Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne
5
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Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne
By Bunyip Tours
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About
The beautiful beaches, bushland, and nature reserves of Phillip Island lie about a 2-hour drive south of Melbourne. On this tour, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters in one day—spot kangaroos at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, watch the famous Penguin Parade on Summerland Beach, and look for seals at Nobbies boardwalk.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 24 per group
Duration: 12–14 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
- Enjoy the nature, wildlife, and lifestyle of Phillip Island and beyond
- Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Watch the famous Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle to their burrows
- Great value: includes entrance fees and select hotel transfers
- Friendly & informative tour guide
- Pickup from selected hotels
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary & guided tour of the exhibits
- WiFi on board
- General admission at the Penguin Parade
- Entry/Admission - Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Entry/Admission - Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
What's not included- Meals other than as stated
- Gratuities
- Get picked up from one of a number of Melbourne hotels and set out on the journey to Phillip Island. Before crossing the bridge to the island, stop along the Mornington Peninsula to visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Follow the Wallaby Walk and spot a wide variety of native Australian animals, including wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, and dingoes. Set out to explore Phillip Island to see the Nobbies rock formations and Cape Woolamai Beach before heading to Summerland Beach for the evening Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle across the beach to their burrows. Return to Melbourne, where your tour ends back at your departure point.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Pickup is only available from the list of hotels provided upon checkout. Your pickup will be between 11:00am-12 midday (during daylight savings times, AEDT) or 10:00am-11:00am (during non-daylight savings times, AEST) depending on which location you select. Your exact meeting time will be provided after a booking is placed. This tour returns to Melbourne at approximately 9pm-midnight depending on the season.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5325P23- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Photography and video are NOT PERMITTED at the Penguin Parade
- Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
- If travelling with an infant, please contact Tour Operator directly and request infant seat
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5325P23
From AU$165.00
AU$155.10
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- zitaxu0 contributionsWorst experience and fraudulent tour company!!!! Shame on TripAdvisor and Viator!!!We arrived at the designated pick-up point at 2:10pm and waited till 3:20pm but no one showed up. It was even raining!! We tried to call the tour company and no one picked up. It is so terrible as we came to Melbourne to see penguin and spent lots of money and time for it! Now it is all ruined!!!Written 30 November 2024
- anjak5690 contributionsTerrific Tour with a fantastic guide!Great Ocean Road Tour, November 2024 Go West Tours Guide: Red Wonderful Tour with a fantastic and funny guide!!!!! He made the tour to a terrific experience!!! Red is a great guy and the Tour is Great! Highly recommended!!!Written 29 November 2024
- D2456JMjacquelinet0 contributionsLovely sights but a long dayExcellent full day of sight seeing but many hours travelling. The guide/driver was excellent and gave a balanced level of commentary. Wouldn't call 25 people a 'small group' but could have been more. Well worth the day out.Written 28 November 2024
- 852tommasoz0 contributionsGreat tour along the Great Ocean RoadVery nice tour along the Great Ocean Road. Our guide Rhys was very knowledgeable and fun. I would maybe suggest one less stop (eg. the river) to spend extra time at Twelve Apostles, but everything is well organised. Recommended!Written 21 November 2024
- GoPlaces349132218830 contributionsSo glad I did this tour!Had so much fun on this day trip! Frank was such a good and nice tour guide. Nobody had to feel bad for asking something or for coming a few minutes later to the bus! Was a very nice atmosphere ◡̈ Also the music that Frank played in the bus was nice - hahaWritten 19 October 2024
- miamikic0 contributionsGreat tour indeedThe booking, pick up and everything related to the tour organization was really very well done. Our guide was James and he made us welcome, cared for and shared his knowledge about the sites and places we visited. The only sour experience on the tour was due to poorly run kiosk at 12 Apostles site but that was out of control of the tour guide/company. Thank you especially James for the wonderful day.Written 18 October 2024
