The Little Penguin Bus
The Little Penguin Bus
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
MORE TOUR OPTIONS AND LOWER PRICES ON OUR WEBSITE! CLICK ON 'MORE' ABOVE (DESKTOP). PLEASE BOOK DIRECT WITH US. The Little Penguin Bus is a budget-priced express tour operator travelling direct to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Enjoy a two hour scenic drive to Phillip Island, with commentary, arriving an hour before the penguins are due to appear. Time for the cafe, souvenir shopping and learning all about the Little Penguins in the visitor centre. We offer a selection of penguin viewing options and the personal service and small-group atmosphere of much more expensive operators.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingRevenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar Experiences
The Little Penguin Bus
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
1,235 reviews
Excellent
1,158
Very good
68
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Steve Freedman
1 contribution
Dec 2019
Our tour to Philip Island was on our last day in Australia, following a four week exploration of some of the East Coast, and it couldn't have ended in a better way.
From the moment we left Central Melbourne to being dropped off where we were staying in a suburb - over & above the call of duty, but much appreciated - my wife & I had the most brilliant experience.
Our guide & driver was Mac; he was engaging, humorous & exceptionally knowledgeable and helped make the excursion one we'll never forget.
We booked the Penguin Plus experience, which was definitely worth the extra few bucks as we had such a close up experience of both the penguins coming out of the sea and then walking side by side with them on an adjacent boardwalk as they made their way to their nests. We were separated from the penguins by barriers so weren't a danger to them.
On the way to Phillip Island we had a couple of stops, one at Woolamai Beach and the other to view the Nobbies. Both are amazing locations with spectacular views of the coastline.
We're not ones for travelling in large groups so booking this personalised tour in a small mini van with just a few other guests was just right. We also had over an hour with the penguins so had plenty of time to immerse ourselves in this magical experience.
Would highly recommend The Little Penguin Bus.
From the moment we left Central Melbourne to being dropped off where we were staying in a suburb - over & above the call of duty, but much appreciated - my wife & I had the most brilliant experience.
Our guide & driver was Mac; he was engaging, humorous & exceptionally knowledgeable and helped make the excursion one we'll never forget.
We booked the Penguin Plus experience, which was definitely worth the extra few bucks as we had such a close up experience of both the penguins coming out of the sea and then walking side by side with them on an adjacent boardwalk as they made their way to their nests. We were separated from the penguins by barriers so weren't a danger to them.
On the way to Phillip Island we had a couple of stops, one at Woolamai Beach and the other to view the Nobbies. Both are amazing locations with spectacular views of the coastline.
We're not ones for travelling in large groups so booking this personalised tour in a small mini van with just a few other guests was just right. We also had over an hour with the penguins so had plenty of time to immerse ourselves in this magical experience.
Would highly recommend The Little Penguin Bus.
Written 2 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.
Hi steviefree. Thanks so much for a wonderful warm review. I'm delighted the 'grand finale' lived up to expectations! It was an absolute pleasure to take you both to Phillip Island to see the penguins. And home, no problem. Thanks for choosing us!
Kind regards
Mac McCrostie
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happy Mamma
955 contributions
Feb 2020
I researched options to get to Phillip Island to see the penguins come in from the ocean at night, and though I did not ultimately end up going with the Little Penguin Bus, Owner/Operator Mac McCrostie provided me a WEALTH of valuable information including maps and suggestions for me to try the adventure solo to fit the most in. It is quite unusual these days to find super helpful people who do so even if it causes them to forfeit business, so I can only imagine that he runs his company with the same amount of integrity, kindness, and professionalism as he afforded me during my planning. If you are focused on a half day to go see the penguins at dusk, I would highly recommend this operator who not only offers the Guided Ranger Tour (which I took and would recommend over the grand stand where you are farther without binoculars or a guide), but they also offer the ultimate adventure on a more secluded beach and night goggles where you may not see as many penguins, but it would seem more of a National Geographic adventure than a tourist trip. They pick up out of Melbourne so it is perfect if you just arrived and are trying to get fresh air and stay awake while seeing the cute little blue guys, one of the largest colonies of their kind.
Written 29 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.
