Birdwatching · PENGUIN TOURS IN MELBOURNE

The 15 Best Penguin Tours from Melbourne

34 tours  ·  from $95 a head

Phillip Island is a two-hour drive and the parade starts at sunset, which is why almost every trip here leaves in the afternoon. These 15 differ on what fills the daylight, group size and how late you get back, each priced.

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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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

4.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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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

5.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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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

6.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

7.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

8.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

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

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

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

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

11.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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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne - The afternoon format makes sense for Melbourne
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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

12.Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 428 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in the afternoon with a guide such as Lisa, Chloe, or Shane. See Cape Woolamai in summer, stop at The Nobbies, and watch little penguins return to shore. Your ticket, transport, taxes, and onboard Wi-Fi are included.

“Watching little penguins parade was so cute & amazing. Definitely is worth the time & tour to go in Melbourne.”

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform - The Melbourne departure and long ride south
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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

13.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Craig, or Vicky. Walk among koala habitats, pause at Cowes and the Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore from the included Penguin Plus viewing platform. Bring warm clothes and snacks for this long day.

“This is an extremely long day with too many stops, would have been better leaving later and going straight to Penguin location, a long wait to see Penguins and very very commercial driven. Not the experience I had hoped for. Also travelled Read more”

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From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour - Two hours with Australian animals at Moonlit Sanctuary
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From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

14.Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 380 reviews · 12 hours · from $105

Spend 12 hours visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island from Melbourne. Your English-speaking guide, such as Gary, Gina, LeeLee, or Alan, handles the driving and local commentary. Feed wallabies for a small fee, then watch little penguins return to shore at sunset.

“Everything was excellent, we loved our tour and our guide. Can absolutely recommend it to everyone”

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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour - A coastal change of pace at the Nobbies
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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

15.Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · from $171

Leave Melbourne for a full day in Victoria’s countryside and along the coast. Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train, walk the Nobbies boardwalk, then watch little penguins come ashore at dusk. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Russell are known for lively commentary.

“It was very informative and fun! Matt was an excellent tour guide - very insightful, considerate and went out of his way for everyones enjoyment and participation. We saw a lot of animals in their environment thanks to Matt!”

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New in Penguin Tours in Melbourne

★ 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
★ 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
★ 4.5Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-OneFrom $120128 reviews
★ 4.8Penguin Parade Afternoon TourFrom $95167 reviews
★ 4.7Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes TourFrom $140161 reviews
★ 4.5Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from MelbourneFrom $96179 reviews
★ 4.6Phillip Is Penguin Parade & Koala Reserve176 reviews

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