- Dorette0 contributionsSpectacular views with a very entertaining guide!‘Red’ (Go West) Tours) was both our driver & our tour guide…he was a born entertainer and thoroughly made the trip a remarkable and memorable one! Whilst this trip is ‘all day’ it is time well spent with plenty of stops. We stopped for a koala hunt, roo watching, visited a cold air rain forest not to mention the fabulous beaches ….and the spectacular apostles. ‘Red’ our guide was so entertainingly funny and obviously puts so much effort in to choosing his playlist for singalongs. Loved this trip and if visiting Melbourne….don’t miss this one! And we hope you get ‘red’ ss your guide!Written 7 October 2024
- janet_14090 contributionsPerfect Trip.Jon R was the perfect travel agent! He was so funny and tell us everything about the history from Melbourne and from the great Ocean Road! We have on every point enough time to see everything! ☺️Written 2 October 2024
- fionatorresmoino0 contributionsDo it! and if you get Camille better!!!Camille was our tour guide and let me tell you she was the BEST tour guide we had on a trip of about a month around Australia. She is outstanding and a huge asset to the tour company. We will be recommending this tour for sure.Written 14 September 2024
- seabrat760 contributionsUnforgettable Family AdventureI took my son on mother-son date on this tour. The views on the road and at every site were stunning! We were able to explore small towns and treated ourselves to ice cream from the award winning Dooley’s. We explored beaches and were in awe at the 12 Apostles and other landmarks of the area! Our guide, Noah, was so warm and welcoming towards us. He was a safe driver, shared a lot of his local knowledge and made some really great food recommendations. Thank you Noah and Bunyip Tours for this unforgettable experience!Written 21 August 2024
- Global376686770040 contributionsUnforgettable Great Ocean Road Experience with Camille!Camille was an exceptional tour guide on our Great Ocean Road day trip! Her passion for the region was evident from the start, making each stop more than just sightseeing. Whether we were exploring Torquay, the lush rainforests, or the Twelve Apostles, her excitement was contagious. The day began perfectly with Camille’s delicious homemade muffins, adding a personal touch. She guided us to the best spots, including a breathtaking sunset view, all while sharing fascinating stories. Camille's warmth and enthusiasm made the trip truly memorable. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend having Camille as your guide!Written 10 August 2024
- king_bandar0 contributionsGreat tour - Highly recommend!!!So though the tour was booked thru Bunip Tours - however; the bus that arrived as a Go West Tour (not that we complained). Micheal was our guide and he was really good and so friendly. My 8 year old had an awesome time with him. Had enough time at all the stops. He even helped us to sit in the best spots to see the penguins.Written 8 July 2024
- calvinlC9079BE0 contributionsOne of a kind experienceRaquel was a great guide and was patient with us. We enjoyed the music she played on the bus and her sense of humor as well as her knowledge of the area. Never thought I’d be this close to penguins in my life!Written 5 July 2024
- 54lizettea0 contributionsAmazing tour!This was a very nice tour. The guide was both fun and helpful! We hade both some free time but also had the chance to see a lot! I travelled alone and can recommend this tour.Written 19 June 2024
- H2783JRmeredithb0 contributionsGreat Time Seeing PenguinsHad an excellent time. Saw so many adorable penguins and other cool wildlife. Raquel was an amazing and fun guide. This tour was much better and more convenient than driving out there from Melbourne ourselves.Written 14 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
340 reviews
Excellent
294
Very good
32
Average
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Travis
45 contributions
Had a wonderful day with Bunyip going down to Phillip Island. Between the Moonlit Sanctuary, Churchill Island, surf beaches, the Nobbies, and of course, the Penguin Parade, the day was jam-packed without feeling rushed. (Be warned: you’re signing up for a 14 hour day! It’s fun, but long)
Our guide, Rohan, was awesome - he went to great efforts to call all 22 of us by our first names (incredibly rare for a single day tour), was knowledgeable with a good sense of humor, and did a wonderful job getting us to all the sites on the tour. During the sunset at the Penguin Parade, he was tracking down our group members with a couple blankets in hand and making sure everybody was warm and taken care of. Safe driver, excellent guide, top notch overall.
There’s loads of companies operating tours out of Melbourne, based on this experience I’d definitely do another one with Bunyip.
Only critical feedback is I felt a bit rushed at the Moonlit Sanctuary, adding on an extra 15 minutes there would make it a perfect length.
Our guide, Rohan, was awesome - he went to great efforts to call all 22 of us by our first names (incredibly rare for a single day tour), was knowledgeable with a good sense of humor, and did a wonderful job getting us to all the sites on the tour. During the sunset at the Penguin Parade, he was tracking down our group members with a couple blankets in hand and making sure everybody was warm and taken care of. Safe driver, excellent guide, top notch overall.
There’s loads of companies operating tours out of Melbourne, based on this experience I’d definitely do another one with Bunyip.
