Birdwatching · AUSTRALIA BIRDWATCHING TOURS

The 15 Best Birdwatching Tours in Australia

57 tours  ·  from $17 a head

Penguins at dusk, lorikeets at breakfast and cockatoos in the car park. These 15 cover Phillip Island, the Dandenongs, the sanctuaries and the Queensland aviaries, with prices, pickup points and how late each runs.

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Moonlit Sanctuary: the strongest daytime stop
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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

1.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Our pick

Join Go West Tours for a full-day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. You’ll see Brighton’s bathing boxes, feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore after sunset. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Aleks, and Graeme add plenty of local color.

“Our tour guide Cloe was excellent. Very nice tour would highly recommend it for amazing experience.!”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach Boxes and the first coastal views
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

2.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Travel from Melbourne in a small air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Dirk, Matt, Toni, or Charlie. Feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit Brighton Beach and the Nobbies, then watch little penguins return from the sea. Expect a long, well-filled day and a chilly evening.

“our guide Mattie was fabulous! love his sense of humor and great knowledge of the places we visited. so kind.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour - From central Melbourne to Phillip Island
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

3.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · 9h 30m · from $123

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Fiona, Vicky, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. Expect a long but well-paced day, about 300 km of driving, chilly evening air, and no photography during the penguin viewing.

“Well organised, ran to time and was exactly what we expected. Fiona the driver and guide was excellent!”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Leaving Melbourne in a small guided group
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

4.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Spend eight hours beyond Melbourne with an English-speaking guide, riding Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, visiting Healesville Sanctuary, and sampling chocolate in the Yarra Valley. Guides such as Peter, Mattie, David, and Emily are known for clear commentary and attentive care.

“Matty the tour guide was excellent and went out of his way to make the tour extremely interesting and informative. The whole trip was fantastic. My only complaint is that we ordered lunch at Puffing Billy cafe and it took over 25 mins to arrive so we had only a few minutes to eat lunch before the tour left for the next stop so maybe a mention to others either order a takeaway or take your own packed lunch as there are lovely picnic spots.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour - Moonlit Sanctuary: the most hands-on stop
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

5.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours · from $109

Spend 12 hours exploring Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai in summer, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade from Melbourne. Your English-speaking guide handles the long drive, while an app offers audio information in 16 languages. Expect wildlife, cold coastal air, and a late return.

“Great trip, Simon is great driver, guide, and entertainer 😆😆”

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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - From Belgrave into the Dandenong Ranges
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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

6.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29

Ride Puffing Billy, Australia’s 1900 steam railway, through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave or Lakeside. Choose a journey lasting about 2 to 4 hours, learn from friendly volunteers, and enjoy Emerald Lake Park. Sitting on the carriage sill is allowed only between Belgrave and Lakeside.

“We had a wonderful time riding on Puffing Billy. The scenery in the Dandenong region is stunning. The volunteer staff were very efficient and great fun. I travelled with my adult granddaughters and we all had an amazing time. At the age of 74 it’s the first time I have travelled on a train, sitting with my legs dangling over the side!”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Meeting at The Hotel Windsor
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

7.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, or Nathan, pairing a Puffing Billy steam-train ride with the Nobbies and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Transport, train fare, and parade entry are included, while lunch and dinner are at your own cost.

“I joined a one-day tour to Puffing Billy and the Penguin Parade, and it was truly amazing! Our guide, Lorraine, was the heart of the trip—warm, energetic, and so knowledgeable. From the very start, she shared fun stories and insights, making the whole ride lively and engaging. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect, Lorraine made sure we didn’t miss a thing. She helped us spot wild kangaroos and wallabies, and the highlight was at the Nobbies, where we saw tiny penguin chicks in their burrows—absolutely magical! Riding the historic Puffing Billy through the misty Dandenong Ranges felt like stepping back in time, with eucalyptus trees surrounding the railway. Ending the…”

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Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket - Arrive before sunset for the Visitor Centre
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Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

8.Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,069 reviews · 2 hours · from $22Best value

Watch Little penguins cross Summerlands Beach after sunset, then follow them along the boardwalk toward their burrows. General Viewing includes tiered grandstand seating, the Visitor Centre, café access, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Bring warm clothes, and leave all cameras and phones switched off.