UNR91
Berkeley104 contributions
Feb 2020
Perfect amount of commentary and suggestions for the best penguin experience. Spend the extra money to get the range led tour-- you will get binoculars and sit in a better location to see more penguins. Great tour!
Written 24 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.
DRSLB6
Williamsburg, VA53 contributions
Jan 2020
Just returned from our trip to Phillip Island on this tour and was fantastic! Mac gave great advice for best penguin viewing and made the trip very enjoyable and well worth the money. He was extremely enthusiastic despite the repitition of his job. He gave us the opportunity to photograph penguins up close in a nest along the road during daylight which was great since you aren't allowed to take photographs at the penguin parade. Highly recommend this tour!
Written 16 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.
Kim B
Newnan, GA1,003 contributions
Feb 2020
We enjoyed this tour very much. We were staying near the airport and rented a car. His pick up is in the city, so if you can get there without driving do it. parking was ver difficult because many of them did not stay open past our return time. We finally found a 24 hour one.
He talks and tells you info as you go. Traffic is tough getting out of town, but nothing to do about that.
Upon arrival we drive the park loop and have a couple of stops. he slows down when we see wildlife such as wallabies - but we cannot get out( or put the windows down. It is good that he keeps the windows so clean.
he stops and we are able to take the scenic walk - and it is well worth it. It is a boardwalk the entire way. You can see the fairy penguins in their burrows. Also some great scenery.
next stop is visitor's center where we had time to get something to eat since we left at 3 and penguins don't start until dusk.
penguins were awesome! We had binoculars so we could watch them as the left the water and marched up right past us. if you want a front row seat get down there early. All seats are good, but front row would definitely be great. No pictures and they are VERY strict about it. There was more moving around than i liked because people were late and trying to squeeze in and making other s move. That was annoying. I though staff did a decent job trying to control it.
He talks and tells you info as you go. Traffic is tough getting out of town, but nothing to do about that.
Upon arrival we drive the park loop and have a couple of stops. he slows down when we see wildlife such as wallabies - but we cannot get out( or put the windows down. It is good that he keeps the windows so clean.
he stops and we are able to take the scenic walk - and it is well worth it. It is a boardwalk the entire way. You can see the fairy penguins in their burrows. Also some great scenery.
next stop is visitor's center where we had time to get something to eat since we left at 3 and penguins don't start until dusk.
penguins were awesome! We had binoculars so we could watch them as the left the water and marched up right past us. if you want a front row seat get down there early. All seats are good, but front row would definitely be great. No pictures and they are VERY strict about it. There was more moving around than i liked because people were late and trying to squeeze in and making other s move. That was annoying. I though staff did a decent job trying to control it.
Written 17 March 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.
Bob H
Camberley, UK20 contributions
Feb 2020
Thanks Dave (guide). Pickup at Rendezvous Hotel at 3pm and drop off at hotel 1130. 8 hours packed with information and entertainment. Seeing 1200 penguins coming passed viewing area amazing. Worth extra for premium viewing.
Written 27 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.
Ruth A❤️🐝🇬🇧❤️🐝 🇬🇧❤️🐝🇬🇧❤️🐝🇬🇧
Manchester, UK4,512 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Being an avid nature lover this was high on my list of activities that I wanted to do whilst In Melbourne!
We chose a local tour and were picked up at the Rendezvous Hotel on Flinders Street at the exact agreed time. The hotel allow you to wait in reception and have a drink.
Our guide arrived in a mini bus clearly marked as the Little Penguin Tour. Comfortable and a good temperature.
Our guide for the day was Dean and he gave us a warm welcome. Throughout the day he chatted and gave us lots of information about the tour and the penguins. Lovely guy whom we got to know throughout the day. He dropped us outside our hotel when the tour was over as it was quite late.
The centre is very modern and we enjoyed our time there. Before the penguins were due on the beach we had a meal in the cafe and the food was nice. Everyone was welcoming and there were lots of activities, shops and information stands available.
We chose the underground viewing chamber when booking to get a close up view of the Penguins and we certainly had that. I must warn future guests though, not everyone is as considerate and has well behaved children as us and down in this chamber there were parents who allowed their kids to run riot and shout and scream when everyone had been told to be quiet. There were also some adults who found it acceptable to talk loudly and wave at the penguins as they walked past as well.