Only critical feedback is I felt a bit rushed at the Moonlit Sanctuary, adding on an extra 15 minutes there would make it a perfect length.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela1234512345
London, UK28 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Had a good time. Well organised and squeezed loads in. The guide was great and did his best to get the bus cool as It was super hot (38°c). I recommend paying extra to see the fairy penguins from the underground viewing area at they get really close. Pack layers as the Nobbies can be windy. The dinner stop is early as the penguins don't go home until after sunset so, be prepared for that. Can't share a penguin shot as photography isn't allowed.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pernillegrambentsen
Copenhagen, Denmark3 contributions
A day full of amazing experiences and a very knowledgeable guide - Ricky - who with enthusiasm gave us lots of good insights of the places and animals we saw. I could list quite a few highlights - it is really highly recommendable to take this trip, we covered a lot in one day, in my opinion all good and nothing should be left out. Fun little detail to play ‘animal songs’ for koalas, kangaroos and penguins. Thank you for a great and memorable day!
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire C
1 contribution
I found this trip good but not amazing like others. My daughter and I took the trip a few days ago. We had an excellent tour guide Sherif, he was great fun, informative and even played the digeridoo for us which was amazing. Stopped for 30 mins at Brighton Beach, lovely, then onto Moonlit Sanctuary. You dont get there till around 1.45 so you have lunch first. If you dont want chips I suggest you take your own as there is a long queue and the cold food choice is poor, there was a couple of wraps left, falafel and a lamb one or some boxed salads, chicken ceasar or quinoa, we had salads, very average. Dont take this trip if you are tempted by feeding kangaroos and wallabies, they are not interested in the food as everyone can feed them so they are presumably fed up of it. Also the experiences such as pet a koala and walk a dingo are sold out by the time you arrive. Left there at 3.15 for the Nobbies which takes around an hour. The Nobbies are beautiful but there are crowds of people milling around and its hard to get good photos. We stayed there about 45 mins before going to the penguins. The centre is well organised and theres plenty of toilets. Its a long walk to the shore, we went on a hot day so had shorts and teeshirts on but its quite cold there as it gets dark so take a coat even on a hot day. There was over 2000 people there so again you’re fighting for a seat. Sherif was very good at explaining where to sit and how long to stay. We watched a couple of groups of penguins come onto the beach then moved to the boardwalks to see them come up in lines. It is lovely but sadly spoilt by hoards of people pushing in, shouting and taking photos despite being repeatedly asked not to by the rangers. I felt sorry for the poor creatures if they have to endure that every night. Its an opportunity to eat at the centre so we left the boardwalk as we were hungry. Had burger and chips which was actually very nice. Back on the bus at 7,30 and back in Melbourne just before 9.30.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your review, Claire. As you travelled to Phillip Island during the Easter holiday period, your experience was clearly affected by the crowds that accompany peak holiday periods. On the evening that you visited the Penguin Parade, the venue was completely sold out, which is not the case if you travel off-peak. Likewise, the kangaroos & wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary are usually quite keen for a feed, but during peak periods they have already filled up by visitors who arrive early in the morning. Of course, we understand that many visitors don't have an option as to when they holiday, but the reality is that peak periods are always a little less pleasant than if you're able to travel during quieter times. We're really pleased to hear that you found Sherif's guiding to be excellent, as this is one of the things that we are actually able to control! Thanks again & best wishes for your onward journey.
Written 18 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen B
enola, United States2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Our guide was Aaron and he was so upbeat with our group and personalized it for us. A very nice touch was the music he played of all Aussie artists! He was very knowledgeable and kept us updated the entire trip. Every stop was worthwhile. We saw beautiful views, wildlife, the bush, the beaches, the box houses, and the penguin parade. The trip was worth every penny and the drive wasn't that bad at all in a comfortable,smaller size bus with large windows. Highly recommend this tour.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJouer
Bellbrook, OH2,309 contributions
The animals from the Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island are the stars of this tour. You can get very close to them and photograph koala, kangaroos, wallabies, etc. The sanctuary has a nice facility for refreshments and restroom break. The Nobbies are breathtaking. The tour allocates one hour for dinner on your own. The Phillip Island penguins are adorable, and the visitor center is state of the art. The tour guides are knowledgeable and well informed. Tip: There is a no camera rule after sunset on Phillip Island so make sure your children and members of your party are aware. Suggest not spending the extra dollars on additional upgrades as everyone will have the same opportunities to view the penguins from the boardwalk.
