Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne
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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
4.7/5
Based on 201 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne worth booking?
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne is a 8-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $98 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 201 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (201)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $98 per person
In just one extraordinary day, experience two of Victoria’s top wildlife attractions: the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, with one of Australia's largest colony of fur seals; and the nightly Penguin Parade, where little penguins
What you get
About this experience
In just one extraordinary day, experience two of Victoria’s top wildlife attractions: the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, with one of Australia's largest colony of fur seals; and the nightly Penguin Parade, where little penguins pop out of the water and waddle across the beach to their burrows. At the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, the clifftop boardwalk opens up breathtaking views of Phillip Island’s wild south coast, and there are further lookout points among natural sea bird gardens which have spectacular flowering displays in spring. Then witness Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins in the nightly Penguin Parade. As dusk falls, hundreds of little penguins splash out of the water onto the beach, making their way to their burrows. They feed at sea and return to their burrows to mate, care for their young and to moult.
What's included
Included
- General viewing entry fees at the Penguin Parade
- Park Entry Fees
- On-board WiFi
- Friendly & informative tour guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
The Nobbies
Views of Phillip Island's rugged south coast and home to Australia's largest fur seal colony.
30 minutes here
Penguin Parade
World famous Penguin Parade. Enjoy the brand new visitors centre and learn about the daily lives of the Little Penguins. Take a stroll along the paths and boardwalks trying to spot a Penguin who may have stayed behind from the days fishing and is snuggled up in their burrow. As dusk falls, watch as bands of Penguins come ashore and waddle up Summerland Beach.
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 1:45pm if travelling during non-daylight savings times, AEST. - Pickup is at 2:45pm if travelling during daylight savings time, 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 1:45pm if travelling during non-daylight savings times, AEST. - Pickup is at 2:45pm if travelling during daylight savings time, AEDT.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, de, ru, pt, ko, cmn, ms, yue, 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
- Bunyip 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 and video are NOT PERMITTED at the Penguin Parade
- Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
- This tour returns to Melbourne at approximately 9pm-12am depending on the season
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 201 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
201 verified traveler reviews for Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fifty fifty
James our guide was incredibly Witty knowledgeable and ace at his job The penguins were another story Too far away to make it worth it at the beach We did see them close up as we went back But I felt sorry for them They are used to soo many humans around I guess The price of the tour is not worth it If you have a car it brilliant but not at the tour price
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re delighted to hear such wonderful comments about James and will certainly pass them on to him. The Penguin Parade is a natural wildlife experience, so viewing distances can vary depending on where the penguins come ashore. As you discovered, some of the best opportunities to see them up close are along the boardwalks as they make their way back to their burrows. Phillip Island Nature Parks carefully manages the experience to protect the penguins and their habitat while allowing visitors to observe this remarkable natural event. We appreciate your comments regarding value and thank you for travelling with Bunyip Tours.
via Viator
Excellent experience
It was an excellent tour with GoWest. Ben the guide was excellent and very considerate. Will use the same tour company again the next time I'm in Melbourne. Great experience.
via Tripadvisor
Experience should be improved
Pros: nice guide Cons: tickets do not include Premium viewing - I would go with a different company that does and we would have loved that option!! VERY VERY UNHAPPY - were asked to sit at the feet of other people, not on a proper bench; The transport is in need of updating: burnt our feet from heating underneath our seats and then was blasting out cold air from above to help with the VERY foggy windows (so you will be cold, but your shoes would feel that you’re standing on a radiator); seatbelts gave me and another passenger a hard time Small seats and very small space between rows of seats (tall people do not fit) Commentary could include more information - for at least 4hr journey in total, it was not enough
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear you enjoyed your guide. We're sorry that aspects of the experience didn't meet your expectations. It is possible to upgrade your viewing to Penguins Plus if you contact our office prior to your tour departure, but we regret that you chose not to do so after purchasing the standard tour which includes General Admission at the Penguin Parade. We also appreciate your comments regarding the vehicle, seating and onboard comfort. Our vehicles are purpose-selected for small-group touring and maintained to strict safety standards, however we recognise that comfort preferences vary. Your comments regarding the commentary have also been noted and will be shared with our team as we continually review the guest experience. Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback.
via Tripadvisor
David the goat
W trip david is a top bloke , the penguins were funny wee guys🗿
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and our guide, Dave N, was amazing. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience even more enjoyable. Seeing the penguins was a real highlight and made the day unforgettable. We highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such a memorable day with Dave N. His friendly nature, local knowledge and enthusiasm always help make the experience extra special, so we're thrilled he made such a positive impression. It's fantastic to know the Penguin Parade was a highlight of your day. Watching the little penguins make their way home each evening is such a unique experience, and we're so pleased it was one you'll always remember. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with Bunyip Tours. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another adventure with us in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $98 to $145
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 70
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne cost?
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Prices start at $98 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 Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 201 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 Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne?
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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 Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne?
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Around 70 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne 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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