Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests)

Outty Ranking 69 4.9 · 18 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $279

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$279
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) worth booking?

Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) is a 12-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $279 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (18)
Duration
12 hours
From
$279 per person

Our first stop is a surfer’s dream beach, Cape Woolamai. From here we will lace up the boots and start our hike that will guide you through rugged rock formations, known as the Pinnacles. After our easy/moderate 6.8km

What you get

    About this experience

    Our first stop is a surfer’s dream beach, Cape Woolamai. From here we will lace up the boots and start our hike that will guide you through rugged rock formations, known as the Pinnacles. After our easy/moderate 6.8km hike we will head into Cowes for a delicious lunch before we Phillip Island Koala Reserve. Stroll through this eucalypt woodland and come ‘face-to-face’ with koalas in their natural habitat. The Koala Reserve’s unique tree top boardwalks and close viewing areas allow visitors to see how truly amazing koalas are. Our next stop is The Nobbies for an easy stroll along the boardwalk to discover breathtaking coastline views and the impressive thundering blowhole. This area is home to Australia’s largest seal colony, little penguins, and silver gulls. And to finish the day we will take a waddle on the wild side and see hundreds (sometimes thousands) of penguins emerge from the surf at sunset at the world-famous Penguin Parade. This experience is a wildlife lover’s dream!

    What's included

    Included

    • Entrance into Penguin Parade & Phillip Island Koala Reserve
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Plenty of chances to see wildlife
    • An easy to moderate 6.8km guided circuit hike around Phillip Island’s highest point Cape Woolamai
    • Rain ponchos & first aid

    Not included

    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Cape Woolamai Walk

      We start our hike that will guide you through rugged rock formations, known as the Pinnacles.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Koala Conservation Reserve

      Stroll through this eucalypt woodland and come ‘face-to-face’ with koalas in their natural habitat.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. The Nobbies Centre

      An easy stroll along the boardwalk to discover breathtaking coastline views and the impressive thundering blowhole

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Penguin Parade

      We will take a waddle on the wild side and see hundreds (sometimes thousands) of penguins emerge from the surf at sunset at the world-famous Penguin Parade.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Melbourne

    CBD pickup is at 7:30am from 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, directly outside the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), near the large thumb sculpture. Please arrive by 7:20am. Please note the tour departs promptly at 7:30am and cannot wait for late arrivals.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    CBD pickup is at 7:30am from 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, directly outside the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), near the large thumb sculpture. Please arrive by 7:20am. Please note the tour departs promptly at 7:30am and cannot wait for late arrivals.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hike & Seek

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Comfortable trainers or hiking boots
    • Water Bottle (1L)
    • Cash or credit card for lunch / Dinner (around $25)
    • Warm layers just in case
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses & a hat
    • Swimsuit & a towel for a swim in the ocean (summer months)
    • Good vibes

    Photos

    Hike around Cape Woolamai on Phillip IslandVW Caravelle - airconWildlife spotting.Small group experience. Max 8 guests.Nobbies boardwalk where you might see some little penguins.Kangaroos & Wallabies along the way.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    18 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    17
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    JuneC486 · February 2025

    Excellent tour with Mark at Hike and Seek

    This was an incredible trip, made especially awesome by our guide Mark. Unlike some tours, this one had a really lovely hike so that it wasn't just about getting in and out of a van. Mark was full of information, the views and itinerary are perfect. Lots of koalas, wallabies, and of course penguins! Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    sallypD3500QG · November 2024

    Have this experience!

    Andrew was the best. Super friendly and knowledgeable and a great sense of humor. We did so much in one day and saw great wildlife. I would highly recommend this tour. The fairy penguins are not to be missed and the views on the hike were stunning.

    via Tripadvisor

    NorthStar28441721960 · May 2024

    Amazing!

    Marcus was great! Shared a lot of his experiences and very knowledgeable. The entire trip was easy going at a perfect pace. Some of us even went swimming during this time!

    via Tripadvisor

    colleenq522 · March 2024

    One for the books!

    What a delight! The bakery on the way was delicious. The hike was about 7 miles. We saw wallabies, spectacular views and an echidna. Then it was off to the Koala Sanctuary. It's very touching that there is so much space for them and some had been rescued during the wildfires. After that we did another small walk where we could see rescued penguins nesting, grey geese and more wallabies. The penguin parade was pure joy. I would suggest going to the far gift shop before popping down because it gets crowded straight afterwards. Seeing the penguins emerging out of the ocean, wait til there are enough to waddle up the beach to goto their homes was delightful. Really a wonderful outing that is such a special day.

    via Tripadvisor

    s4mshine · August 2023

    Splendid day trip with stunning views, intimate nature moment and a good ole time.

    The intimacy of the group, the great care and contextual knowledge shared by guide Shane as well as the curation of the selected experiences make this a wonderful activity to consider when in Melbourne. We were lucky in that we had not only excellent weather but got incredibly lucky in our animal sightings. One koala put on quite the show. Due to the penguins only leaving the water after sunset, the timing is such that the itinerary starts a bit later in the day and goes into the night. Consider that it will be a late late and so it's best to come having had breakfast. (And not just a coffee like I did...)

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)40
    Booking momentum (14% weight)31
    Value for money (12% weight)81
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests): questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.

    How much does Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) cost?

    +

    Prices start at $279 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 Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) take?

    +

    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 Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 18 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 Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests)?

    +

    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 Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests)?

    +

    Around 6 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?

    +

    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 Small Group Phillip Island Penguins & Hiking Tour (4–11 guests) start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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