Adventure

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Activity provider: Autopia Tours
Adventure

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Activity provider: Autopia Tours
Likely to sell out

From US$ 110.35 per person

Likely to sell out
Certified

Spend a day engaging with Australian wildlife and exploring the diverse coastline of Phillip Island on a bus tour. Watch little penguins waddle across the shores of Summerland Bay in the evening.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 8.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Witness hundreds of the world’s smallest penguins at sunset
  • Get up-close with the koalas on a guided tour of the Koala Conservation Reserve
  • Stroll along the sands of Woolamai Beach
  • Uncover the wonder of Phillip Island’s natural beauty and majestic coastline
  • Explore the boardwalk at The Nobbies Centre and views of Seal Rocks
Full description

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

Includes
  • Entry to Penguin Parade (general viewing)
  • Entry and range-led tour of the Koala Reserve
  • National Park entry fees
  • Experienced driver-guide with commentary
  • Water refill station
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Food
  • Personal expenses
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. Departure time varies during the year based on daylight savings hours and the season in order to maximize the sunset experience.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Windbreaker
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Oversize luggage
  • Baby carriages

Know before you go

  • Children's ticket prices apply for children aged up to 12 years
  • Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely seated in a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking
  • Due to the fact that the tour operates with small-group vehicles with limited storage facilities, strollers, wheelchairs, prams, or pushers can not be accommodated on this tour
  • No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended
  • The Tour returns to Melbourne between 8:30 - 9:30 PM during the winter months and between 11 PM - 12 AM during the summer months
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 214 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Service
    4.4/5
  • Organization
    4.3/5

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Star rating:

Really good tour. Great day out. Tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. Be prepared it’s a long day and they aren’t joking when they say pack a jumper - it gets very windy! Also prepare for lots of time on the bus, headphones or a book would be great :)

March 25, 2023

Our tour guide was Fiona; she was a delight! The day included koalas, a number of scenic cliff side walks and views, lunch in a sweet little beach town called Cowes, and the penguin parade. Pro tip from Fiona: after you spot the penguins coming out of the water, move to the boardwalk behind the VIP area, and you’ll see hundreds of penguins waddling by. No pics allowed, so download free shots from the PP website.

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February 25, 2023

Originally we only booked this tour for the Penguin Experience, but the Koala Wildlife Nature Park was a very tranquil bonus; followed by great views along Nobbies coastal boardwalk. Sitting on the beach watching the penguin parade was a thoroughly enjoyable experience & to witness them in their natural environment. We really enjoyed this tour, our guide was very friendly, informative and polite & her commentary was very interesting. We had a terrific day out visiting Phillip Island.

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February 13, 2023

Product ID: 83271