
Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 92 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne worth booking?
Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne is a 8-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $1,705 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 92 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (92)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $1,705 per person
Be treated to a visit at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will have the opportunity to interact with an array of Australian native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, an array of colorful birds & reptiles. Visit the Nobbies - home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Then it is on to the gala event! Delight in the magic of visiting the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you will have the privilege of witnessing a true miracle - our beautiful little penguins arriving ashore to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. After a long swim at sea, they will be dressed up in what looks like a tuxedo - marvel at these stunning flightless birds as they waddle right past you on the way to their home. Depending on the time of year, you can tailor your tour and include free time exploring Phillip Island at your own pace.
What you get
About this experience
Be treated to a visit at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will have the opportunity to interact with an array of Australian native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, an array of colorful birds & reptiles. Visit the Nobbies - home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Then it is on to the gala event! Delight in the magic of visiting the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you will have the privilege of witnessing a true miracle - our beautiful little penguins arriving ashore to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. After a long swim at sea, they will be dressed up in what looks like a tuxedo - marvel at these stunning flightless birds as they waddle right past you on the way to their home. Depending on the time of year, you can tailor your tour and include free time exploring Phillip Island at your own pace.
What's included
Included
- Local guide/driver
- Dinner
- Moonlit Sanctuary access
- Live commentary on board
- Penguin Premium access
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
We drive south-east from Melbourne to arrive at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and an array of colourful birds and reptiles
60 minutes here · Admission included
The Nobbies Centre
Enjoy amazing views from the Nobbies lookout
25 minutes here
Penguin Parade
You will be treated to the magical experience of witnessing these special little penguins arriving ashore, decked out in their tuxedos and hurrying off to their find their burrows. On this private tour you will be treated to viewing the penguins at the special Penguin Plus viewing platform.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Cowes
Enjoy a two course dinner with a glass of wine
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Phillip Island Tour
Private tour to Phillip Island from Melbourne Pickup included
French speaking guide
French speaking guide Pickup included
Spanish Guide
Spanish speaking guide Pickup included
Italian speaking guide
Italian speaki guide Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Oceania Tours and Safaris
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers 4yrs and above
- Infants 0-3yrs please request car seat at time of booking
- No photo or video of penguins allowed
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 92 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
92 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing excursion with lots of animals
Fred was a great guide. We had an amazing time seeing all the animals on our trip. The penguin parade was a really pleasant experience. I did not expect to see the penguins in their natural habitat and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we really enjoyed!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Our guide Travis was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Sanctuary and Penguin Parade. Both places provided a wonderful up close experience with native animals.
via Tripadvisor
An amazing day while in Melbourne
My family took the private tour of Phillip Island and had an amazing day. The tour guide was so knowledgeable about Melbourne, the Moonlight Sanctuary and Phillip Island. He had many interesting stories about all the places we visited and was super accommodating. Our guide for the day, Fred G., had so much energy and engaging with describing the sites and experiences of the tour. No matter how much you read or have it explained to you, the Penguin Parade is an amazing event to watch and experience.
via Tripadvisor
Not a great Tour
No idea how this company has this many good reviews. I guess they had different experiences that we did. The ride was rough and uncomfortable. The driver was an ok driver but horrible guide. At one point we were trying to find out if there was a way NOT to have to drive back to Melbourne from Phillip Island with this person. I would generally recommend a tour to see the penguins, i would not go with this company again.
Response from the operator: Hi, We are sorry you didn't enjoy the experience. All our guides get great reviews but sometimes it may happen they don't. We will try to connect privately to get more information about your feedback.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
We took a small group tour to Phillip Island to see the Penguin Parade of Little Penguins, and it was an experience that my 11 year old granddaughter will remember for a lifetime (so will I). Our tour guide, Kevin, was an outstanding source of information, and he really made the experience memorable. We were able to pet a Koala at the Moonlit Sanctuary, which was an awesome experience, and the drive around the sanctuary grounds to view some of the penguin burrows was a great experience, and we saw lots of wallabies along the way. This is an experience you will very much enjoy no matter your age.
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
- $1,705 to $3,475
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 32
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Oceania Tours and Safaris, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.4.
See everything Oceania Tours and Safaris runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne cost?
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Prices start at $1,705 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 Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 92 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne?
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Around 32 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne?
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Included: Local guide/driver; Dinner; Moonlit Sanctuary access; Live commentary on board; and Penguin Premium access. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 14 listed pickup locations in and around Melbourne.
What languages is Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park 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 Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants 0-3yrs please request car seat at time of booking. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Melbourne. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne?
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Across 92 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Phillip Island Tour, French speaking guide, Spanish Guide, Italian speaking guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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