 Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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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 Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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Across 282 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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