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy J
6 contributions
A brilliant day out with wonderful photo opportunities, great beaches, as well as a fantastic animal sanctuary where you can feed wallabies and kangaroos! The penguins were absolutely the star of the show, and the parade itself was truly magical. Israel, our guide, was relaxed, fun, and incredibly knowledgeable about Aborginal culture and relayed fascinating information about the places we visited. Only note was that we didn't get any time in the Penguin Parade centre to use loos or look around, and we arrived quite last-minute so didn't get as good seats. Otherwise a fantastic day, and one of the highlights of our time in Australia.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken F
Akron, OH273 contributions
Dec 2022
We did the Philip Island tour and found it to be excellent. While it was a long time on the bus, the trip to the penguins was broken up into segments and showed you different parts of Melbourne as well as more of the island itself.
St. Kilda was fun, Moonlit Sanctuary was fun, Cowes was a nice stop for dinner and, of course, the penguins.
Luke did an outstanding job as tour guide. He provided enough information, was funny and was also very conscientious about making sure all the people in his bus were having a good time.
As I have been on many big bus tours and the fact that there were only 18 people made it better. Smaller is always better.
I would absolutely do a different tour of theirs were I to return to Melbourne.
St. Kilda was fun, Moonlit Sanctuary was fun, Cowes was a nice stop for dinner and, of course, the penguins.
Luke did an outstanding job as tour guide. He provided enough information, was funny and was also very conscientious about making sure all the people in his bus were having a good time.
As I have been on many big bus tours and the fact that there were only 18 people made it better. Smaller is always better.
I would absolutely do a different tour of theirs were I to return to Melbourne.
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary T
7 contributions
July 2023 • Business
Bus full of International Delegates final day surprise adventure was an absolute hit - Everyone sang along to YMCA waving arms about!! Notepad passed around so all could provide their favourite song - Ash then created a playlist which was used for the rest of the day. Each stop was full of fun and sheer delight for the Visitors. They saw many native Australian animals, even a few crossing the road which Ash stopped so we could watch them finish crossing the road (Echidna). Everyone had a GREAT time and send ‘thanks’ to Ash - apologies for not always responding as Ash a little fast to be understood all the time. Would CERTAINLY do it all again!!
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arun
Jammu City, India5 contributions
I recently took a tour with Bunip Group in Melbourne, and it was a fantastic experience. The tour was well-organized, and the guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the city. We got to explore all the key sights without feeling rushed, and the entire experience was seamless from start to finish. The transportation was comfortable, and every detail was thoughtfully arranged, allowing us to fully enjoy the day. I highly recommend Bunip Group for anyone looking for a well-planned and enjoyable tour in Melbourne. Their professionalism and excellent service made the trip unforgettable!
Written 19 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just ask do U pick up/drop off hotel will stay? What if the hotel is not your list can pick/drop off us how much
Written 1 October 2024
Our NCL Jewel cruise ship arrives at 8 am on Feb 18 and leaves at 4 pm on Feb 19. We'd like to sign up for the Feb 18 Phillip Island Parade Day Tour from Melbourne but I don't know what pick up location to select as we are staying on our cruise ship overnight instead of a hotel. Please advise where we need to go, and if we will be able to get there in time for pick up because as I mentioned above, we arrive at 8 am on Feb 18, the day of the tour. Thank you for your help.
Written 30 January 2020
Le guide ne parlait que anglais lors de cette visite.
Written 12 December 2019
They are quite flexible on the pick up options. Although they only have a few set of hotels in the online form for reservation, they do ask for your hotel address and try to accommodate for all people joining the tour and pick each party up from their respective hotels.
Written 26 October 2019
How much time did you get at the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary?
Written 11 August 2019
About an hour to an hour and a half including lunch. Also depends on what time of the year it is. Less time in the winter since the penguins cross the beach earlier.
Written 11 August 2019
What is the difference between the 10a.m. Start, amd the 11:00 a.m. start?
Written 22 January 2019
One is summer start time, and one is winter start time.
Written 12 February 2019
Hi, we are staying nearby one of the hotels that is a designated pick-up spot. Can we select that hotel and meet there in the morning? Thank you!
Written 27 December 2018
That is a good idea. It saves you time (and effort) finding the designated pick up spot.
Written 6 January 2019
Hi. We’re a family of 5 with a rental car. We will be coming from Queenscliffe. Could we still do your tour? We will stay on Phillip island on night of 26th? My kids ages are 11, almost 9 and almost 6 year old.
Written 17 December 2018
Sorry- I meant logistics with the car.
Written 17 December 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.