“Make meals available after the Penquin Parade, not everyone wants dinner before 5pm.”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai offers a short coastal break
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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

9.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne with a friendly guide such as Michael, Bluey, David, or Reuben to meet Australian wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary, walk the Nobbies, visit Cape Woolamai, and watch little penguins return from the sea. Expect a 12 to 14 hour day, cool evening winds, and no photography at the parade.

“While a long day, the ti.me passed quickly with relevant and amusing chatter from David. Seeing the birds and animals in their natural habitat was such a treat. I couldn't believe how the wallabies just stood and watched us go by. And the penguins AWESOME. Food was ok. Bring snacks instead of standing in line in the busy times.”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - The Melbourne departure and the long road south
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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

10.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach, stopping at the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before the famous Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cray, Peter, Lauren, Joel, and Tom have been praised for lively local stories, though the long day can feel rushed and the penguin viewing is structured.

“It’s a long drive from Melbourne to see this beautiful place and well worth the time. Plan on something to do to occupy yourself on the bus. Make sure you have a wire for your phone (usb, not c). The bus rows do not allow for a great deal of leg room. The penguin parade is charming and will delight all age groups”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour - Seal Rocks and the Nobbies boardwalk
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

11.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 660 reviews

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in a comfortable coach with Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a toilet. Stop at Seal Rocks and the Nobbies, visit Cowes in the warmer months, then watch little penguins return from the sea. Guides such as Shano and Justin add local stories and practical viewing tips.

“thank to our guide, I liked the adjustment due to the accident closure of seal rock(?. it was sudden but turned out to be nice memory.”

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade - Woolamai Beach brings open coast and surf
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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

12.Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 658 reviews · from $104

Spend about 10 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne, with Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. The group can reach 39 people, and guides such as Steve, Luke, John, James, and Elliot have led departures. Bring food, water, and warm layers.

“Not as expected… first of all, it was freezing, my first time in Australia, thought it’s their summer time.( would have appreciated, if advised to wear warmly prior to the trip) It was freezing cold, after 10 minutes viewing at the bleachers, goRead more”

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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour - The Koala Conservation Reserve starts the wildlife day
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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

13.Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 642 reviews · 10 hours · from $109

Travel from central Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus, stopping at the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and Woolamai Beach before the evening Penguin Parade. English commentary and audio translations are included, with about two hours of road travel each way.

“Was a good trip. A lot of time to spend on own at each place.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - Starting in central Melbourne
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

14.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Ride the historic Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then explore Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina keep the 8-hour day moving.

“Fabulous day! Worth noting to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty for the steam train as the ash gets all over you. Also definitely bring sunglasses! Great protecting your eyes from the ash. Lily was our guide and she was so so lovely and friendly”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

15.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking Explore Australia guide such as Alan, Gina, José, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. General Penguin Parade entry is included, with a Penguin Plus upgrade available.

“Cate was very knowledgeable about the animals we saw. She was very helpful and super nice.”

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New in Australia Birdwatching Tours

★ 5.0Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own BirdFrom $922 reviews
★ 5.0Brisbane: Kangaroos, Birds and Mangroves Coastal TourFrom $1692 reviews
★ 5.0Private custom Penguin Tour with Premium Penguin Tickets18 reviews
★ 5.0Private custom Tour of Phillip Island With Penguin Parade6 reviews
★ 5.0Phillip Island Penguins Private Adventure10 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin ParadeFrom $16932 reviews
★ 4.7Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from MelbourneFrom $10947 reviews
★ 5.0Phillip Island: Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour w/ Island PickupFrom $9354 reviews
★ 5.0Seal Island and Penguin Island or Point Peron Sea Kayak TourFrom $13462 reviews
★ 4.7Margaret River: Birds of Prey Encounter and Forest WalkFrom $1772 reviews
★ 4.4Phillip Island: Golden Hour Penguin Express TourFrom $9275 reviews
★ 4.5Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from MelbourneFrom $12181 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wildlife and Beach Boxes Bus TourFrom $11189 reviews
★ 4.7Boutique Phillip Island Wine, Dine & Penguin TourFrom $16287 reviews
★ 4.3Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Day TourFrom $102114 reviews

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