We had been told before the event that these penguins had been away all day catching fish in the ocean for their chicks and this was them returning to feed the chicks. Photography is banned because frightening the penguins could cause them to regurgitate the food in fear and then the chick would potentially starve. So it was important to adhere to the rules and also be quiet.
Anyway, rant over. I loved seeing the penguins and there were over 1300 of them. They are funny and amazing little creatures who waddled their way passed us, sometimes quarrelling and often ‘hack hacking’ happily to each other as they travel to their nominated burrow. Completely facinsting creatures.
All I can say is that the memory of this evening will stay with me all my life.
Absolutely amazing experience that I cannot recommend tit enough to fellow nature lovers.
We chose a local tour and were picked up at the Rendezvous Hotel on Flinders Street at the exact agreed time. The hotel allow you to wait in reception and have a drink.
Our guide arrived in a mini bus clearly marked as the Little Penguin Tour. Comfortable and a good temperature.
Our guide for the day was Dean and he gave us a warm welcome. Throughout the day he chatted and gave us lots of information about the tour and the penguins. Lovely guy whom we got to know throughout the day. He dropped us outside our hotel when the tour was over as it was quite late.
The centre is very modern and we enjoyed our time there. Before the penguins were due on the beach we had a meal in the cafe and the food was nice. Everyone was welcoming and there were lots of activities, shops and information stands available.
We chose the underground viewing chamber when booking to get a close up view of the Penguins and we certainly had that. I must warn future guests though, not everyone is as considerate and has well behaved children as us and down in this chamber there were parents who allowed their kids to run riot and shout and scream when everyone had been told to be quiet. There were also some adults who found it acceptable to talk loudly and wave at the penguins as they walked past as well.
We had been told before the event that these penguins had been away all day catching fish in the ocean for their chicks and this was them returning to feed the chicks. Photography is banned because frightening the penguins could cause them to regurgitate the food in fear and then the chick would potentially starve. So it was important to adhere to the rules and also be quiet.
Anyway, rant over. I loved seeing the penguins and there were over 1300 of them. They are funny and amazing little creatures who waddled their way passed us, sometimes quarrelling and often ‘hack hacking’ happily to each other as they travel to their nominated burrow. Completely facinsting creatures.
All I can say is that the memory of this evening will stay with me all my life.
Absolutely amazing experience that I cannot recommend tit enough to fellow nature lovers.
Written 8 December 2018
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.
Hi Ruth. Thanks so much for the wonderful review for your tour with Dean. I'm really glad the inconsiderate behaviour of others didn't spoil such a special wildlife experience. Dean said he really enjoyed your company too. Thanks for choosing us for your penguin tour and for sharing the experience here.
Kind regards
Mac McCrostie
Written 8 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BurySt_EdmundsTrevor
Suffolk498 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Wonderful full day (12 hours) trip along the Great Ocean Road. Just a small group which is far better than the 50 seat buses you see everywhere. The trip was admirably led by Katie - a lovely friendly girl who had the groups' interest at heart with great musical choices to enhance our trip and some VERY corny jokes! A cool coffee stop and how she managed to cram everything into one day still amazes us. Lunch stop in Apollo Bay for the famous 'Scallop Pie' - only the Aussies would think of putting scallops in a pie and Katie even said they put a chicken parma in one as well!!!. Managed to see wild koalas and the Ocean Road is amazing. The 12 Apostles will blow you away and we managed to get a sunset view in time. You stop at a traditional Aussie pub for dinner on the way home with a good choice of food which Katie orders about 1 hour before arrival.
Overall a fantastic trip and our advise is "ditch the rest and take the best-Little Penguin Bus" Thanks from Trevor & Marilyn, England.
Overall a fantastic trip and our advise is "ditch the rest and take the best-Little Penguin Bus" Thanks from Trevor & Marilyn, England.
Written 16 May 2017
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.
Hi Trevor and Marilyn.
Our wonderful Katie is smashing the reviews right now! I'm very lucky to have her on the team, her knowledge and passion for the job is outstanding. Thanks so much for the review, we both really appreciate the feedback and having you share the experience here. I'm only sorry to read your hotel experience wasn't up to the same standard! I hope you will come back another time for another tour with us.
