Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour worth booking?
Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour is a 9-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $590 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 44 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $590 per person
A trip to Phillip Island is a must for nature lovers and those seeking a unique Australian experience. The island is home to a collection of Australian native wildlife including the famous little penguins, fur seals and
What you get
About this experience
A trip to Phillip Island is a must for nature lovers and those seeking a unique Australian experience. The island is home to a collection of Australian native wildlife including the famous little penguins, fur seals and koalas. This insightful tour lets you get up close and personal with these animals and shows off the rugged coastline, where the rocky shoreline meets sandy beaches, often lined with keen surfers.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Dinner
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- The Koala Conservation Centre
- Phillip Island - Penguins Plus Experience
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What you'll see and do
Koala Conservation Reserve
During your tour, come face to face with Australia’s most iconic marsupial at the Koala Conservation Centre. Explore the tree-top boardwalks to glimpse koalas in the natural habitat and wander the extensive trails through Australian bushland, home to many animals including wallabies, echidnas and bats.
45 minutes here · Admission included
The Nobbies Centre
Make your way to the Nobbies Centre to see the wonders of the southern waters and walk the coastal boardwalks to catch a glimpse of the world’s second largest Australian Fur Seal Colony at Seal Rocks.
30 minutes here
Penguin Parade
Every evening at sunset the Little Penguins come out of the surf and return to Summerland Beach. They waddle up to their burrows, just as their ancestors have done for thousands of generations, meandering straight past eager visitors who wait in anticipation for the night’s performance. Watch this miracle unfold in front of you from an exclusive raised platform away from the crowds with the Penguins Plus Experience and see these unique creatures return to their nests in the sand dunes.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- de, vi, cmn, yue, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Melbourne Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Driving time of roughly 2 hours each way
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Magic!
Absolutely magical experience! This is worth every penny! It is so incredible to see these animals up close in their natural environment, and doing this smaller tour is lightyears better than the larger grandstand Penguin Parade experience. We loved getting a tour of Phillip Island from our very knowledgable and kind guide, Garth. He took us to a local restaurant for a great meal and some really great conversation. Incredibly accommodating and perfect way to spend some time learning from a local about an iconic place!
via Tripadvisor
Last Hoorah - Perfect day!
I am so glad we did this! My only regret is I wish we would've used them more!!!! The driver & our other guide were not only insightful & made the day run smoothly, they were so friendly, fun, & catered to us. We had such a fun time (adults /teens/small kids in this group) spending the day out at Phillip island! There are so many activities, things to see, and places to eat. I highly recommend using them if you plan to visit. They made the trip memorable & personal for each of us! THANK YOU! Also, huge thanks to the office staff for coordinating back and forth quickly and arranging last minute tour for us.
Response from the operator: Hi Emma L, our pleasure! So pleased to hear you enjoyed your touring with us, and we'll be more than willing to look after your group next time you're visiting Victoria. Phillip Island is a great tour option for all ages, and as you've mentioned no shortage of activities to enjoy. Thanks again for travelling with MPT!
via Tripadvisor
Best Day on Phillip Island
The day excursion we took from Melbourne to Phillip Island was outstanding in many ways. There were four of us all from the U.K. and one from the U.S. As soon as I met our guide, Katie, in front of the hotel I knew it would be a great time. She is professional and personable and quite fun. She had a deep knowledge base of all things to do with our journey. She made us feel welcome and relaxed, you know, Aussie style! We made our way to the Koala refuge and she let us roam and enjoy the sights. We were introduced to Baramundi at a local restaurant and enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. On to the Penguin Parade! Katie dropped us off right on time at the entrance to meet up with another guide on our private tour. The viewing seats were right at the point where the penguins came from the sea. Outstanding! Katie found us to take us over to a look out point on our way back to the city, where we viewed night stars in the Southern sky. A real treat for this Californian! She was very sweet to do that for us. I recommend her and this tour fervently! Top marks for the whole experience. Thanks very much! Josh Mark Richard and Steve
Response from the operator: Hi joshcalkid, what a great review for our team to read! It's such a great honour to receive feedback like this, especially for Katie personally.Thank you for taking the time to write such detailed comments, as it helps not only us to review our service, but also future guests to learn about how our tours and itineraries take shape. The nightly ritual of the 'Penguin Parade' is a sight that needs to be seen to be believed, and we're so pleased that you had a fantastic time on tour. Hope to see you again Downunder some time!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $590 to $1500
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 44
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour cost?
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Prices start at $590 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 Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour?
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Around 1 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private 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 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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