Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 980 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne worth booking?
Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne is a 12-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $110 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 980 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (980)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $110 per person
Here’s the very best of Victoria’s wildlife experiences. The Penguin Parade is an absolute ‘must’ on every visitor’s itinerary, but this tour gives you so much more. First stop is Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can get up close to wallabies on the wallaby walk (you may see little joeys peeking out of their mothers’ pouches). Enjoy a ranger providing unique insights and information during the daily koala presentation. Then we travel on to the spectacular Cape Woolamai Surf Beach. Located on the southern coast of Phillip Island, this beach is exposed to the ocean swells and the surf here is truly impressive. It's also not uncommon to see dolphins or seals swimming in the waters just off the beach. We also visit the Nobbies and Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony at Seal Rocks. Finally, the ultimate attraction: hundreds of Little Penguins emerging from the ocean and waddling across the beach to their sand dune burrows.
What you get
About this experience
Here’s the very best of Victoria’s wildlife experiences. The Penguin Parade is an absolute ‘must’ on every visitor’s itinerary, but this tour gives you so much more. First stop is Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can get up close to wallabies on the wallaby walk (you may see little joeys peeking out of their mothers’ pouches). Enjoy a ranger providing unique insights and information during the daily koala presentation. Then we travel on to the spectacular Cape Woolamai Surf Beach. Located on the southern coast of Phillip Island, this beach is exposed to the ocean swells and the surf here is truly impressive. It's also not uncommon to see dolphins or seals swimming in the waters just off the beach. We also visit the Nobbies and Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony at Seal Rocks. Finally, the ultimate attraction: hundreds of Little Penguins emerging from the ocean and waddling across the beach to their sand dune burrows.
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
- Pickup from selected hotels
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary & guided tour of the exhibits
- Friendly & informative tour guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- General admission at the Penguin Parade
Not included
- Meals other than as stated
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Phillip Island
Begin your Phillip Island adventure with this exciting full-day wildlife tour!
Pass by without stopping
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Encounter famous Australian Wildlife including Kangaroos, Wallabies, bird life, reptiles, Tasmanian Devils and of course Koalas! You may have the opportunity to get up close to a Koala or even cute wallabies* *Additional fees apply, paid directly to Moonlit Sanctuary
90 minutes here · Admission included
Cape Woolamai Beach
Spend some time getting sand between your toes at this spectacular beach on the southern coast of Phillip Island. We visit this spot during summer season only.
30 minutes here
The Nobbies
Explore the boardwalks to enjoy panoramic coastal views. Search for Australia's largest fur seal colony! These playful creatures can often be found lazing on the rocks or hunting for food.
15 minutes here
Penguin Parade
Word-famous Penguin Parade. Our guides give you plenty of time to enjoy the brand new visitors centre, packed full of interesting displays on the adorable Little Penguins. Take some time to wander the paths and boardwalks for a chance to see penguins in their burrows. And of course, enjoy the spectacle of the 'parade' at dusk!
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- 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.
- If travelling with an infant, please contact Tour Operator at info@bunyiptours.com directly and request infant seat.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 979 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 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
979 verified traveler reviews for Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day, cute penguins.
Sherif was a fantastic tour guide and the day was well thought out. Only thing I would say is to plan food for your day ahead of time.
via Viator
Day trip from Melbourne
First time using this site to book a day tour outside of US. Easy to use and navigate. It is confusing as we were not told in advance what is the name of the local tour company. At pick up site, there were at least 10 tour buses showed up and we had to keep showing our passes until the correct guide/driver was met. The day tour is worth it if you stayed in city center without a rental car. All the sites visited were lovely, but not enough time was given at each site, understandably due to distance travelled and time limits. Mike our driver/guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Too bad of the 22 of us on the bus, only us and one other party of 2 gave him a tip😞
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience! 😊 We’re glad to hear the booking process was easy to use and that you felt the Phillip Island tour was worthwhile, especially without having a rental car in Melbourne. There’s certainly a lot to fit into the day, and we’re happy you enjoyed the different stops along the way. 🐨🦘🐧 We’re sorry the pickup was confusing with so many tour buses arriving at the same location. We completely understand how frustrating it can be having to check passes and figure out which bus and guide you’re looking for, especially when you’re visiting from overseas. We really appreciate you pointing this out, as it’s helpful feedback for us to consider. And we’re very happy to hear Mike was knowledgeable and informative throughout the day. A long day with plenty of driving can be a lot to take in, so having a guide who keeps things interesting along the way makes a big difference. We’ll definitely make sure Mike sees your kind words! 💛 We also understand the feeling of wishing for a little more time at some of the stops. There’s quite a distance to cover on Phillip Island, so the itinerary does involve balancing time at each location with getting everyone to the Penguin Parade at the right time. Thanks again for joining us and for the honest feedback. If there was anything else we could have done to turn your 4-star experience into a 5-star one, we’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts! 😊
via Viator
Enjoy your tour.
It was a comfortable journey. Guide explained places en route and we enjoyed the trip. Tour operator maintained pickup and drop as planned.
via Viator
Excellent
It was a great tour with my kids. Our guide, Chris W, was amazing. Throughout the trip, he stayed connected with us, cared about us, and always provided pickup/drop-off information and directions. Next time if I make a plan obviously it will be with Bunyip. One of my little suggestions is that the seating arrangement should be more comfortable. The space was congested. That's it.
via Tripadvisor
The Penguins Are SPECIAL!
The Penguin Parade was a fun experience. Seeing the penguins close up was very special. The only drawback was the very cold weather, which obviously couldn’t be avoided.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $110 to $165
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 343
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bunyip Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 82.4.
See everything Bunyip Tours runsWhy this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne cost?
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Prices start at $110 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 Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne 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 (4.8/5 across 980 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 Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day 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 Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne?
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Around 343 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day 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 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 Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne?
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Included: On-board WiFi; Pickup from selected hotels; Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary & guided tour of the exhibits; Friendly & informative tour guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Meals other than as stated; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 19 listed pickup locations in and around Melbourne.
What languages is Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne offered in?
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It is offered in Hindi, German, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Malay, Cantonese, 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 Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne?
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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 Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board; and If travelling with an infant, please contact Tour Operator at info@bunyiptours.com directl. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne 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 Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne?
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Across 980 reviews averaging 4.8 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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