Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade worth booking?
Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade is a 10-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $108 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $108 per person
Phillip Island is a treasure trove of Australian wildlife; seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife and penguins! Visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, where you can see koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australia
What you get
About this experience
Phillip Island is a treasure trove of Australian wildlife; seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife and penguins! Visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, where you can see koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australian birds, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus and even more! Before sunset, we head to the Penguin Parade, where you can wander through the "Penguin Experience" exhibit to learn more about them. Stroll out to Summerland Beach and sit in the main grandstand for the Penguin Parade. On the tour you will visit Maru Koala and Animal Park (own expense), feed our lovely local animals，Visit Caldermeade Farm & Cafe, a modern milk farm and observe the entire process of mechanized milking .Explore The Nobbies , a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views , last stop Phillip Island Nature Parks.
What's included
Included
- Mandarin and English Live Commentaries
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Audio Commentary (Including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean)
- Friendly and informative Driver guide
- Admission to Penguin Parade General Viewing
Not included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Travel Insurance
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Caldermeade Farm and Cafe
A large modern dairy farm, where you will see the entire semi-automated milking process and learn a little about milk and dairy products.
30 minutes here
Maru Koala and Animal Park
Maru is a family-run attraction where you can see koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australian birds, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus and even more!
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Cowes
Cowes, situated at the northern tip of Phillip Island, is the island's most populous town. It exudes a charming village atmosphere, featuring a wide array of restaurants and bars. Cowes Beach and Jetty provide stunning views over the tranquil waters of Western Port Bay, with a picturesque backdrop of the Mornington Peninsula.
30 minutes here
The Nobbies Centre
Continue to the western tip of Phillip Island to The Nobbies Centre, a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views. The landscape surrounding the Nobbies Information Centre is full of colourful bird species. Many varieties nest and feed on the cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled! Inside the centre, new-age screens display short presentations that dive into the life and habitat of Phillip Island.
30 minutes here
Penguin Parade
As the sun sets, we head out to Summerland Beach and grab a spot on the boardwalk. Observe hundreds of little penguins come up to the shore, making their way across the beach to their homes in the sand dunes. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. (2 hours drive from Philip Island to Melbourne)
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Location: Melbourne City Address: 52 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Great Southern Hotel）
Meeting point
Melbourne
Location: Melbourne City Address: 42 Russell Street (In front of Grand Hyatt, Eagle sculpture)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Location: Melbourne City Address: 52 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Great Southern Hotel）
Ends at
Location: Melbourne City Address: 42 Russell Street (In front of Grand Hyatt, Eagle sculpture)
Options you can book
52 Spencer St
Starting point: 52 Spencer St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
42 Russell St
Starting point: 42 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ko, ja, en, zh-CN
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Extragreen Holidays
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You can scan the QR code (click the link) to access multilingual tour commentaries
- Phillip Island is quite far from Melbourne, there is around 5 hours will spend on the transportation on the day. And couple hours on meals.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Philip Island Tour
Excellent trip. Visited the Koala Reserve and Cowes before going to the Penguin Reserve. Bit of a wait till the penguins started coming out but really good to see the few that did come up the beach before we had to leave to get our coach. Best to leave enough time to see the penguins going up past the boardwalk after leaving the beach. It was very busy. You are not allowed to take pictures once the sun has set.
via Tripadvisor
Recommended!
I had a great time, the driver / guide was extremely kind and friendly. We saw several typical animals of Australia and breathtaking landscapes! I found it useful to have several hours of travel by bus, so I could rest between visits.
via Viator (translated)
Penguin island or the lack of penguin
The tour operator was good & professional. The good part of the tour was the visit to Bathing boxes , Puffing Billy and Nobbies. However the Penguin island disappointed me. We had to wait for the penguins which hardly showed up. The only restaurant there charges a hefty sum & nothing else was worth it.
via Tripadvisor
Review on Puffing Billy and Philip Island tour
Steven’s Puffing Billy and Philip Island tour was absolutely fantastic! His time management was impeccable, ensuring we saw every highlight without feeling rushed. We loved the stop to see Australia’s amazing animals, including kangaroos and koalas. Steven also shared fascinating historical and local information about Melbourne, which truly enriched our experience. A perfect, well-paced day trip. Highly recommend this five-star tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour but with a sneaky extra charge
Great tour guide who had helpful tips for the penguins. Not very long at koala park and entry is expensive so we opted for minigolf for the 2 kids at the same place. Great fun! Took a star off for sneaky extra charge of $5 per head for 'gratuities'. We paid it without fuss as our driver/guide Curtis was amazing. Otherwise this is a sneaky/unreasonable move by the company Extragreen Holidays, they should not be doing this in my opinion.
Response from the operator: Dear, Thank you very much for your kind support. We would like to sincerely apologize for the confusion during your recent tour. As some guests in the group were required to pay tips, it may have caused a misunderstanding, and we are truly sorry for any inconvenience this may have brought you. To make things right, we would be grateful if you could kindly provide your Australian bank account details, so we can arrange a refund of the tip as soon as possible. Thank you again for your understanding and patience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. Warmest regards,
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $108 to $148
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade cost?
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Prices start at $108 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 Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 6 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 Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with 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 Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with Penguin Parade?
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Around 2 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Phillip Island Full-Day Tour from Melbourne with 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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