Discover the enchanting Phillip Island during the Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from Melbourne. This 9-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience as you explore The Nobbies, marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery, and witness the iconic Penguin Parade at sunset on Summerland Beach. With convenient transportation, expert live guidance, and included entry fees, this tour offers a seamless and flexible experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. But there’s more to uncover as you delve deeper into the details of this captivating excursion.
Key Points
- Departs from central Melbourne for a 9-hour journey to Phillip Island to witness the iconic Penguin Parade at sunset.
- Includes entry fees, pickup/drop-off, live English-speaking guide, and transportation, starting at $99.60 per person.
- Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with a reserve now and pay later option.
- Provides free time for sightseeing and wildlife viewing during the stop at The Nobbies on Phillip Island’s south coast.
- Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large bags/baby strollers due to transportation restrictions.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Meeting Point and Important Information
- Customer Reviews Summary
- Duration and Pricing
- Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Transportation and Accessibility
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Melbourne
- More Tours in Melbourne
- More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour departs from central Melbourne, taking visitors on a 9-hour journey to Phillip Island’s renowned Penguin Parade to witness the nightly arrival of hundreds of little penguins at sunset.
Priced from $99.60 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, but it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can also take advantage of the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes entry fees, pickup and drop-off from central Melbourne, a live English-speaking guide, and transportation, with an opportunity to purchase meals during the tour.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with large bags or baby strollers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting from the central Melbourne meeting point at the corner of Flinders and Market Streets, the tour embarks on a 2-hour bus or coach journey to The Nobbies on Phillip Island’s rugged south coast.
Visitors can enjoy free time for sightseeing and wildlife viewing during this stop.
The highlight of the tour is the Penguin Parade at sunset on Summerland Beach, where hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle ashore to their burrows.
Guests will witness this captivating natural spectacle and enjoy scenic views along Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline.
After the Penguin Parade, the tour returns to the original meeting point in central Melbourne.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour includes entry fees to all parks, pickup and drop-off from central Melbourne, a live guide in English, and transportation.
Meals can be purchased during the tour, while tips are optional.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the use of baby strollers, luggage, or large bags isn’t allowed.
The tour provides an opportunity to witness the iconic Penguin Parade, where hundreds of penguins arrive at sunset on Summerland Beach on Phillip Island’s rugged south coast.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy free time for sightseeing and wildlife viewing, as well as scenic views along the island’s coastline.
Meeting Point and Important Information
Travelers meet at the corner of Flinders & Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum, for the Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour.
Pickup time varies between 1:45 PM during non-daylight savings and 2:45 PM during daylight savings, though the actual time is provided via email after booking.
All tours are conducted in English, but audio guides are available in 16 languages through a free app.
Guests should note that the pickup time on their voucher may differ from the actual pickup time they receive.
This allows the tour operator to adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate factors like traffic and weather.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews Summary
Based on the customer reviews summarized, the Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 72 reviews.
Guests particularly praised the knowledgeable guide, scoring them 4.8 out of 5, and the transportation, which received a 4.7 rating.
While the service and organization of the tour received slightly lower scores of 4.5 and 4.4 respectively, common feedback indicates most customers had a positive experience overall.
However, some issues were noted around communication and timing, especially regarding delays and customer service.
Duration and Pricing
Lasting 9 hours, the Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour departs from central Melbourne and costs from $99.60 per person. The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve your spot early.
The good news is you can opt for a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Or, if you prefer, the ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option is available.
The tour includes entry fees to all the parks, pickup and drop-off from the city center, a live English-speaking guide, and transportation.
While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it’s otherwise a convenient way to see the Penguin Parade and explore Phillip Island’s rugged south coast.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The tour offers a free cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans.
Plus, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, enabling customers to secure their spot without the need to pay immediately. This can be particularly useful for those who are still finalizing their travel arrangements.
The cancellation and refund policy, combined with the reserve now and pay later feature, make this tour an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free booking experience.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Reserve now, pay later option available
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Flexible booking policies for traveler convenience
Transportation and Accessibility
The tour includes transportation via bus/coach travel from central Melbourne to The Nobbies on Phillip Island, providing a convenient way for participants to reach the Penguin Parade location.
The journey takes approximately 2 hours each way, allowing ample time for sightseeing and wildlife viewing along the way.
The transportation is comfortable and well-suited for the tour, though it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Plus, guests aren’t permitted to bring along baby strollers, large bags, or other bulky items that could impede the flow of the group.
From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour
“Phillip Island was a magical day out, topped off by some excellent didgeridoo playing by our superb guide Sherif!”
Recap
The Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the iconic Phillip Island penguins at sunset.
With convenient transportation, expert guidance, and flexible cancellation, it’s an easy and affordable way to experience this natural wonder.
Visitors can explore the stunning coastline at The Nobbies before witnessing the penguins’ nightly march onto Summerland Beach, making this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Melbourne.
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