Safe travels
Mac McCrostie
Written 17 May 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TimTeh
2 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
This was an afternoon tour. I had reserved 2 seats late on the little penguin bus website on the night before the tour today and was afraid I might be too late, but everything was confirmed via email and a short call in the morning to the operator. The pickup point at hotel rendezvous was easy to find and the bus driver Rob was on time. The minibus seats about 12 people, and there were 8 of us excluding our driver. Rob was very professional and has a lot of experience. He's very knowledgeable about the wildlife around us. He knew the way around traffic congestion to get us to Phillip island ahead of schedule. We managed to see wallabies, geese and penguin burrows along the way. We had time to stop over at the Nobbies for a breathtaking view, before heading to the penguin parade viewing. Rob gave us good tips on where to seat for the parade, and also made sure we were one of the earliest to arrive to get a good seat, and gave us ample time (1hr 15 mins in total) on the viewing stands as well as the broadwalk. At the end of viewing, it began to rain. Rob ensured that we stayed under shelter and drove the van nearer our shelter. For the journey back, he drove everyone back to their hotel. We strongly recommended using the little penguin bus for the excellent service, not to mention that we paid much less ($85) than the other tour packages (Mostly above $100), which we thought were somewhat overpriced. This service was just what we wanted, and we are thoroughly satisfied.
Written 20 May 2015
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.
Hi Tim. Thanks so much for the wonderful review. The title says it all! It really means a lot to us when people appreciate all those little details and care and planning that goes into what seems like a very simple operation. Thanks! And we love to hear people appreciate the price, it really is a bargain. There are three other tour companies operating express tours similar to our $85 Budget Express and they charge $95, $105 and $115!
Thanks again for travelling with us and sharing the experience here.
Kind regards
Mac McCrostie
Written 30 May 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah
London, UK138 contributions
I booked this trip through another small group tours company as I am not a fan of the larger commercial group tours and this certainly didn’t disappoint.
We met, David our driver and animal expert, at the Rendevouz Hotel. David gave us a brief history of Melbourne on the drive out of the city, followed by in update on what to expect from the drive before leaving us to sit back and relax.
When we reached the halfway mark there was an opportunity for a toilet break before heading on to Phillip island. Once on the island David took us to the Moto GP track to see kangaroos, followed by an opportunity to walk around the boardwalks at the nobbies in the Summerlands. This was totally unexpected and an added bonus to the trip!
We then headed up to the conservation centre where David was happy to give us recommendations for food (the lamb shank was divine) and tips on where and when to head down to the viewing platforms.
I had opted to do the guided ranger tour so met my guide at 19.45 (you can read my review on the tour separately) and then rejoined the group in the car park at 21.35 ready to board the bus home - after which I promptly fell asleep before waking up back at my accommodation!
Overall this trip is perfect for solo travellers, couples and/or smaller groups and exceed all my expectations - thank you, David!
We met, David our driver and animal expert, at the Rendevouz Hotel. David gave us a brief history of Melbourne on the drive out of the city, followed by in update on what to expect from the drive before leaving us to sit back and relax.
When we reached the halfway mark there was an opportunity for a toilet break before heading on to Phillip island. Once on the island David took us to the Moto GP track to see kangaroos, followed by an opportunity to walk around the boardwalks at the nobbies in the Summerlands. This was totally unexpected and an added bonus to the trip!
We then headed up to the conservation centre where David was happy to give us recommendations for food (the lamb shank was divine) and tips on where and when to head down to the viewing platforms.
I had opted to do the guided ranger tour so met my guide at 19.45 (you can read my review on the tour separately) and then rejoined the group in the car park at 21.35 ready to board the bus home - after which I promptly fell asleep before waking up back at my accommodation!
Overall this trip is perfect for solo travellers, couples and/or smaller groups and exceed all my expectations - thank you, David!
Written 12 November 2019
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.
Hi Sarah. Thanks for the review. Sounds like it was a perfect practically private penguin tour! Thanks for booking with us and sharing the experience here. And mentioning us on the Penguin Parade page too, much appreciated.
Kind regards
Mac McCrostie
Written 13 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello i would travel with small group 11 person,
We will go to GOR and philip island, how cost rate?
