See Victoria’s No. 1 attraction up close and personal – the adorable Little Penguins of Philip Island. 

Be amazed as you watch these gorgeous creatures in their nightly journey home to their burrows in their hundreds if not thousands. See them waddling up the beach and stroll among them on elevated boardwalks. You will not believe how close you will get to them, you could almost touch them.

Our full-day tour to the world-famous Philip Island Penguin Parade includes a leisurely drive through picturesque scenery on our way to the world's biggest Little Penguin colony. Enjoy a visit to The Nobbies and Seal Rocks for breathtaking photo opportunities. Take a stroll down along the boardwalk, keeping an eye out for penguins that might be under your feet or hiding in nesting boxes.  Then it’s a leisurely but spectacular drive along the cliffs where you may spot soaring birds of prey, wandering Cape Barren geese or grazing wallabies.

Finally, we arrive at our destination – the world-renowned Penguin Parade. Take a moment to explore the Visitors Information Centre. Wander through the Penguin Experience exhibit to discover more about these fascinating Little (Fairy) Penguins prior to their arrival. Then it’s down to the beach to watch these cuties waddle up the beach, clamber over rocks. Stopping to preen themselves or gawk at these odd humans that come to see them every night. It’s a magical, memorable experience that will stay with you, your whole life. 

On our Private Phillip Island tour you will see hundreds of little penguins dashing home at dusk and a possibility of other resident wildlife such as Swamp Wallabies, Echidnas, Eastern Barred Bandicoots, Cape Barren Geese and Short-tailed Shearwaters. This world class event which happens every night on dusk allows you to see and hear these penguins in the colony, greeting neighbours, partners and their chicks. It's a must see for all nature lovers. Our Philip Island Private full-day tour gives you time to sit back, relax and take in the magnificent coastal views and animal activities/interactions coming your way.

We also take in a visit to a wildlife park, allowing you the chance to interact up close and personal with iconic Australian Native wild animals. Hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. See adorable Koalas and pose for photos with them (extra cost). Wombats, reptiles, birds of prey, it's all there for you to see. Our full-day trip to Phillip Island also includes a trip to historic Churchill Island where you will see and experience traditional farming activities including milking of cows, shearing sheep and the famous whip-cracking show. (Will you be chosen to learn to crack a whip?).  If weather permits we will also enjoy a stunning beach walk along one of Phillip Island's most famous surf beaches.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Travel back in time at the site of the first European farm in Victoria, in operation since the 1850s. Tour the historic homestead, gardens and ranch buildings at this working heritage farm, and watch live demonstrations like sheep shearing and Australian sheep dog herding. You can purchase lunch at the island café or enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the views of Western Port and cattle grazing in the pasture.

Daily Farming Activities:

• 1:00-1:45pm wagon rides (weekends, school and public holidays only - weather permitting)
• 2:10pm cow milking
• 2:30pm sheep shearing
• 2:45pm whip cracking
• 3:05pm working dogs
• 3:20pm sheep shearing

Maru Koala and Animal Park

At Maru you will get the opportunity to really interact with the animals, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, emus, parrots, stock animals and more. Join the park keepers at regular talks and presentations, including the featured Wildlife Presentation on weekends and holidays. View the koalas from the raised boardwalk or go inside their enclosure with the keepers.  

Penguin Parade

Bundle up and make your way to the viewing area at Summerland Beach just before sunset to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade. Be mesmerized as hundreds of  little penguins (formerly known as fairy penguins as they are the world’s smallest) emerge from the ocean after a day of fishing and waddle across the beach to their burrows and chicks.

Suggested itinerary:

• Pick up from hotel or nominated location in Melbourne CBD
• Visit to Maru Koala and Wildlife Park
• Walk on Cape Woolamia Surf Beach (weather permitting)
• Visit to Churchill Island Heritage Farm
• (Optional visit to Cowes township for brief shopping & early dinner)
• Photo opportunity/boardwalk at The Nobbies with coastal cliff drive along Summerland Bay
• Beach visit to see Penguin Parade
• Return drive to Melbourne pick up point 
• Estimated tour time 11-12 hours

Tour includes admission to Maru Koala Park, Churchill Island & Penguin Parade (General admission). Optional upgrades to animal encounters at Maru and Penguins Plus viewing available at additional cost. (Seating limits apply). Bottled water supplied on all tours but food and other drinks not included.

Tour itinerary can be customised to include other options such as:

• Chocolate Factory Tour
• Visit to Grand Prix circuit
• A Maze'N Things (ideal for kids)
• Antarctic Journey at Nobbies Centre
• Visit to other iconic Phillip Island beaches
• Phillip Island Vineyard and Winery

Note: total tour time cannot exceed 12 hours for driver and passenger safety so if wishing to add in an optional extra to tour, we recommend you swap out another tour stop to create adequate time. eg. Swap Maru Wildlife Park or Woolamai Beach Walk for Chocolate Factory etc

Book now!

Discover the wonder of one of the world’s largest penguin colonies as they make their way home up the beach dunes of Phillip Island. A wonderful experience that you’ll talk about for years to come…just magical!

Your tour guide offers a personalised service and experience for your group. This tour includes pick up and return to your preferred location within the Melbourne CBD and the tour duration is approximately 11-12 hours. Please note that tours may be subject to changes and passengers will be advised as appropriate.