The ‘From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour‘ offers a captivating opportunity for visitors to witness the world’s smallest fairy penguins as they return to their nests at sunset. Departing from Melbourne, the 8-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience, including stops at scenic locations and the chance to explore the area. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and general viewing access to the penguin parade, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with nature’s charming residents. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour may be the perfect addition to your itinerary. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details and see if this tour aligns with your travel goals.
Key Points

- A comprehensive 8-hour tour departing from Melbourne to witness the nightly return of the world’s smallest fairy penguins on Phillip Island.
- The tour includes stops at San Remo for a photo opportunity and Cowes for free time, as well as the Penguin Parade observation.
- The tour is priced at $72.86 per person and is highly rated at 4.1/5 based on 16 reviews.
- The tour provides transportation in an air-conditioned coach, experienced guides, and a general viewing platform ticket for the Penguin Parade.
- The tour is suitable for a diverse audience, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, with flexible scheduling and varied activities.
Tour Overview

This Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the nightly return of the world’s smallest fairy penguins.
The 8-hour tour departs from Melbourne, allowing guests to explore the scenic Phillip Island. Along the way, travelers will stop at San Remo for a photo op at the bridge connecting the island to Victoria.
After free time in Cowes, the group heads to the Penguin Parade to observe the penguins returning to their nests after sunset.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, an experienced guide, and access to the general viewing platform.
At $72.86 per person, this Mandarin-guided tour offers excellent value, with a 4.1/5 rating based on 16 reviews.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
Tour Itinerary

The tour typically departs from a meeting point in Melbourne City, with the exact location adjusted seasonally and scheduled around 1:30 PM. The first stop is San Remo, where guests can enjoy a photo opportunity at the bridge connecting Phillip Island to Victoria. Next, the tour proceeds to Cowes, where travelers have free time to explore the town and grab dinner before heading to the main event – the Penguin Parade.
| Stop | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| San Remo | 30 minutes | Photo opportunity at the bridge |
| Cowes | 1-2 hours | Free time for dinner and exploration |
| Penguin Parade | 1-2 hours | Observe penguins returning to their nests |
The tour provides an air-conditioned coach with a professional driver and an experienced guide to ensure a seamless and informative experience.
Included Services

The tour package includes several essential services to enhance the experience for guests.
Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned coach with a professional driver, ensuring a comfortable journey. Experienced guides accompany the group throughout the tour, offering insights and guidance.
Guests will also receive a general viewing platform ticket for the penguin homing experience, granting them access to observe the world’s smallest fairy penguins returning to their nests after sunset.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour does provide hotel pickup and drop-off. Tips for the guide, approximately AUD $5 per person, are an additional cost to consider.
Cancellation Policy
Guests can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy provides travelers with peace of mind and the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.
The key points of the cancellation policy are:
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour departure.
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Full refund issued for any cancellations made within the 24-hour window.
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No fees or penalties for cancellations that meet the 24-hour requirement.
This liberal cancellation policy ensures that guests can book the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to receive a complete refund if their plans change.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyViewing Conditions

While the tour’s flexible cancellation policy provides guests with peace of mind, it’s essential to understand the varying viewing conditions for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
The number of penguins that return to their nests can fluctuate annually, and the designated viewing points may need to be adjusted based on daily environmental factors. Factors like weather, tide levels, and the penguins’ natural behaviors can impact the overall viewing experience.
As a result, the tour guide may need to adapt the viewing location to ensure the best possible sightings for guests. Ultimately, the Penguin Parade is a natural phenomenon, and visitors should be prepared for potential variations in the presentation, adding to the authentic and immersive nature of the experience.
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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour, with high ratings across key aspects of the experience.
The tour has scored an impressive 4.2/5 for transportation, a stellar 4.6/5 for value for money, and a perfect 5/5 for service.
Reviewers have praised the tour as suitable for a variety of traveler types, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families.
The tour’s strengths lie in its efficient transportation, exceptional value, and attentive guide service – all of which contribute to an unforgettable encounter with the iconic Phillip Island penguins.
Customers consistently recommend this tour as a must-do activity for visitors to Melbourne.
Transportation Details

The tour includes air-conditioned coach transportation with a professional driver, providing a comfortable and efficient way for visitors to travel to Phillip Island from the meeting point in Melbourne City.
The coach is equipped with air-conditioning, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of the weather conditions.
The experienced driver safely navigates the roads, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
This transportation service is an included part of the tour package, eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation.
With the coach handling the driving, travelers can focus on anticipating the highlight of the tour – the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
Traveler Suitability

This Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour caters to a variety of traveler types, making it suitable for couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families alike.
Whether visiting with a loved one, a group of friends, or traveling independently, the tour offers an engaging experience for all.
Some key factors that contribute to its versatility include:
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Flexible Scheduling: With a departure time around 1:30 PM, the tour allows ample time for visitors to explore the area before the main event – the Penguin Parade.
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Diverse Activities: Along With the iconic Penguin Parade, the tour includes a stop at the San Remo bridge and free time in Cowes, catering to various interests.
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Inclusive Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no restrictions for pregnant women, making it an approachable option for a wide range of participants.
Recap
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour from Melbourne offers an unforgettable wildlife experience for travelers.
With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and access to the penguin parade, this tour is a must-do activity highly rated by previous visitors.
The tour’s comprehensive itinerary, inclusive services, and flexible cancellation policy make it a convenient and accessible option for those seeking to witness the world’s smallest fairy penguins in their natural habitat.
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