Written 11 May 2019
Hi Sheilamarty. Thanks for the message. We have several different price options for the penguin tour so the easiest place to find your information is on our website. It's a lot to describe here. You can securely book and pay at the website too. I can't post a website address here (not allowed!) but please just have a look at the Contact information box here on my TripAdvisor page, there is a link there. I hope that helps! Cheers Mac
Written 11 May 2019
Hi. Can a person with walking disability do this trip with your premium penguin express tour?
Written 25 November 2018
Hi Pamela. Thanks for the message. We can help, no problem. We can pick you up at your accommodation (just make a note on our website booking form and we will be in touch), we have room for a folding wheelchair or walker and the Premium seating at the Penguin Parade is fully accessible. They also have a golf buggy to get to the viewing area if needed. I hope that helps. Cheers Mac
Written 25 November 2018
Hi
How can I reserve underground viewing option when booking trip advisor?
Thanks
Written 19 October 2018
Hi Jas. The Underground Viewing is on our Premium Penguin Express tour. If you book direct at our website (there's a link in our Contact box on our TripAdvisor page) it pops up as an extra add on during the booking process. It's not available for TripAdvisor/Viator bookings due to very limited availability. Booking direct is better for you and us!
I hope that helps.
Cheers Mac
Written 19 October 2018
saya1213
Taipei, Taiwan
Hi, Do you have contact number? I would like to know how much for the penguin express tour for 10 person on mid Aug? Thanks
Written 12 July 2018
Hi. I'm sorry for the late reply, I'm not getting notified of these questions. We can only operate our tours for the 'per person' prices on our website, they are still great prices and lower than any similar tour. Just head to our website for a variety of tour options and secure online bookings and payments. Cheers Mac
Written 25 July 2018
We already have tickets to the penguin parade (some sort of VIP tickets). Now we're considering Little Penguin Bus instead of driving. Could you discount your price by the price of our ticket? We don't want to pay twice for admission
Written 2 July 2018
Hi. We can do that, no problem. We can offer our penguin express tour for only $80 per person with your own tickets, normally $100.00 - we have a sale on right now. You can simply book at our website (I can't put the address here, click on any TripAdvisor review headline (like 'Amazing Tour') for our contact details). Book the Budget Penguin Express and make a note regarding this message and let us know what tickets you have, it affects our arrival time. The payment is processed manually by me and you will only be charged $80 per person. I hope that helps. Cheers Mac
Written 2 July 2018
Hello, I would like to know if the great ocean day tour is available for two people for tomorrow ou for the 5th may.
Written 3 May 2018
Hi Aline. Thanks for the message. I'm sorry our Great Ocean Road Tour is no longer operating. But we would love to take you to see the penguins if you have time! All the info is on our website. Cheers Mac
Written 3 May 2018
How many max pax in this bus? How much does it cost per pax? Or, does it charge per group price?
Written 25 December 2017
Hi. We have a maximum of only 11 people per tour. The price is per person. We have several different tours and different prices so please just head to our website for all your tour information, prices, availability and bookings. I can’t put the address here but there is a link on our TripAdvisor listing.
I hope that helps for now. Cheers Mac
Written 25 December 2017
Hi, I am interested in both the the Great Ocean and Philip island tour. However, with the current stormy weather, is it still safe to travel there? Please advise. Thank you.
Written 2 December 2017
Hi. Thanks for the message. We have been operating tours every day right through this unusual weather period and will continue to do so. It’s safe and our guests are still enjoying the destinations. The wet weather is easing and will continue to improve but its important to dress appropriately to fully enjoy the outdoors. And the right attitude helps too! I hope that helps and we will see you soon! Cheers Mac
Written 2 December 2017
ps help me up for is any tour to philip island today we have 5 of us and can pick us up we r at spencer street ps lets us know the fees TQ we don'nt mind to join tour TQ
Written 1 December 2017
Hi Lily.
Sorry I didn’t get your message sooner but we only had 3 seats available today. Sometimes a phone call or email is a better idea for urgent enquiries.
We have 5 seats tomorrow if that helps.
You can book at our website.
Cheers Mac
Written 2 December 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 25
*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.